So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man, you have no life in you.
Christ let them question Him freely, no small condescension. The wise teacher listens swiftly and turns even foolish questions toward what profits. These Galileans asking "What shall we do?" show a teachable mind, unlike the Judean critics who came only to cavil. He answers the sincere request, not the impertinent quibble.
AI summary
Commenting on John 6:28-59
Verses 53-55. In these verses Jesus repeats what he had in substance said before. Except ye eat the flesh, &c. He did not mean that this should be understood literally, for it was never done, and it is absurd to suppose that it was intended to be so understood.
Except ye eat the flesh . . . and drink the blood . . . no life, &c.--The harshest word He had yet uttered in their ears. They asked how it was possible to eat His flesh. He answers, with great solemnity, "It is indispensable." Yet even here a thoughtful hearer might find something to temper the harshness.