Why should He have bothered with symbols? What does it achieve, to
pretend to eat Jesus body and blood? If it’s only a meaningless symbol, wouldn’t it be more sensible for Him to have commanded people to read the Bible and listen to preaching?

I didn’t know the Bible was around when Jesus was here on earth. I guess he didn’t command people to read the Bible because it was not in existance yet or do you know something the rest of us don’t
If He meant that in order to get the Bread of Life which is Himself, you have to believe in Him, then why did He confuse the issue by holding up actual bread and saying “This” (the bread) is my body." Instead of leaving the bread aside, and just pointing at Himself?