Yes a good point.
But doesn't Jesus talk in figurative words alongside of words that are not figurative?
Luke 9:60
New International Version
Jesus said to him, “
Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” 62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
Matthew 10:34
Berean Literal Bible
Do not think that I came to bring peace to the earth;
I came not to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to set at variance 'A man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law, 36
and the enemies of the man are his own household.' 37
The one loving father or mother above Me is not worthy of Me, and the one loving son or daughter above Me is not worthy of Me.