33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything. Mark 4:33-34

The disciples had a let up, so to speak, on the common people. Well, they had many advantages because they got to walk and talk with the Creator of the Universe for three years. But they were special in that Jesus broke the parables down for them, especially if they weren’t understanding. I’m sure He went even further than Scripture records in explaining the stories. If they needed use cases or what ifs answered, He would have one or twenty ready.

This premium teaching came at a great cost. They didn’t know it but in a few years their lives would be turned completely upside down. They would be mocked, ridiculed, and tormented for their faith. These people would go down a very similar route Jesus walked down, but they didn’t know it yet.

He was preparing them for their road ahead. Yes, they had the awe-inspiring privilege of eating and laughing with Jesus, soaking in all his teaching, questioning Him, joking with Him. Their love for Him would be tested many time throughout the rest of their lives.

But in the end, they would build a church that the gates of Hell could not stand up against.

We, too, have the privilege of walking with Jesus every day. Whether we do or not is up to us. He only asks that we lay down our lives daily and follow Him.