Mark 4:33

And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it; and without a parable spake he not unto them: but privately to his own disciples he expounded all things.

See under Mark 4:2 for reasons why Jesus spoke in parables. As Sanner noted, "If he had spoken to the crowds in a direct way, he would have forced them to make a final decision at once, a decision of unbelief and rejection."[40]

This glimpse of the deep interest of the disciples who waited until the multitudes departed and then received privately from Jesus a more explicit elaboration of all the wonderful truths he was revealing is very significant. Again, from Sanner:

In neglecting exposition of the Scriptures, men have not improved upon the method of Jesus. It is still true that men's hearts will burn within them when someone opens to them the Scriptures (Luke 24:32).[41]

[40] Elwood Sanner, Beacon Bible Commentary (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press, 1964), p. 305.

[41] Ibid.