The disciples may have been shocked to learn that the Parable of the Sower was primarily intended for them (Matthew 13:11).  Unlike the crowds, the trainee apostles wanted to know what God had to say to them as they were being equipped to lead the Early Church.  Jesus reminded them that people like Abraham, Moses and David longed to see the person who would fulfil God's promise (John 8:56).  They believed that He would come but never had the joy of seeing Him. They were commended for their faith and, although the delay was so long, they were waiting for the church to be completed, including them, when Jesus returns (Hebrews 11:39-40).
 
If they had been present when Jesus was alive, how great their joy would have been - like Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25-38).  By contrast, the disciples seemed to almost be taken by surprise each time Jesus ministered in public. They had been taught to expect the Messiah but somehow, with Him in the middle of their group, they could hardly believe what they were seeing (Luke 12:28; John 7:5).  Yet, they were seeing the fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecies.
 
Seeing, and hearing, carries a responsibility.  The disciples had to decide the meaning of what they saw and heard.  Who was Jesus?  Eventually, Peter exclaimed that Jesus was, “the Son of the Living God” (Matthew 16:16).  Jesus told Him that his conclusion was not a deduction from human reasoning: it was God-inspired (Matthew 16:17).
 
Many people think that if they had seen Jesus they would have believed in Him.  Not necessarily: most of the crowd of five thousand, who ate the bread and fish, were demanding His execution at the end.  But those who did believe were ready, at the right time; mending nets, at the tax office, listening to a brother or a friend when Jesus came along.  We may not realise the daily appointments God is making for us, to help people to see Jesus and respond to Him.  But He is getting people in the right place at the right time so that they can respond and be blessed.