Hostility and fame are on the rise at the midway point of Jesus' earthly ministry. He begins to speak to the crowds in a puzzling mysterious form—parables. These earthly stories are filled with heavenly meaning that is revealed only to disciples. Jesus strengthens his confused and weary followers by giving them a deep understanding of the truth and nature of his Kingdom. He helps his disciples hear, see, and understand so that they—and we—might endure to the end.