Those who followed Jesus were called disciples, a term which means "learners". In fact that is what they were doing all the time they were with Him in a wide variety of circumstances. They were learning about Him in the way He dealt with the crowds, the way He spoke, the way He taught, the way He performed miracles and healings. They were with Him in crowded places or in the quieter rural areas of Galilee and its lake. They were with Him as the dangers at Jerusalem loomed and took shape in their experiences with Him at Gethsemane, and at scenes around the Cross at Calvary. At no stage was it easy to adjust to changing circumstances. We can see it in their struggle to accept His resurrection.
Indeed at one point Jesus's revolutionary teaching proved to be too much for them. The bible says "they went back and walked no more with Him. They withdrew. Jesus asked the others "Will you also go away"? St Peter replied "To whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life".
His reply pleased Jesus because it revealed that the disciples had learned and come to faith that Jesus was in truth "Messiah". In their day-to-day close companionship with Jesus, they were constantly lifting up their hearts and minds to Jesus and learning. Some might have foolishly thought the learning was over after the resurrection and Pentecost. Not so. Soon they were on their way to learn even more as is expressed in Walsham How's Ascensiontide hymn. Jesus said:
"I, if I be lifted up, will draw all people unto me".
"O my Saviour, lifted
From the earth for me,
Draw me, in thy mercy,
Nearer unto thee.
Lift my earth-bound longings,
Fix them, Lord, above;
Draw me with the magnet
Of thy mighty love.
Lord thine arms are stretching
Ever far and wide,
To enfold thy children
To thy loving side.
And I come, O Jesus,
Dare I turn away?
No, thy love hath conquered,
And I come today;
Bringing all my burdens,
Sorrow, sin and care,
At thy feet I lay them,
And I leave them there."