I would have to disagree and say that I see this as compromise and an addition of exceptions to the concept of no favoritism.
Likewise, if someone wished to be part of your inner circle, you should not drive them away due to favoritism. We see this in Jesus’ example of allowing Judas to be present, even though Judas would ultimately betray him, which Jesus knew from the beginning of his ministry.
Matthew 10:1-4 – Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
I don’t think they meshed at all, yet Jesus permitted him and spent 3 intimate years with Judas. Judas was even given the power to cast out demons and heal the sick. Jesus truly was partial to none! So much so, even the disciples didn’t know Judas was going to betray Jesus when the Lord said “go, and do what you must’. They thought he was going to give money to the poor. I don’t think Jesus treated Judas any differently than others. He included Judas and showed no favoritism even though the scriptures state:
John 6:64 – Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him.
John 13:11 – For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was
