“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles.” – Luke 6:12-13
When we pause and consider the setting around this moment, the weight of what Jesus was doing becomes clear. At this point in His ministry, hundreds were following Him. From this growing group of disciples, He needed to choose twelve—twelve men who would represent the twelve tribes of Israel and become the foundation of the church. This was no small decision.
Because the choice carried such eternal significance, Jesus spent the entire night in prayer before selecting them. Eleven of these men were fitting choices—ordinary, imperfect, but ready to follow. Yet one selection stands out: Judas Iscariot. Jesus knew Judas would betray Him. He knew Judas would lead His enemies to Him. He knew the cross awaited. Could it be that Jesus prayed all night because choosing Judas was the hardest part of obeying the Father’s will? In His humanity, Jesus wrestled with the weight of obedience. Just as He prayed in Gethsemane, “If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me” (Matt. 26:39), He may have felt the tension of choosing the very man who would hand Him over. Yet He submitted fully to the Father’s plan—and through that obedience came salvation for all who believe.
Jesus shows us what it looks like to obey even when obedience is costly. He prayed until His heart aligned with the Father’s will. He chose what was difficult because it was right. He embraced God’s plan even when it meant pain. What an example for us.
Is God asking you to do something you don’t want to do? Are you wrestling with a decision, searching for another way, or trying to avoid what He’s clearly telling you? Before seeking advice from books, podcasts, or the internet, have you truly brought it to God in prayer? Have you asked Him what His will is? If not, will you do that today? And if He has already spoken—will you obey?
“Prayer is not a preparation for the work; it is the work.” – Andrew Murray
surrendered devotions 