Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles (Luke 6:12-16)
Choosing the Twelve Apostles (Luke 6:12-16)
In a pivotal moment in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus selects the twelve apostles from among his followers. This decision is more than a mere selection of disciples—it’s a moment of divine purpose, a moment where Jesus begins to solidify his leadership team. The twelve men he chooses will play a significant role in carrying out his mission and spreading his message.
The way Jesus chooses them offers us insight into his character and his approach to leadership.
Verse by Verse Breakdown of Choosing the Twelve Apostles
Luke 6:12 – Jesus Prays Before the Decision
“Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God.”
Before making the decision that would shape the future of his ministry, Jesus spends the entire night in prayer. This is a moment of quiet devotion, a time of seeking the will of God. Jesus’ commitment to prayer shows us how seriously he takes his decisions, particularly those that will have lasting impact. Even though he is the Son of God, he chooses to spend time in communion with the Father before making such a significant choice. It’s a reminder to us that we too should seek God’s guidance before making decisions, especially those that affect others.
Times Jesus Prayed in the Gospels
Before Choosing the Twelve Apostles (Luke 6:12-13)
Before His Baptism (Luke 3:21-22)
During His Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-29)
The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4)
Before Raising Lazarus from the Dead (John 11:41-42)
In Gethsemane (Before His Arrest) (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46)
During His Crucifixion (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34; Luke 23:34-36))
Thanksgiving for Revealing Truth to the Disciples (Matthew 11:25-27; Luke 10:21-22)
Before Feeding the Five Thousand (John 6:11)
Before Peter’s Confession of Faith (Matthew 16:13-17; Mark 8:27-29; Luke 9:18-20)
Before His Death and Resurrection (John’s High Priestly Prayer) (John 17:1-26)
Before the Last Supper (John 17:1-26)
Luke 6:13 – Jesus Calls the Twelve
“And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles.”
At dawn, after spending the night in prayer, Jesus calls his disciples and selects twelve to be his apostles. The word “apostle” means “one who is sent,” and here, Jesus is not just choosing followers but individuals who will be sent out to continue his work. This is a purposeful act: Jesus knows the weight of the task ahead and selects those who will play a pivotal role in spreading the gospel. There’s no randomness in this selection—each one is chosen with intention, and each one is called to a mission that will change the world. We are chosen on purpose for a purpose.
Luke 6:14-16 – The Names of the Apostles
“Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew; and James and his brother John; and Philip and Bartholomew; and Matthew and Thomas; James son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot; and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.”
Jesus’ selection of these twelve men is both profound and significant. The list includes fishermen like Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, tax collectors like Matthew, and other men from various walks of life. We see a diverse group—some with zeal for the law, others more pragmatic—but all are chosen by Jesus.
What stands out here is the inclusion of Judas Iscariot, who would later betray Jesus. Jesus, knowing this, still calls him to be part of the mission. This reveals the depth of Jesus’ love and his willingness to give people the chance to change, even when he knows their failures will come.
Luke 6:12-16: Commentary and Meaning for Today
Jesus’ selection of the twelve apostles carries lessons for us today in leadership and community. First, it’s clear that Jesus does not pick people based on status, wealth, or perceived worth. He chooses ordinary individuals, with their strengths and weaknesses, to carry out extraordinary work. It’s a reminder that God does not look for perfection but for willing hearts. Each apostle had flaws, yet they were chosen for a purpose greater than themselves.
Moreover, the act of prayer before decision-making sets a powerful example. Jesus, fully aware of what lay ahead, doesn’t rush into his choices. He seeks God’s will first. This shows us that before making big decisions, we should seek divine guidance through prayer, trusting that God will direct us to the right path.
Finally, Jesus’ inclusion of Judas Iscariot serves as a reminder that God’s grace is extended even to those who may later falter. While Judas’ eventual betrayal is a tragic part of the story, Jesus still gives him the opportunity to follow, to learn, and to be part of the mission. This challenges us to extend grace to others, even when we know they may make mistakes or hurt us. We are called to lead with love, patience, and the hope that God can bring about change in anyone.
Conclusion
In Luke 6:12-16, Jesus models how to make decisions in alignment with God’s will, how to choose leaders with purpose, and how to extend grace even when we know the road ahead will be difficult. The twelve apostles were far from perfect, but they were chosen to carry the message of hope and redemption to the world. Just as Jesus prayed before making this crucial decision, we too are called to seek God’s guidance in all things—knowing that God works through imperfect people for a perfect purpose.
