The Saviour knew the character of the men whom He had chosen; all their weaknesses and errors were open before Him; He knew the 292 perils through which they must pass, the responsibility that would rest upon them; and His heart yearned over these chosen ones. Alone upon a mountain near the Sea of Galilee He spent the entire night in prayer for them, while they were sleeping at the foot of the mountain. With the first light of dawn He summoned them to meet Him; for He had something of importance to communicate to them.

Frelseren kendte de mænds karakter, som han havde udvalgt. Alle deres svagheder og vildfarelser var for ham som en åben bog. Han vidste besked om de farer, de måtte igennem, og det ansvar, der ville komme til at hvile på dem, og hans hjerte blødte for disse udvalgtes skyld. Alene på et bjerg i nærheden af Genezaret sø tilbragte han hele natten i bøn for dem, medens de sov ved foden af bjerget. Ved det første daggry kaldte han dem til sig, fordi han havde noget meget vigtigt at meddele dem.