At the start of Jesus’ ministry large numbers of people had started following Jesus, even to the extent that He had to leave Judea to avoid the large crowds. With the advent of the miracle of the feeding of the 5000, the multitude would have made Him king and placed their allegiance under His direction. But then Jesus had more fully revealed Who He was and what He stood for and they did not like it. The multitude went away disappointed; then many of His disciples deserted Him; and now for the big test: what would the twelve disciples in His innermost circle, the ones He had chosen Himself, now do?

Jesus laid down the challenge with the opportunity for them to leave, but the question was worded so as to expect a negative answer. Jesus was confidently looking for these men to be loyal to Him.

It is good to note that God always gives us a choice.

Joshua 24:15  But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”