Following Jesus · Part 30 of 40 · 2 min
Peter Says He Does Not Know Jesus
After Jesus was arrested, Peter followed at a distance. He entered the courtyard where people were waiting near a fire.
The fire crackled in the courtyard.
A servant girl looked at Peter and said that he had been with Jesus. Peter denied it.
Later another person recognized him. Again Peter said he was not one of Jesus' followers.
After more time had passed, someone else insisted that Peter had been with him. Peter denied knowing Jesus a third time.
Then a rooster crowed.
Jesus turned and looked at Peter. Peter remembered that Jesus had warned him this would happen before the rooster crowed.
He had thought he was stronger than everyone else. Now he saw how fear had led him to say something untrue.
Peter went outside and cried bitterly. He was deeply sorry.
His mistake was serious, but it was not the end of his story. Jesus still loved him and would later give him a new chance to serve.
We may make a promise and then fail to keep it. We can admit the truth, ask forgiveness, and seek help to change.
Jesus' love gives us hope to begin again.
Retelling of Luke 22:54–62.
Supporting reading: The Desire of Ages, chapter 75. Open the book
Talk about it together
- Honesty
- Repentance
A verse to remember
“forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32 · excerptNKJV
- What sound reminded Peter of Jesus’ warning to him?
- How might Peter have felt when he realized he had said something untrue?
- Who can help us tell the truth after we make a mistake?
Activity · 2–5 minutes
Say It Again Truthfully
A grown-up presents this situation: “You said you had put the toys away, but they are still on the floor.” Practice saying, “I didn’t tell the truth. I haven’t put them away yet. I’m going to do it now.” The grown-up listens calmly and helps if needed. Remember that after making a mistake, we can admit it and begin acting differently.
Try it today: We can admit a lie, ask forgiveness, and seek help to change.
More stories with these values
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