CHILDREN'S LESSON 18

Summary

This story highlights a transformative moment between Jesus and Simon Peter after the resurrection. Despite Peter’s earlier denial, Jesus offers forgiveness and restoration by asking him three times if he loves Him. Each affirmation is met with a commission to shepherd His followers. Jesus also hints at the suffering Peter will face in the future, underscoring the call to discipleship, which involves sacrifice and unwavering devotion. The narrative conveys themes of forgiveness, responsibility, and the ongoing mission of faith, illustrating Jesus' grace and the depth of His relationship with His disciples.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jesus and Simon Peter had a close friendship, with Peter even promising to stay faithful to Jesus.
• 😀 When Jesus was arrested, Peter denied knowing Him three times due to fear.
• 😀 Peter likely felt heartbroken for denying his best friend, Jesus.
• 😀 Despite Peter's denial, Jesus did not get angry with him but instead showed love and compassion.
• 😀 After Jesus' resurrection, He met Peter and asked him three times if he loved Him.
• 😀 Each time Peter affirmed his love, Jesus gave him an important task: 'Feed my sheep,' symbolizing care for all believers.
• 😀 Jesus entrusted Peter with the responsibility to guide and protect the people who follow Him.
• 😀 Jesus prophesied that in the future, Peter would face challenges and ultimately sacrifice his life for His sake.
• 😀 Jesus spoke with Peter about the time when Peter would grow old and need help from others.
• 😀 In the final part of their conversation, Jesus gently urged Peter to follow Him, reaffirming their relationship and mission.

Q & A

Why did Peter deny Jesus three times?

Peter denied Jesus three times out of fear after Jesus was arrested. Despite being close to Jesus and having promised loyalty, Peter was scared and responded to people who accused him of being a follower of Jesus.

How did Jesus respond to Peter’s denial?

Jesus did not get angry with Peter for denying him. Instead, He showed forgiveness and love, asking Peter three times whether he loved Him, symbolizing restoration and reaffirming their relationship.

What is the significance of Jesus asking Peter three times if he loved Him?

Jesus' three questions reflected a restoration of the three times Peter had previously denied Him. It allowed Peter to reaffirm his love and commitment, healing the pain from his earlier betrayal.

What important task did Jesus give to Peter after affirming his love?

Jesus entrusted Peter with the responsibility of caring for His followers, saying, 'Feed my lambs' and 'Take care of my sheep,' symbolizing Peter’s role as a leader in the early Christian church.

What did Jesus predict about Peter’s future?

Jesus predicted that Peter would face suffering and eventual death for His sake. He mentioned that as Peter grows older, others would lead him to places he wouldn’t want to go, implying martyrdom.

What is the meaning behind Jesus saying, 'Follow me' to Peter?

By saying 'Follow me,' Jesus was calling Peter to commit fully to His mission, regardless of the sacrifices that would come. It was an invitation to live a life dedicated to the teachings of Jesus, even at great personal cost.

How did Peter respond to Jesus’ questioning about his love?

Peter responded sincerely each time, assuring Jesus that he truly loved Him. However, on the third question, Peter felt saddened, but he still answered truthfully, acknowledging that Jesus knew his heart.

What role did Peter play in the early church after Jesus' resurrection?

After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter was entrusted with a leadership role in the early church, tasked with guiding and nurturing the believers. He became a key figure in spreading Jesus' teachings and managing the Christian community.

What lesson can be drawn from Peter’s interaction with Jesus after his denial?

The interaction shows that Jesus offers forgiveness and restoration, even after betrayal. It highlights the power of repentance, love, and the opportunity for renewal in one's relationship with God.

Why is the story of Peter's denial and restoration significant in Christian teachings?

It illustrates the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the possibility of restoration after failure. Peter’s journey reflects the mercy of Jesus, showing that even when people fall short, they can be forgiven and entrusted with important responsibilities.