Peter

Peter was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples and a leader in the early church. His first name was Simon, and Jesus also called him Peter, a name connected with a rock. Peter lived in Galilee when Judea and the surrounding lands were ruled by the Roman Empire, around AD 30. He worked as a fisherman with his brother Andrew. Jesus called them to leave their nets and follow him. Peter was brave, eager, and quick to speak. He sometimes understood who Jesus was, but he also made serious mistakes. His story shows how an ordinary person can be changed by knowing Jesus.

Peter’s story is told in the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. He saw Jesus calm storms, heal sick people, feed crowds, and raise the dead. He even stepped out of a boat and walked toward Jesus on the water, though fear soon made him sink, as told in Matthew 14. Peter declared that Jesus was the promised Messiah, yet he did not always understand Jesus’ mission. On the night Jesus was arrested, Peter followed at a distance. When people asked whether he knew Jesus, Peter denied it three times. Then a rooster crowed, and Peter realized what he had done. He wept bitterly. After rising from the dead, Jesus met Peter by the Sea of Galilee. In John 21, Jesus prepared breakfast and gave Peter three opportunities to affirm his love. Jesus forgave him and entrusted him with caring for his people.

Peter’s life reminds children that failure does not have to be the end of the story. We can tell Jesus the truth, receive forgiveness, and begin again. Peter learned to replace fear with faithful courage. In Acts 1 through 12, he helps lead the church after Jesus returns to heaven. At Pentecost in Jerusalem, Peter speaks about Jesus, and thousands believe. Later, in Joppa and Caesarea, God teaches Peter that the good news is for people of every nation, as described in Acts 10. Peter’s journey continued from fishing boats beside the Sea of Galilee to serving a growing family of believers. His story encourages children to trust Jesus, care for others, and keep following even after making mistakes.