Bible Story Lessons

My name is Simon Peter and I was down in the dumps again!  I'd let the Master down so badly, and He had been my Best Friend!  So I said to the other disciples, "I'm going fishing," and they said, "We're going too!"

We fished all night and caught nothing!  Just as I was about to throw away the net in disgust, a voice called, "Friends, have you any fish?"  "No," I growled.  His cheerful voice came again, "Throw your net over on the right side of the boat and you will find some."  Now, I'll have you know that I'm a professional fisherman and for a moment I saw red!  Would you have obeyed? (Let the children respond).

The others calmed me down and then we did as He said.  I couldn't believe my eyes!  You should have seen it!  The fish seemed to jump right into our net.  We couldn't haul the net in because of the huge number of fish!  Just then John cried, "It is the Lord!"

"Jesus is alive!" I thought and jumped right over the side of the boat into the water!  And then I swam to shore as fast as I could, leaving the others to tow in the heavy net.  As I stood there dripping wet, I saw a fire burning with fish roasting on it.  All of a sudden I was so ashamed!

Jesus asked us to bring some of the fish we had caught, and I was glad to do something.  When He called us to breakfast, I felt so embarrassed when Jesus gave me some bread and fish.  And I was the one who had denied Him!

After we had finished eating, Jesus asked me, "Simon, do you love me more than these?"  Twice I told Him that He knew that I was fond of Him, and He answered, "Feed my lambs."  When He asked the third time, "Simon, do you love me?"  It was too much and I felt all choked up inside.  At last I stammered, "Lord, You know all things - You know that I love You."

Jesus looked at me - full of love and compassion.  All of a sudden I knew that He had forgiven me for denying Him three times!  Tears rolled down my cheeks and a great weight lifted from my heart.

Later Jesus left us and we walked home.  I burst into song much to the amusement of the others.  But, I didn’t care, I was so happy!   I was forgiven!

Have you done something you know is wrong, and now you too need Jesus to forgive you?  (Let the children respond).

Yes, Jesus also loves each one of you very dearly.  He knows that you can be naughty, disobedient and cheeky.  But, He is willing to forgive you if you say sorry for what you have done.

And then like Simon Peter, you will feel good inside knowing that Jesus has forgiven you, and still loves you just the same!

God bless.