Bible Story Lessons

My name is Simon Peter and I was down in the dumps again!  I'd let the Master down so badly.  So I said to the disciples, "I'm going fishing."  Well, we fished all night and caught nothing!   Just as I was about to throw the net over the side in disgust, a voice called out, "Friends, have you any fish?"  "No," I growled.   His cheerful voice came back, "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!  The others calmed me down and we then did as He said.  You should have seen it - I couldn't believe my eyes!  The fish seemed to jump 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 into the water!  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!  Well, 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.

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 - 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 from my eyes and a great weight lifted from my heart.  Later as 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!

Yes children, 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 ask Him to forgive you.  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.