John 21:1-21
This week the kids heard how Jesus forgave and restored Peter. At the beginning of the story, we find Peter back on a boat at sea, fishing all night with nothing to show for it. But Jesus shows up, performs a miracle (they caught more fish than they could hold in the nets!) and makes him breakfast. Then they go on a walk together and Jesus asks Peter numerous times if he loves him.
Peter had not long ago betrayed Jesus, and probably felt pretty guilty still. But when He sees Jesus standing on the shore, and hears Him call out "Friends!" – Peter is so happy he jumps right out of the boat and swims to Jesus.
Jesus not only forgives Peter, and makes his friend breakfast, but then takes him on a walk and continues to challenge him. He tells Peter he wants him to follow Him, no matter what. And to take care of His people.
This is what Jesus has done for us, too. He knows we will mess up, and betray Him and fail Him, and yet He still calls us 'friend'. He not only forgives us but he also gives us a mission. He tells each of us, His followers, to take care of others the way He takes care of us. To love one another, and to follow Him always, no matter what.
We can like Peter, follow Jesus, and love of others just as Jesus has loved us. Jesus is a friend to sinners like us.
Family Activity
Talk about a time you felt so guilty you wanted to run away, or keep it hidden. Peter probably felt sad and guilty that he had betrayed Jesus. Talk about how Jesus called Peter 'friend' even after he had betrayed him, and how good it is that Jesus calls us 'friend' too, even though he knows we will mess up and let him down. Talk about how we can run to Jesus just like Peter did, even when we feel guilty, because we know Jesus loves us no matter how bad we feel.
Do: Go for a walk around the lake. Count the number of fish you can see. Jesus said to Peter that He would make him a 'fisher of men'. Even after Peter messed up and let Him down, Jesus still used him to share His love with others. After you have counted all the fish you see, write that number down. Think of that many people you know who don't follow Jesus, and consider ways you can take care of them and show them Jesus' love. Commit this week to praying for these people as a family, that they would know Jesus' love and follow Him.
Have a great week! See you Sunday.
