Lesson 2: The Ice-Fire Comfort Sweets

The Story of Impatient Peter

Bible Scripture Reference: John 18

Message

Impatient Peter.

Have you ever made a mistake and it led to a terrible outcome? Have you ever been afraid to face your mistakes and didn't know what to do?

Peter, due to his impulsive nature, left an impression of being hasty. As he followed Jesus, he gradually became a sort of "leader" among the disciples. He consistently provided the most accurate answers and was willing to take on challenges. It wasn't until the eve of Jesus's arrest that he made a solemn promise, declaring that he would be willing to die alongside Jesus if necessary.

However, Peter, who was typically full of self-assurance, found himself unable to remain composed when Jesus was questioned. He resorted to violence by drawing a sword and causing harm. Later, he hid in the courtyard and denied knowing Jesus three times. Just think about how much pain he must have felt. He was so self-assured, knowing who he was following, and deeply convinced that he was loved by Jesus. Yet, he encountered unforgettable setbacks and wounds: he betrayed the one he loved most, Jesus.

A second chance after regaining composure

If it were you, and you heard the news of Jesus's death, how would you feel? If given the chance, what would you most like to say to Jesus? Jesus had known about Peter's impulsive nature and his future betrayal, yet He still accepted and loved Peter. Do we, like Peter, sometimes act overconfidently and impulsively, taking action before our minds have fully processed, leading to saying the wrong things and making mistakes? Fortunately, our loving Lord is willing to accept us and provide us with the opportunity to apologize and clarify. May we learn to have the heart of Jesus Christ, consider how Jesus would act, so that even in the face of unexpected circumstances, we can remain calm and respond with composure.

Approach

• Read the Bible with students or refer to adapted Bible story content.
• Use worksheets to guide students in identifying the emotions of the events and characters in the story.
• Share insights and engage in discussions with students about the issues faced by the characters in the story and how they can bring about change.
• Conclude with a prayer.

Reference answers for worksheet questions and discussions.

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Worksheet

Bible Story - Peter

Story Adaptation from John 18

Have you ever said or done something in the heat of strong emotions, like anger or fear, that you later regretted? In the Bible, we can find a story about the disciple Peter who went through such an experience.

Just before Jesus was to be crucified, He told His disciples, "Tonight, all of you will desert me." Peter, feeling a deep love for Jesus, confidently declared, "Even if all the others desert you, I will never desert you." But Jesus replied to Peter, saying, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me."

That night, when Jesus went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas, who was about to betray Jesus, knew where He would be. He brought a large crowd of Roman soldiers to arrest Jesus. The disciples were terrified, and in a moment of fear and anger, Peter drew his sword and struck the high priest's servant, Malchus, cutting off his right ear. Jesus, however, stopped Peter and scolded him for not understanding the situation.

Afterward, Jesus was taken to see the high priest, and indeed, the disciples scattered, leaving only Peter and another disciple. Peter stood at the courtyard gate of Caiaphas's house. A servant girl who was keeping watch recognized him and said, "I know you; you were with Jesus." Nervously, Peter denied, "No, I don't know what you're talking about."

Because it was cold, Peter went to warm himself by the fire. Another servant girl, seeing his face in the firelight, told the people, "This man was with Jesus." Once again, Peter denied, saying, "I don't know Jesus at all!"

Then, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, recognized him and said, "You are one of them. I saw you with Jesus in the garden, and you're from Galilee." Peter denied for the third time, "I have no idea what you're saying!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. Peter then remembered what Jesus had told him: "Before the rooster crows at dawn, you will deny me three times." He went out and wept bitterly.

Questions and Discussion

1. Try to identify the emotions of the characters in the story and the outcomes. (You can refer to the emotions characteristics chart and list the possible emotions for each character)

   Event	Emotion(Reference answer)	What happened in the end?
   When the disciples saw Jesus being arrested…
   When Peter saw Jesus being arrested…
   Peter was recognized as one of Jesus' disciples
   Peter heard the rooster crow.

2. Have you ever reacted inappropriately due to intense anger or fear over something? How did you eventually resolve the situation?

Let's pray together

Heavenly Father,

When we encounter situations that make us lose our composure, leading to emotional outbursts, or when we feel dislike, fear, and uncertainty about how to face them, we can turn to Jesus in prayer. We can ask Him for help in learning to remain calm when facing such situations. We can imagine Jesus by our side, accompanying us, and even if we've already reacted inappropriately, it's okay. As long as we're willing to confront our mistakes, there's an opportunity to make the right choice once again.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.