Hello again and welcome back to Kid's Bible Stories. Today's story is called, A Rooster and a Second Chance. This comes from Luke chapter 22 verses 31 through 34, 54 through 62, and John chapter 21 verses 1 through 17. Today's episode is made possible thanks to the generosity of Julian, Sage, Tony, and their puppy Bear. She told me her son looks forward to every Wednesday for a new Bible story and they listen as a family. That really makes my day. Thank you for listening and for your support. If you would like to join them, or enjoy the weekly bonus content, go to KBSPodcast.com. Alright listeners, today's story has some big highs and lows and involves a man named Peter, who was one of Jesus's close friends. We just celebrated Easter, and Peter was there when it all happened. We're going to rewind and walk through Peter's experience from before Jesus died to after he rose again. I want you to pay attention and listen for how Peter changes. And remember this, no matter what we've done, when we come back to Jesus, he welcomes us with open arms. Let's begin our story here. The room was quiet, lit only by the soft glow of oil lamps. Shadows danced along the walls as the small group of friends gathered around Jesus. Their bellies were full from supper, but their hearts felt a little heavy. Something about tonight felt different. Maybe it was the way Jesus looked at them. Calm, but serious. Jesus turned to Peter and said, Simon, Simon. Jesus said, speaking Peter's other name, Behold, Satan has demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers. Peter said to him, Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death. But Jesus said, Peter, before the rooster crows tonight, you will say you don't know me. You'll say this three times. The fire crackled. The friends looked at each other, unsure of what was coming next. But Jesus knew. And still, he loved them deeply. See, Jesus is warning them. He's explaining that Satan is seeking to shake them all, test them as farmers do to wheat. But what does Jesus say he will do to protect them? Answer out loud. Pray for them. Yes. Okay, let's continue and see what happens next. Peter had just come from the garden. Psst, listeners. That's the Garden of Gethsemane that we just heard about on the Easter episodes. He had been with Jesus among the quiet olive trees, where everything had started to go wrong. Or at least that's what they thought. Soldiers came with torches and swords. Peter watched as Judas gave the signal, showing who Jesus was. And suddenly, the soldiers arrested Jesus. The friends who said they would stay close had scattered into the night, their sandals slapping against the dirt path as they ran. But Peter didn't run far. Now, he was following behind at a distance. He didn't want to be seen, but he couldn't just leave Jesus either. His heart pounded with every step. The guards led Jesus to the High Priest's house, where important men would decide what to do with him. Outside in the courtyard, people had lit a fire. It crackled in the cold night air, and a few folks huddled around it, rubbing their hands for warmth. Peter quietly sat near them, trying to blend in. The flames flickered, lighting up his face just enough for someone to recognize him. A servant girl tilted her head, squinting in the firelight. Hey, I've seen him before. He was with Jesus. Peter's eyes grew wide. He looked around. What would happen if they knew? Peter shook his head. I don't know him. Peter looked down at the ground, hoping she would just drop it. But a little while later, someone else looked at him closely. You're one of them, aren't you? No, I'm not. Peter firmly replied. Time passed. The fire popped, and voices mumbled around him. Peter's hands were still cold. But now, it wasn't from the air. It was fear creeping in. About an hour later, someone else spoke up, looking directly at Peter. I know for sure this man was with Jesus. Why, you can tell. He's from Galilee. Man, I don't know what you're talking about. And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. The sound broke through the night air. Loud, clear, awful. Peter's heart sank. He froze. He remembered. Jesus had said it would happen. And across the courtyard, Jesus turned and looked at him. Peter met his eyes. Not angry, not surprised. Just knowing. Peter stood up quickly. He couldn't stay there. He ran out through the gate, tears streaming down his face. He wept. He told Jesus he would never leave him. He said he would die for him. But now, he had said three times that he didn't even know him. And the rooster had crowed. Well, after this, Jesus went to the cross, died, and was buried. But on the third day, tell me what happened. He rose. Excellent. Let's see what happens with Peter after this as we continue. It had been days since Jesus died on the cross. Peter had seen it all. The sky had turned dark. The earth had shaken. And Peter remembered the rooster. The denial. The tears. His heart felt heavy with sadness. But then, oh, something amazing happened. Jesus didn't stay in the tomb. He rose. He really did what he said he would do. He had risen from the dead. And Peter saw him alive. He touched his hands. He even saw the scars. It was all real. Jesus was alive. One morning, Peter and some of the other disciples were out fishing on the sea. They had fished all night and caught nothing. Then, a man standing on the shore called out to them. Throw your net on the other side of the boat. So they did. And suddenly, the net was full of fish. So many, they could barely pull it in. John looked at Peter and said, It's the Lord! Peter's heart leapt. It was Jesus. Without waiting another second, Peter jumped into the water and swam to shore. When Peter got to the beach, there was a warm fire waiting. And breakfast. Fish and bread. Jesus had made it for them. After they ate, Jesus turned to Peter. There were no crowds. Just the sound of the sea. The fire crackling and the gentle voice of Jesus. Peter, do you love me more than these? Peter looked down, then back up. Yes, Lord. You know that I love you. Then feed my lambs. A moment passed. Then Jesus asked again, Peter, do you love me? Yes, Lord. You know that I love you. Then take care of my sheep. Then a third time. Peter, do you love me? Peter's eyes filled with tears. Jesus had asked him three times. Just like Peter had said three times, that he didn't know him. Now, Jesus was getting Peter the chance to say three times that he loved him. Peter didn't hold back. Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you. Jesus smiled. Then feed my sheep. Well, that is it for our story today. But before we go, let's think about what we just heard. How many times did Peter say he didn't know Jesus? Three. Yes. And after Jesus had risen, how many times did he ask Peter if he loved him? Three. Yes, good job. Jesus forgave Peter. He didn't say, oh, you messed up. Go away. No. He said, I still want you. I still love you. And we'll use you to go out and spread the good news about me to others. Peter had messed up. But Jesus gave him a new start. Peter was different after that. Before Jesus died and rose again, did Peter run away? Yes, he ran away. Yes. Remember he did and he kind of followed at a distance, trying to see what was going to happen. But after Peter saw Jesus alive, everything changed. Peter became bold and brave. So brave that later in his life, he even died for his faith in Jesus. If you ever think that you made too big of a mistake, I hope that you remember Peter. No matter how far we've run, Jesus, he still loves us. When we ask him to forgive us, guess what? He does. He gives us, and just like Peter, he welcomes us back and gives us a fresh start. Well, that is it for today's story. Thanks to today's special voice guest, Andrew Crahoulos, who played the voice of Peter. He's a great dad of three little kids and a really talented musician. You can experience the richness of his music on Spotify when you search Brother K or Hearth Hymns. I'll link this in the show notes for you too. Thank you again so much for listening today. And as always, bye for now.
