Bible Study

Peter’s failure to stand with Jesus showed his human weakness. However, Peter’s life also shows us how to boldly trust in Jesus. 

Have the children read the verses aloud. Lead a discussion with the questions listed below.

1. Pick three children to read one verse each of Matthew 4:18–20:

¹⁸ One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. ¹⁹ Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow Me and I will show you how to fish for people!” ²⁰ And they left their nets at once and followed Him.

• When Jesus called Peter, did he hesitate or put it off for another day?
• What does that show you about Peter?
• What did Jesus mean by learning to fish for people?
• As followers of Jesus, how can we apply Peter’s response to our lives? Trust Jesus; obey immediately; follow Him and His example; hear Jesus, no matter where we are or what we are doing; be willing to learn new things.

2. Pick four children to read two verses each of Matthew 14:24–31:

²⁴ Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. ²⁵ About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. ²⁶ When the disciples saw Him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” ²⁷ But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” He said. “Take courage. I am here!” ²⁸ Then Peter called to Him, “Lord, if it’s really You, tell me to come to You, walking on the water.” ²⁹ “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. ³¹ Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” 

• Why were the disciples so afraid?
• What did Jesus tell the disciples?  
• What did Peter do to show his trust and faith in Jesus? He told Jesus to tell him to come to Him. He obeyed Jesus when He told him to come!
• Peter obeyed and actually walked on the water until what happened? He looked at the waves, not at Jesus.
• What example can we follow from Peter when we are in trouble or afraid? Call to Jesus! Pray for help, ask for help, keep eyes on Jesus.
• Do you think it is better to try and fail like Peter, or not to even attempt something like the other disciples; why? 

3. Pick five children to read one verse each of Matthew 16:13–17:

¹³ When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” ¹⁴ “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” ¹⁵ Then He asked them, “But who do you say I am?” ¹⁶ Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” ¹⁷ Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because My Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 

• Did Peter believe what other people said about Jesus?
• Who did Peter say Jesus is? The Messiah, the Son of the Living God.
• Who revealed this truth to Peter? He heard from God and believed the truth.
• What can we learn from Peter’s example here? Don’t depend on what other people say; read God’s Word; pray; and ask God to reveal the truth to you.

Conclusion: During the time Peter followed Jesus on Earth, his actions and words were a mixture of boldness and weakness. After Jesus rose from the dead and returned to heaven, Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit. By God’s power he declared the Gospel boldly to both Jews and Gentiles, who are not Jewish. By faith, Peter performed many miracles as he traveled from city to city. Peter was truly a changed man! He is a powerful example to show us how our weakness and failures can be transformed into strength as we trust in God and not ourselves.

Close in prayer: God, You have created us with a purpose. At different points in our lives, You will use us to accomplish tasks as part of Your master plan for us on Earth. Regardless of whether the task is big or small in our eyes, help us to always be willing to trust and do all that You purpose us to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.