Peter Denies Jesus
While Jesus is on trial, Peter denies knowing Him three times, just as Jesus predicted. When the rooster crows, Peter remembers and weeps bitterly.
Luke 22:54-62, Matthew 26:69-75
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The Story
Then seizing Jesus, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them.
A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, 'This man was with him.'
But Peter denied it. 'Woman, I don't know him,' he said.
A little later someone else saw him and said, 'You also are one of them.'
'Man, I am not!' Peter replied.
About an hour later another asserted, 'Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.'
Peter replied, 'Man, I don't know what you're talking about!'
Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: 'Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.'
And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Peter, who had sworn he would die for Jesus, had denied even knowing Him. Yet this was not the end of Peter's story. The risen Christ would restore him, asking three times, 'Do you love me?' and commissioning him to feed His sheep.
Peter Says He Doesn't Know Jesus
Kids Version
Earlier that night, Peter had said, 'Jesus, I'll NEVER leave You! I'd even DIE for You!'
Jesus looked at Peter sadly. 'Peter, before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you'll say three times that you don't even know Me.'
'No way!' Peter said. 'NEVER!'
But now Jesus was arrested. Soldiers took Him to the high priest's house. Peter followed, but he stayed far back. He was scared.
Peter sat by a fire in the courtyard, trying to blend in.
A servant girl stared at him. 'Hey! You were with Jesus!'
Peter's heart pounded. 'No I wasn't! I don't know Him!'
Later, someone else said, 'You're one of His followers!'
'No I'm NOT!' Peter said.
About an hour passed. Then another person said, 'You MUST be with Jesus! I can tell by your accent!'
Peter got really upset. 'I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT!'
Right then—COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO! A rooster crowed.
Jesus turned and looked right at Peter.
Suddenly Peter remembered Jesus' words. 'Before the rooster crows, you'll deny Me three times.'
Three times. Peter had done it. He had said he didn't know Jesus—THREE TIMES.
Peter ran outside and cried and cried. He felt SO bad!
But this isn't the end of Peter's story. After Jesus rose from the dead, He forgave Peter and gave him an important job. Jesus knew Peter would fail, but He loved him anyway.
Jesus loves us even when we mess up too.
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Scripture — Luke 22:54-62 (KJV)
54Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
55And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.
56But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
57And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
58And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
59And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
60And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
61And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
62And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
Memory Verse
“Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.”
— Luke 22:54 (KJV)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of “Peter Denies Jesus” in the Bible?
While Jesus is on trial, Peter denies knowing Him three times, just as Jesus predicted. When the rooster crows, Peter remembers and weeps bitterly. This story is found in Luke 22:54-62, Matthew 26:69-75.
Where is “Peter Denies Jesus” found in the Bible?
“Peter Denies Jesus” is found in Luke 22:54-62, Matthew 26:69-75, in the book of Luke.
What can children learn from “Peter Denies Jesus”?
This story teaches children about Human weakness, Fear, Repentance, Jesus knows us. Peter promised he would never leave Jesus. But when Jesus was arrested, Peter got scared. Three times he said, 'I don't know Him!' Then he cried and cried.