Peter Says He Doesn't Know Jesus

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.