God is Faithful

There's probably a better word to use here, especially in light of already having looked at God's unchangeable nature. But I wanted to talk about how when we belong to Him, He doesn't give up on us. The story we used is that of Peter's denial:

Jesus and his desciples have finished their last meal together and are out walking together.	Several boys walk together, Jesus in white vest.
Jesus says: Now, I know that I am about to suffer, and I also know that you are all going to run away and leave me.
They all say, no we won't!	all gesture No, No!
Jesus says, you say that, but I know you will, because the Bible predicts it.
One disciple, Peter, says, now maybe these others will, but I? No matter what, even if I have to die, I will never leave you.	Peter looks proud; pushes away others, stands close to Jesus
Jesus says, that is what you say, but something else I know is that this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times. Peter says, no way! Never!
Jesus is feeling very troubled. He wants to pray, so he asks three of His closest disciples to pray for Him as He goes a little way off to pray privately.	chooses 3 boys, they all sit on stools. Jesus goes a little way off and kneels
As Jesus continues praying, his disciples fall asleep.	3 boys hold heads in hands, snore
When He finishes, He finds them sleeping. He tells them to get up, because the people are coming to arrest Him.	Jesus has boys stand up
A crowd comes, armed with swords, and asks, which one of you is Jesus? Jesus identifies Himself, so they arrest Him, and everyone else runs away—including Peter.	Several come with swords Jesus raises his hand in answer, they grab him; everyone else goes & sits down. Jesus taken to corner of room, guarded by boy(s) w/swords
A little later, Peter & John really want to find out what happened to Jesus, so they go to where He was taken. The woman guarding the gate asked why they wanted to come in. John said, because my friend Jesus is inside. Peter follows him in, and the woman asks him, are you Jesus' friend too? Peter answers, not I!	Girl stands by line of stools. Lets them in; stops Peter
It was cold that night, so some people had started a fire. Peter joined them, warming himself. Someone asked him, didn't I see you just a while ago, with Jesus at the garden? Peter answers, no, couldn't have been I, you must be mistaken. But then someone else says, but your accent is from the north like His. Even if you weren't there, you must be one of his disciples. Peter denies it furiously.	some people stand by "fire" on stool Peter stands with them, warming hands. & etc. throws a tantrum after being asked twice if he belongs to Jesus.
Just then: a rooster crows! Peter remembers what Jesus says and feels awful.	(ask kids: how does a rooster sound?)
We know that that night Jesus was sentenced to death and died on the cross the next day. His disciples went into hiding for fear they would be next	Several boys sit together.
After just a couple of days, though, a woman comes in and says, I've just been to Jesus' tomb and He is gone! Can He have risen?	girl comes in, shakes boys by shoulders
Peter & John to & look. John believes, but Peter isn't sure.	Peter & John look in storeroom
Peter is miserable. Whether Jesus is dead or alive, stolen or risen, he, Peter, is still not qualified even to be His friend anymore, let alone his disciple!	They both go back & sit with others
But that night, Jesus came to them in person. Everyone is thrilled—except Peter. Jesus goes over to him and hugs him. Peter protests that he is not worthy, that Jesus ought to hate him. But Jesus says, of course I don't hate you. Look at me—I have overcome death! Your weakness can't hurt me. If you still want to be my disciple, that is enough. Do you? Peter says, yes, yes!	Everybody jumps up & down, high-fives Jesus. Jesus goes to Peter who has stayed sitting. Pulls him up, hugs him. Asks him, seungmseung… They high-five

Game: Tic-tac-toe—three denials vs. three affirmations

Craft: Roosters

Bible study: Numbers 23:19-20