Peter the Rock

Today we're going to learn about Peter the Rock, one of Jesus's most important apostles! Peter's real name was Simon, and he was a fisherman who worked on the Sea of Galilee with his brother Andrew. One day, Jesus called to Simon and said, 'Follow me, and I will make you a fisher of men!' Simon left his nets right away and followed Jesus. Can anyone tell me what it means to be a 'fisher of men'? That's right - it means helping people come to know Jesus! Simon loved Jesus very much, but sometimes he made mistakes. Once, he even said he didn't know Jesus when Jesus was arrested because he was scared. But Jesus knew Simon's heart was good and strong. After Jesus rose from the dead, He forgave Simon and gave him a very special job. Jesus said to him, 'Simon, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.' The name Peter means 'rock' because Jesus knew Peter would be strong and steady in leading the early Christians. What do you think makes someone strong like a rock? Jesus made Peter the leader of all the apostles, and Peter became the first Pope! In our Maronite tradition, we remember that Peter was so brave that he traveled far and wide, even to Antioch, which is very important to us Maronites. Peter taught people about Jesus and helped start many churches. Even though Peter made mistakes, Jesus loved him and trusted him with big responsibilities. This teaches us that God can use anyone who loves Him, even when we make mistakes. We can all be strong like rocks in our faith, just like Peter!