Jesus and Peter

Today we're going to learn about Jesus and Peter during the most important time in our faith - the Pascha, when Jesus died and rose again for us. Peter was one of Jesus's closest friends, one of His apostles. But during Jesus's most difficult time, something sad happened. When soldiers came to arrest Jesus, Peter got scared. Three times that night, people asked Peter if he knew Jesus. And three times, Peter said 'No, I don't know Him.' Peter was so afraid that he denied knowing his best friend! Can anyone tell me how Peter must have felt when he realized what he had done? That's right - he felt very sad and sorry. Peter cried because he had let Jesus down. But here's the beautiful part of our story! After Jesus rose from the dead on Pascha morning, He didn't stay angry with Peter. Instead, Jesus found Peter by the sea. Three times - the same number Peter had denied Him - Jesus asked Peter, 'Do you love me?' And each time Peter said, 'Yes, Lord, you know I love you.' Jesus forgave Peter completely! He even made Peter the leader of the early Church. In our Maronite tradition, we remember that Peter became the first Pope in Rome. What does this teach us about Jesus's love? Even when we make mistakes or feel scared, Jesus always forgives us when we're truly sorry. During this Pascha season, we remember that Jesus's love is stronger than our mistakes. Just like He forgave Peter, He forgives us too when we ask with a sincere heart.