Bible references – Mark 14 and Luke 22 (see also the accounts in Matthew and John).
The following is a story idea for toddlers. Some of the details have been omitted as this age group would find all the details bewildering! As we are using Peter as our main character I have concentrated on two main parts that he played – getting the room ready and then his conversation with Jesus. His outburst about not letting Jesus wash his feet has been omitted. The concept of being clean as explained by Jesus is quite complicated for toddlers! The story is quite sad – so don’t overdo the sadness. Just tell it like it happened. The aim is to tell about Peter’s failure in order that we can then tell about Jesus’ love and forgiveness. Use some props for the story – puppets or knitted people, some pitta bread, a cushion and a picture of a rooster as children may not know what this is.
The story…
Do you remember that we are on our way to Easter with Peter? He is one of the friends of Jesus.
Jesus wanted to have a very special meal with his friends. He knew that this would be the last time that they would all be together before he died. But, some people wanted to hurt Jesus and so the meal had to be kept secret.
Jesus had an important job for two of his friends – John and Peter. ‘Go into the town and when you see a man carrying a water jar follow him into the house.Then ask if you can use the room upstairs.’ John and Peter did exactly what Jesus said and they got the room ready. There was a table for the food – some bread and wine to drink and some cushions to sit on.
Jesus and his friends sat down and had a meal together.
When they had finished they sang a song and then went outside for a walk. It was dark. The stars were twinkling in the sky.
Jesus wanted to talk to Peter. ‘You are going to let me down and say that you aren’t my friend’, he told him.
‘No!’ Peter said,’I will never do that!’
‘Peter you will tell people you don’t even know me before the rooster crows to show it’s morning time’
Would Peter do that just when Jesus needed his friends? We’ll have to wait and see!