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Many teachers have found the reflective style of storytelling that has been developed within Godly Play to be a very helpful and effective way of opening up the Bible with children. For similar stories told in this style see Bible Storybags.
Peter's up and down journey of faith has endeared itself to many Christians who read his story in the Gospels and Acts. He seems to have been like so many people - making mistakes, rash promises and bold gestures but alongside these, tiny but genuine steps of real growth in understanding as a disciple of Jesus. Jesus recognised from the very start that he was someone who could be 'a rock' and of course Jesus never gave up on him, despite many a stumble and even that awful moment of denial. No wonder his story is such an encouragement to Christians today.
The following presentation tries to bring together the big picture of that whole story, with space for the children to allow it to speak to them about what it might be saying to them.
For this presentation you will need the following items, choosing or making 3-D objects that are both simple and attractive:
Take time with this Bible story. Gather the class in a semicircle, using a back row of benches or chairs if necessary so that all the children can see the following presentation of the story clearly.
Carefully place all the items into a box or on to a tray in reverse order, ending with the red felt. Tell the story simply, using the words below and focusing on the story rather than the children. Unroll the red felt from right to left (from your perspective) and place the items slowly on them as indicated, from right to left so that children 'read' the story from their left to their right. The items should all be of about the same size.
When you have finished telling the story, leave a short space and then use the reflective questions written out for you at the end of the piece.
Unroll part of the red felt, from your right to your left, just enough to lay down the first object. Repeat this for each section of the story, so that eventually the whole story is laid out in front of the group, so that the story 'reads' from left to right for the audience.
Simon was a fisherman.
Lay down the first model fishing boat.
He lived in a place called Capernaum on the shores of Lake Galilee.
Simon was good at fishing and he knew how to lead a team of others to get the best catches from the lake.
Lay down a piece of fishing net and then gradually fill it with small model fish.
Simon's brother was Andrew. He had gone south to hear John the Baptist. John had told everyone to get ready for Jesus. When Andrew did find Jesus, he was so excited that he brought his brother Simon to meet him, too.
Jesus looked at Simon and said, 'Follow me. I want you to fish for people to be part of God's kingdom. From now I will call you Peter, because I want you to be a rock for me.' Peter means 'rock' in their language.
Lay down one of the small rocks.
Simon Peter began to follow Jesus. Jesus did such wonderful things and said such amazing things that Peter never left Jesus' side. He became one of his special friends. Peter was there when Jesus brought a young girl back to life. Jesus was always showing God's love to everyone who came to him.
Lay down the small bed with a figure on it and then lift the figure up and stand her by the bed, as you say these last sentences.
Once Peter and the other friends of Jesus were out on the lake in a boat. Jesus wasn't there. He had gone into the hills to pray.
Lay down the second fishing boat.
Suddenly Jesus appeared like a ghost walking on the water.
Place the figure representing Jesus near to the boat.
Peter cried out, 'Is it you, Jesus? If it is, call me over to you.'
Jesus did call Peter, who walked on the water towards him. But then he got frightened and looked down and began to sink. Jesus reached out and caught him and brought him safely to the boat. 'Don't be afraid,' said Jesus. 'Trust me.'
Peter and the other disciples followed Jesus everywhere, telling everyone about God's kingdom. Once they were up on a mountain in the north and Jesus asked, 'Who do you think I am?' Peter spoke up with the words, 'You are God's special one - the Messiah sent to save us.' Jesus was pleased with his answer.
Place down the second small rock and then the two keys crossed over each like an 'X'.
He said, 'You will be the rock, on which I build the church. And I will give you the keys to the kingdom, so that you can open its doors to anyone who wants to come in.'
Finally Jesus went to Jerusalem for the last time. It was the Passover festival and some of the leaders wanted to get rid of Jesus. On the Thursday of that week the disciples had a special meal in an upstairs room.
Place down the small table, chalice and paten. Next place the piece of towelling down.
Before they ate, Jesus began to wash everyone's feet. Peter did not want this to happen to him. Jesus shouldn't be their servant. But Jesus said, 'I am showing you the way you must care for each other. In God's kingdom you must be a servant to each other and love one another.'
Later that night Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. Peter wanted to fight, but Jesus told him to put his sword away. Peter followed to the place where the soldiers took Jesus. He was very frightened. Then in the courtyard near where Jesus was on trial, some of the people recognised that Peter was a follower of Jesus. Three times they challenged him and three times he said he did not even know Jesus.
Put down the cockerel.
A cock crowed... once, then twice. Jesus had warned Peter that this would happen. Peter had let down his best friend.
Put down the three crosses on the hillside.
Jesus was taken away and killed on a cross. Peter felt so sad. It seemed like everything he had hoped for had come to an end.
Pause.
But on the Sunday morning some of the women surprised him by saying that the tomb was empty. Peter ran and found it was true.
Put down the object representing the open tomb.
Later Jesus appeared to all his friends. Once he even appeared to Peter on his own to prove that he was alive again in a new Easter sort of way. Jesus told them to go back to Lake Galilee for a while and wait for him.
While they waited, Peter suggested they went fishing again on the lake. They didn't catch anything all night. Then in the early morning they saw someone on the shore by a fire.
Lay down the small campfire with two fish on it.
'Throw your nets on the other side,' the man said. They did and there was a huge catch of fish. The man was Jesus. Peter jumped into the water and rushed to be near him.
Lay down some more fish on a second piece of netting.
After having breakfast together, Jesus asked Peter if he was still his friend. He asked him three times. 'Of course I am your friend,' said Peter. The past was mended. He was forgiven for those things he had said and now he became the new leader of the church, just as Jesus had promised.
Put down the tea light in its holder and then light this.
Peter took the story of Jesus off around the world and opened the door to God's kingdom for many people.
Allow a pause after you have finished the story and then ask the reflective questions.
Reflective Questions:
