Encounter Christianity: In Words about Jesus lesson plan 9

9. Peter's denial (pages 18-19)

Text from the book

'I do not know this man you are talking about'.

Jesus' closest friends found it difficult to stand by him when he was in trouble and when he most needed them. Even his friend Peter turned his back on him. Three times, Peter denied that he was one of Jesus' followers.

How do you feel when you have let your best friend down?

What can you do to make amends?

Aims of the book

Pupils will:

explore some of the key sayings of Jesus;
be aware of what friends and enemies said about him;
reflect on the layers of meanings in the words.

Learning objectives

Pupils will:

know the story of Peter’s denial of Jesus;
reflect upon Peter’s feelings in this situation;
imaginatively explore feelings associated with betrayal in drama and poetry.

Background

Peter, the first disciple to recognise Jesus as Messiah, denied knowing him on three occasions, as Jesus had foretold. Peter is traditionally the source behind Mark’s Gospel and certainly is, in the Gospel, depicted as a man with human failings. Judas may have betrayed Jesus, but Peter also lost his own integrity when he could not acknowledge knowing him. Perhaps Peter learned through his frailty and that made him stronger for what was to come. He may be very like us.

Bible references: Mark 14. 71

Ways of using the picture

Peter was Jesus’ chosen disciple on whose shoulders the future would rest. What qualities would he have seen in Peter?

How do you think Peter would have felt in the hours and days after Jesus’ burial?

How like Peter are we? Would we go down the same road as him?

Key words

Denial
Trust
Betrayal
Friendship
Integrity
Faithfulness
Strength
Frailty

Activity

Introduce the context of this event then read the story of Peter’s Betrayal (Mark 14.66-72). In small groups, re-enact the story.

Re-group as a class and brainstorm the range of feelings Peter must have experienced. Use the picture on page 18 to stimulate ideas. Collate a list of words to describe him.

Ask the pupils if they have let their best friend down or if they have been let down? Make a list of words to describe their feelings.

Use these two groups of words to write a poem either about Peter’s experience, their own experience or both.

Learning outcomes

Pupils will have:

become familiar with the story of Peter’s denial of Jesus;
discussed ideas about friendship and betrayal in this story and in their own experience;
empathised with Peter’s feelings through drama and discussion.

Extension work

After Jesus death, Peter was one of the founding fathers of the early Christian church. Find out more of Peter’s story in the Acts of the Apostles.

Discover why Jesus called Peter ‘The Rock’.

Web sites

http://www.educate.org.uk

Here there is a complete lesson plan of its own based on the acts of betrayal on the night before Jesus was crucified.

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11744a.htm

The Catholic Encyclopedia provides a detailed biography of the 'prince of the apostles', including his betrayal of Jesus.

http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintp07.htm

Another site that gives further details on Peter, including the feast days and patronage associated with him.

http://www.sacredicons.com/peter.html

A traditional icon featuring St Peter.

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