FRIDAY - THE FIRE

FAMILY CONVERSATIONS

Scripture
Meanwhile, as Simon Peter was standing by the fire warming himself, they asked him again, “You’re not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it, saying, “No, I am not.” But one of the household slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Didn’t I see you out there in the olive grove with Jesus?” Again Peter denied it. And immediately a rooster crowed. John 18:25-27 (NLT)

Devotion
After Jesus was arrested, Peter followed the crowd to the high priest's courtyard, trying to stay close but not too close. He sat by a fire to warm himself in the dark. It was here, in the light of the fire, that he faced a huge temptation. A few people, including a servant girl, asked him if he was one of Jesus’ followers. Peter, scared and alone, denied it—not once, but three times. He completely said “No” to Jesus. Earlier that evening, Peter had proudly promised Jesus, "I will never deny you!" (John 13:37-38) Yet, here he was, failing in the moment that mattered most.
But the story doesn't end with failure. Just as Jesus had predicted, a rooster crowed. The sound of that rooster was like a sign from God. It marked the start of a new day and, more importantly, it was an invitation for Peter to repent, to turn back to Jesus. Peter’s denial was painful, but Jesus's love was bigger than Peter's failure. That rooster's crow was the dawning of a new chance, showing Peter and us that even after we fail, God is always ready to forgive and offer a new beginning.

Conversation
What does it mean to deny someone? Can you give an example of a time when you were embarrassed or afraid to say you knew someone?
Peter was sitting by the fire when he denied Jesus. What are some of the "fires" (situations or places) where you feel most tempted to do the wrong thing?
The rooster crowed, and it was a signal for Peter's repentance. What helps you realize you’ve made a mistake and need to say sorry to God or to someone else?
Jesus gave Peter a second chance. How does knowing Jesus forgives our denials and failures make you feel?

Prayer
Together as a family, acknowledge that we sometimes fail and mess up, just like Peter did. Thank God for his willingness to forgive us and ask the Holy Spirit to give us the strength to face temptation and the courage to repent when we make a mistake.