Who was Jesus’ best friend, kids may wonder. When you’re talking about Jesus’ earthly life and ministry, introduce teens to Simon Peter. Read on for one youth minister’s moving letter to his young son.
Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” John 13:33-37
Dear Peter Bjorn,
I want to introduce you to a very special person. He’s so special we named you after him. Simon Peter was one of Jesus’ original disciples — and one of the first people Jesus called to be his full-time disciple.
Peter, along with James and John, made up Jesus’ inner circle. They had a special glimpse into the things of God, and among this inner circle, Peter often acted as leader and spokesperson. His name heads every list of the Twelve in the New Testament.
Peter was passionately devoted to Jesus. He claimed he would never deny Jesus and promised to fight to protect him from any harm.
Who Was Jesus’ Best Friend on Earth?
In fact, you might say if Jesus had a best friend on earth, it was most likely Peter. After Jesus called him to leave his fishing business and devote his life to the ministry of the Kingdom, Peter seemed to never leave Jesus’ side. He was never more than a step behind, covered in the dust Jesus’ sandals kicked up. When Jesus was walking up a hill and stopped abruptly, Peter’s nose probably bumped into his butt. Peter vowed to follow Jesus anywhere.
Good disciples want to mimic and copy their rabbi’s every move. Peter seemed to have taken this to an extreme level once while out at sea. All the disciples were shocked and scared when they saw their rabbi, Jesus, walking on the water out at sea.
