
Show Don't Tell: John 21:15-19
Instead of saying "Jesus restored Peter," count the questions by the charcoal fire. When they finish eating, Jesus says to Simon Peter: "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." "Feed my lambs." Three denials; three questions. Again Jesus asks: "Simon son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." "Take care of my sheep." The third time: "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter is hurt because Jesus asks him the third time. "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." "Feed my sheep." Each question near a charcoal fire—the same kind of fire where Peter denied him. "Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Jesus says this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter will glorify God. Then he says to him: "Follow me!"
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