The best small group leaders don't have all the answers. But they know how to ask better questions—and they've done enough preparation to know where the interesting ones are hiding.
John 21:15–17 (NIV) is one of those passages.
Jesus Reinstates Peter
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep."
Most readers notice the repetition, especially with the words of Jesus in red. Fewer notice what's underneath it.
