Unlocking the Legacy: An Ongoing Relationship

John 15:9 NRSV

As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.

Everything is based on God’s love

I. “As the Father has loved me...”

God’s love is the source of all love, and love is the basis for God’s action in the world.

John 3:16 NRSV

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

John 3:35 NRSV

The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands.

John 5:20 (NRSV)

The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing...”

John 15:10 (NRSV)

[J]ust as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love...

Jesus puts love in action: Obediently entering the world and doing the will of his Father, letting his disciples know what God intends for the world

II. “So I have loved you...”

John 15:13 NRSV

No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

John 15:15 NRSV

I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.

III. “Abide in my love...”

John 15:10 NRSV

If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.

John 15:14 NRSV

You are my friends if you do what I command you.

John 15:15 NRSV

I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.

John 15:4–8 NRSV

Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

John 15:9 NRSV

As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.