Retreat 3

SESSION 3 — FOLLOWING IN AGAPĒ (JOHN 15:9–11)

Big Idea: We follow Jesus because we are loved, and we remain in that love through obedience.

Scripture Reading

“As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Abide in My love. 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. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” — John 15:9–11 (ESV)

1. AGAPĒ IS THE FOUNDATION

Jesus begins this section with love—not commands.

“As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you.”

This is not surface-level love. The word Jesus uses here is agapē—a self-giving, covenant love that originates in God Himself.

The same love that flows between the Father and the Son is the love Jesus pours out on us.

And then He says something important:

“Abide in My love.”

Jesus is not asking us to earn love. He is inviting us to remain in what has already been given.

Key line:

“Agapē is not something we chase—it’s something we stay in.”

2. OBEDIENCE IS HOW WE REMAIN

“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love…” (v.10)

Jesus connects love and obedience, but not in the way we often think.

Obedience is not the price of love. It is the path of remaining in love.

We don’t obey so God will love us. We obey because we trust His love.

Jesus points to His own life as the example:

“Just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.”

The Son obeys the Father—not out of fear, but out of perfect trust and love.

Key line:

“Obedience isn’t about proving love—it’s about protecting relationship.”

3. FOLLOWING LEADS TO JOY, NOT LOSS

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (v.11)

Jesus tells us why He says all of this.

Not control. Not restriction. Not burden.

Joy.

The world teaches that freedom comes from doing whatever we want. Jesus teaches that joy comes from walking where He leads.

Agapē leads us into obedience, obedience keeps us abiding, and abiding produces joy.

Key line:

“Joy is not found in self-rule—it’s found in surrender.”

4. THE CALL TO FOLLOW

Some of you have believed Jesus loves you—but you haven’t trusted that love enough to follow Him fully.

Some of you are connected, but hesitant to obey what God has already spoken.

And Jesus isn’t calling you with guilt. He’s calling you with love.

“Abide in My love.”

This is the invitation of following:

to trust His love

to surrender control

to walk in obedience that leads to life

ALTAR INVITATION — REMAIN IN HIS LOVE

You might close with something like:

“Following Jesus isn’t about trying harder—it’s about trusting His agapē enough to obey.”

Invite those who:

struggle to believe God truly loves them

resist obedience because of fear or control

want to surrender and remain in His love

Closing line:

“Tonight, Jesus isn’t asking for perfection. He’s asking you to remain.”