Jesus Says We Will Do Even Greater Works than His'

“[Jesus said] “In solemn truth I tell you, anyone believing in me shall do the same miracles I have done, and even greater ones, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask him for anything, using my name, and I will do it, for this will bring praise to the Father because of what I, the Son, will do for you. Yes, ask anything, using my name, and I will do it! If you love me, obey me…”
(John 14:12-15, The Living Bible)

When I read this, I wonder, what does Jesus meant when He said that the disciples “shall do the same miracles I have done, and even greater ones”? After I continue reading the next chapter then I understand that it was referring to the task of spreading the Gospel (see John 15:7-8). The “greater ones” would have two parts: 1) Quantity, greater number of converts, and 2) Geography, greater scope for the conversions. Jesus remains the Greatest Miracle Worker.

And what about this business of “using my name” or “asking in my name” (NLT) means? When I read the context of this text, it means – in my observation – that every prayer or asking must be in agreement with Jesus’ person and purpose according to God’s character and will. That was why Jesus added “If you love me, obey my commandments” (v.15, NLT). God will not grant requests contrary to His nature and desires, and we cannot use His Name as a magic formula to fulfil our selfish desires. As the Apostle John reminds us that “he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will” (1 John 5:14).

Here also Jesus reminds the disciples to obey His commandments. When the disciples had Jesus with them, they could watch Him and listen to Him carefully. If they had questions, they could ask Jesus (What a privilege! The Word Alive speaks the Word of God). During those about three years, their understanding of Jesus was expanding and deepening. Eventually, they would carry the responsibility of taking His message to all the world. Jesus was preparing the disciples for life without His physical presence. The Holy Spirit “Comforter,” will be with them and “he will never leave” them all (v.16). Ever. They would have to pray (“ask”), live (“obey”) and tell (“greater ones”).

I think these three words summaries the Christian life: Pray, Live, and Tell. Pray give the idea of relationship, communication and worship. God loves it when we pray! Live means joyfully doing what God wants us to do. This involves studying His Word to discover His commands and principles for living; then we obey. The Holy Spirit is in us to teach us – even when we fail. Tell means sharing with others the Good News of Jesus Christ – what He did at the Cross and how He has changed our lives (but first we must live). Like the disciples, with the power of the Holy Spirit working through us, we can change the world!

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.