In a small town, a group of friends were sitting and discussing their lives and faith. Among them was Mia, who had recently felt a moment of great realization during her morning prayers.
She was consumed with such a sense of purpose, and a whisper in her heart was now loud and clear – a promise that seemed to be spoken in her ear by Jesus:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” – John 14:12 (ESV)
This promise stirred something deep within her, a desire to explore what it truly meant to perform “greater works than these”.
As each one shared, it dawned on Mia how superficially many of her friends had grasped the profound promise. They knew the catch-phrase, but few fully perceived its meaning.
In this blog post I will try to unwrap what “greater works than these” entails – what every believer can appropriate into their daily living.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding of Greater Works: Every believer is privileged to do greater works than what Jesus did through believing.
- Obedience Is Better Than Love: Love is shown by obedience, which means keeping His commandments makes one open to His manifest presence.
- Expect Miracles: Approach God with faith; He invites us to ask anything in His name.
- Community Matters: Engaging with fellow believers enhances our ability to experience greater works collectively.
- Embrace Divine Timing: Trusting God’s timing can lead to miraculous outcomes beyond our expectations.
Unraveling “Greater Works”: The Biblical Context
To understand what Jesus meant by “greater works”, we have to consider the context in which He uttered these words. Jesus reassures His disciples that they would not only continue His work but also do even greater works than what He has been doing in John 14:12-14.
This is a revolutionary statement since it puts the responsibility and possibility of miraculous works in the hands of every believer.
Definition of Greater Works
Well, what are these “greater works”? They are a broad range of activities that extend from the performance of miraculous acts, such as the healing of the sick and the raising of the dead, to proclaiming the Gospel and the change of lives through love and service.
The importance of such works is derived from the fact that these works are not restricted to miraculous signs but also the dissemination of Jesus’ mission through his followers.
Theological Implications
The promise of doing greater works speaks to a new order in God’s interaction with men. By the Holy Spirit, the believers were to continue the mission of Jesus, glorifying the Father by their works.
This divine collaboration implies that any disciple can tap into the same power that raised Jesus from the dead because He lives in you.
“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” – Romans 8:11 (NKJV)
Conditions for Experiencing Greater Works
Keeping His Commandments
Jesus was clear that the expression of love for Him is expressed through obedience. As He expressed it,
“He who has My commandments and keeps them is he who loves Me.” – John 14:21 (NKJV)
This is an essential aspect of the connection of love and action; not mere acknowledgment of His teachings has to be lived.
Love as a Foundation
Love is foundational to experiencing greater works. When we love Jesus and keep His commandments, we open ourselves up to His presence and power in our lives.
As we align our hearts with His will, we become vessels through which He can perform greater miracles.
Faith and Expectation
To believe in Jesus is to believe in His promises. By coming before God with faith, we position ourselves to receive answers to our prayers. Jesus assures us in John 14:13-14 (NKJV):
“13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”
This guarantee invites us to expect big things from God as we ask for whatever in His name.
Personal Experiences
Longing for More
There is that one universal longing in most Christians for more in their walk with God. And that is what happened with Mia; she wanted to do more than pray a prayer of repetition but instead, wanted to witness God’s mighty acts within her life and others around her.
Countless men and women have tasted His goodness and now yearn to see greater manifestations of His love.
Community Impact
When believers gather in one accord with a common belief and expectation to see greater works, great things can take place. Communities changed through love and service become living testimonies of God’s power.
As individuals step out in faith, they inspire one another to pursue God’s calling actively.
Jesus’ Example in John 11
The Story of Lazarus
Perhaps one of the most profound examples of greater works can be found in John 11 – the story of Lazarus.
After Lazarus fell ill, his sisters Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus, hoping He would come quickly. However, Jesus intentionally delayed His arrival.
Timing and Obedience
Jesus’ decision to wait before going to Lazarus is profound obedience to divine timing. While he seemed late by human standards—Lazarus had been dead for four days—Jesus knew this was a moment that would reveal God’s glory (John 11:4).
Sometimes, our understanding of urgency conflicts with God’s perfect timing.
Miraculous Outcomes
When Jesus finally came, He said that Lazarus would rise again. Just with the words, “Lazarus, come out!” He demonstrated His authority even over death itself (John 11:43).
This miracle is not just about showing the mighty power of Jesus, but also establishing for today’s believers the understanding through Him, miraculous outcomes even for them could be delivered.
Practical Steps to Experience Greater Works
How to Build a Relationship with God
For engaging with this promise of greater works:
- Daily Prayer: Live a prayer life whereby you can talk to God anytime.
- Read the Scripture: Study the Word of God to better understand His nature and promises.
- Seeking Guidance: Ask God for guidance on the choices you make.
Building Community
Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage you:
- Fellowship: Be part of a church or small group where faith can be nurtured together.
- Sharing Testimonies: Celebrate what God is doing in your lives; testimonies inspire others.
Embracing Challenges
Acknowledge how trials can bring about bigger works:
- Understanding Trials: Great challenges are great opportunities for growth and miracles.
- Trusting God’s Plan: Even when everything else appears hopeless, there is hope in God’s plan.
Conclusion
It therefore follows that embracing the promise of ” doing greater works than these” ushers every believer into a miraculous journey full of love and divine connection.
It is in stepping out in faith, obeying Christ, and seeking deeper relationships with those around us that God’s glory can be manifest through us, as promised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does “greater works than these” mean?
A. “Greater works than these” simply means that Jesus promised the believers to do miraculous works through belief and obedience in the continuing of His mission here on Earth.
Q. How can I experience these greater works?
A. You will know greater works when you can develop intimacy with God through prayer and reading of scriptures, observing His commandments out of love, being in community with fellow believers, and trusting God’s timing when challenges arise.
Q. Are miracles still happening today?
A. Yes! Many Christians today have experienced miracles in their lives when they prayed in faith, believing for God’s intervention in impossible situations.
Q. How do I ask for anything in Jesus’ name?
A. To ask for anything in Jesus’ name, pray sincerely, and let your request be according to the will and purpose of God.
