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Will We Really Do Greater Works than Jesus?

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In John 14:12-14 Jesus said, “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. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” 

When carefully considered, Jesus’ words are stunning to the point of disbelief. That is, they roll off the tongue with ease but only infiltrate the heart as we meditate, pray, and allow the Holy Spirit to do his work in us. No one had ever done the works Jesus did. He taught with unusual authority. He exercised irresistible power over evil spirits, including Satan himself. He healed the sick and raised the dead. He commanded the winds and waves and other natural things and they obeyed him. 

Given the extraordinary and regular occurrence of such works in Jesus’ life, what can it possibly mean to say that those who believe in him will do similar and even greater works? Some would answer that Jesus’ assertion refers to the preaching of the gospel and the miracle of salvation. I would not deny this, however, I would add that the book of Acts, the epistles, and church history provide ample testimony that Jesus’ assertion also refers to the kinds of miraculous works mentioned above. Indeed, as we preach the gospel in the world, God grants “signs and wonders” in his own time and way in order to confirm the truth of what is being preached (Hebrews 2:1-4). 

Beloved, there is no escaping the truth that Jesus’ words in John 14:12-14 are stunning, so how are we to understand them? First, whatever the details, Jesus’ words do refer to the spread of the gospel in the world. The gift of eternal life is the primary “work” that is supported and confirmed by other works. Second, Jesus’ words must be understood in the context of our relationship with him. He is not hereby extending super-powers to those who believe in him, rather, he’s inviting us into his communion with the Father so that we too will see what our Father is doing and hear what our Father is saying and participate in his work with him. 

Third, the functional reason Jesus’ vision will work is because he left this earth and went to the Father. That is, he’s no longer limited by earthly life but is able to have broad influence through his ministry of ceaseless intercession (see Hebrews 7:25). Fourth, having gone to the Father, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit upon his people, the very Spirit by whom he did his great works. Finally, the means by which these things come about is prayer; by interceding in his name, according to his will, in the power of his Spirit. 

Prayer Focus: Pray that Jesus will help us to understand, believe, and live by his words; that we would, by faith, receive them into our minds, hearts, and manner of life for the glory of his name and the blessing of the nations.

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