The Promise: Greater Works

Jesus has promised those who believe in Him so much more than most will ever experience. He promises that not only will be do what He did, but that we will do greater works than He did. Jesus knows that this promise is hard to believe, so He begins the promise by twice affirming that what He is telling us is true. This promise is for all who believe in Jesus.

Jesus promised that He will cause the believer to live as He lived. We will begin to look more and more like Jesus. What He has begun in our lives He will finish. He also promised that we would do greater works than He did. What did Jesus mean by greater works? The Greek word “greater” has three connotations to it:

1. More numerous: The church of Jesus Christ has far surpassed the number of people that Jesus gathered to Himself in His short lifetime.
2. Larger: The church is ever expanding geographically. Jesus’ earthly ministry never left Israel.
3. Larger in years: Jesus’ earthly ministry was three short years. Two thousand years later the church is still going strong.

In addition to this, He offers one of the widest promises in all of Scripture. “Whatever” we ask He will do for us. In case we missed it, He adds that “anything” we ask He will do. There is only one consideration. What we ask for must be in His name. That means we must come to God through Him alone, and what we ask must be in accordance with His character.

This is how the Father is glorified. This is the whole purpose of the Christian life, becoming like Jesus, expanding His Kingdom, and power in prayer. How is all of this going to be accomplished? Two verses later, Jesus tells us that He will send to us the Holy Spirit to indwell us. All of this is accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Herein lies the conclusion if you desire spiritual power. Do you desire to be a part of this Kingdom expansion? Are you becoming like Jesus? Are you working to see His Kingdom expand? Are you praying to that end? Therein lies the central issue. It has been said that you have as much of the Holy Spirit as you want. Most of our lives are so consumed with things that are of no eternal significance, that we do not need or desire the power of the Holy Spirit. Will you change that? Will you seek first the Kingdom? Will you pursue the greater works that God has promised? Do you even believe it is possible? Will you believe Jesus’ promise?