Week 13 – The Promise: Greater Works

Text: John 14:12-14

 

As we close out our study of the power of the Holy Spirit, we end with a promise from Jesus. This promise is very hard for us to believe. This is why Jesus begins by repeatedly emphasizing that what He is saying is true. The question is, “Do I believe Jesus?”

 

The subject of the promise is anyone who believes in Jesus. In other words, this promise is not for the Apostles, the early church, or some undefined church age. If you believe in Jesus, this promise is for you.

 

The first promise is that we will do the works Jesus did. The word for works can be translated as “acts.” In other words, if you believe in Jesus you will act like Him. Your life will look more and more like Jesus. This is something that will take place; it is a promise.

 

Jesus goes on to promise that we will do greater works than He did. The word greater in Greek has three connotations:

1.      More numerous – More people will be saved, and more lives will be changed. Jesus’ ministry was very small compared to the innumerable multitude that John sees in Revelation 7.

2.      Larger – The Kingdom will expand geographically. Jesus’ ministry was concentrated in Israel. John sees in Revelation 5 people from every nation.

3.      Larger in years – The work will go on for a far longer period of time. Jesus’ ministry was only three short years. Two thousand years later and the work is continuing.

 

What about the miraculous deeds Jesus did? Is this verse talking about them? Yes. We have no record of Jesus speaking in tongues; something that many believers have done. Also, which is greater, opening the eyes of the physically blind or opening the eyes of the spiritually blind? Making the lame walk physically or making the spiritually lame walk in the Spirit? Raising the physically dead or raising the spiritually dead?

Jesus gives a wide promise; whatever we ask or anything we ask He will do for us. This prayer though is very narrow in that it is only that which is asked for in His name. This means we must recognize that our only standing before God is the character and work of Jesus. It also means that what we pray for is in accordance with His will, something that Jesus would actually ask for.

 

What is the end result of all of these promises? God is glorified. How does this glorify God? The answer is found a few verses later. These promises will be fulfilled in us by the Holy Spirit. In other words, God will accomplish this through us. Therefore, the glory will go to Him, not us.

–        Are you a part of this great work the Spirit is doing?

–        Are you being conformed to Christ?

–        Are you laboring in His fields?

–        Are you praying to this end?

–        Are you glorifying God?

–        Do you believe Jesus?