Dear Bridgette,
Jesus said we would do “greater things”. What does this mean?
Thanks!
Looks like you’re referencing the biblical quote below…
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14: 12-14)
I think it possible to focus too much on the “greater things” part of this quote than the remainder of the message. Are you thinking: “how in the world can I do greater things than Christ’s works? His passion and resurrection?? That’s the ultimate. Nothing is greater than that!”
True, true, true. However, the argument could be made that, in the context of this passage, “greater” is read as a quantity or amount. Because Jesus is “going to the Father”, we are being directly requested to carry on “works” in His name. Whatever we ask for, in His name, Christ will fulfill for the glory of God. Not for our fame, but God’s glory.
As believers in Christ, we are given the potential to accomplish works that could only happen through the power of the Holy Spirit. Think about this: the same power that resurrected our Lord resides within us now. We only have to call upon it, in trust and faith.
When I consider the power of the Holy Spirit, I often am reminded of this pithy little saying: “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.” It’s on us to step out of our comfort zones and take that leap of faith. What could God be calling you to do today? Or, is there something you’re mulling over, but you’re afraid to take that next step? What could you bring to Christ in prayer right now?
Leave a Reply