John 14:12: Greater Works than 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. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." John 14:12-13

Before Jesus left his disciples to ascend into heaven, he told them that after he had gone, those who follow Jesus would do greater works than he had ever done. However, how can this be so? Jesus calmed the storm, healed lepers, and raised the dead. Surely neither you and I have ever done these things, so what did Jesus mean here?

First, let us recognize how Jesus' primary point here has to do with the extent or scale of the works that we do. Jesus was a very influential man. However, he was still only one man. He may have brought revival to one area in the world, but his disciples, spreading out across the entire world, can make a broader impact. Does this mean God needs us to fulfill his purpose? Absolutely not. Yet, he has chosen to use us all so that we might participate in his kingdom work and bring him glory through it all.

However, I also believe that Jesus' statement here had something to do with the nature of the works that were done after him as well. In the book of Acts, we see thousands upon thousands of people getting saved. Although this was also probably true in Jesus' time as well, we see it accented more in the book of Acts as the apostles are bringing a great revival to both the land of Israel an the nearby nations.

Furthermore, let us discuss the fuel that enables these greater works to be done, namely the Holy Spirit. Jesus' whole point here is not that once Jesus gets out of the way, men will be able to accomplish his kingdom's coming. For that could not be so far from the truth! However, the Holy Spirit's work can do that very thing. In the context of John 14, we see that Jesus is speaking about the coming of the Holy Spirit. Thus, Jesus' point here is that when he leaves, he will send the Holy Spirit, and that that Holy Spirit will both help the believer minister as well as empower the unbeliever to repent, all causing God's kingdom work to continue in an even greater way than it did when Jesus was on earth.

So, have you realized the greater works that Jesus has called you to do through the power of his Holy Spirit? Jesus did not call us to mediocrity; he's called us to greatness. By his Holy Spirit, we can do great works for the advancement of his kingdom. However, we must not sit around waiting for these greater works to happen without our obedience. We must rely on the Holy Spirit, asking the Lord great things in his name that he might do them, all that God may be glorified. Amen!