You Will Do Greater Works | John 14:12-14

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. — John 14:12-14 Jesus is saying that all believers will do the same "works" Jesus did with every increasing impact because of the indwelling Holy Spirit given after he has returned to the Father. But the question we always want an answer to when we read this text is what are these "works?" We ask this because we want to do them, which is the proper response. When we think of Jesus's "works," we often recall his miracles—walking on water, feeding the five thousand, and raising Lazarus from the dead. However, throughout the Gospel of John, the primary work Jesus came to do was to convey the message of truth, leading people to believe in Him for eternal life (John 3:16-17; John 6:38-40; John 10:10; John 12:46; John 18:37; John 20:31). Miracles were a part of His work, confirming His identity as the Savior, but they were not the main focus until His final miracle—the resurrection and atoning sacrifice for our sins, providing life in Him. So can we do "more spectacular miraculous works" than Jesus did? The answer is "no." I don't know of any recorded person in history who has walked on water, fed five thousand, and also raised someone from the dead. And, of course, I don't know anyone who has raised themselves from the dead. But we can do "greater works" in that we act in belief in the shadow of the already crucified, risen, and reigning Savior who indwells us through the Holy Spirit. Remember, salvation wasn't realized at this point in the Gospel story. But on the dawn of Jesus's resurrection and ascension, our belief would be realized "greater" than it was at this moment in time. So yes, the disciples (the audience of this context) would do "greater works" that they had seen to this point in time. And this means so will we. So if you are a believer indwelled by the Holy Spirit, do "greater works" today. Believe in Jesus and let the Holy Spirit do works that direct other people to believe in a way that was not possible before the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. And if God uses you to perform a miracle of hope or healing, point to Jesus, who will do the "greater works" through you so that others may believe in Jesus and make great of his name. ASK THIS: 1. When Jesus talks about doing "works" like Him and even "greater works," what do you think these "works" mean in your life? How can you live out this calling in your daily actions and interactions? 2. While we may not perform the same spectacular miracles as Jesus, how can we still do "greater works" by living in the power of the Holy Spirit? How can our lives be a testimony to the truth of Jesus and lead others to believe in Him? DO THIS: A greater work guiding others to believe in Jesus. PRAY THIS: Dear Lord, I come before you with a humble heart, seeking to live out the calling to do "greater works" in your name, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Help me be a living testimony of your truth, leading others to believe in you and bringing glory to your name. Amen. PLAY THIS: Greater. Check out other all Vince Miller's videos and audios for small groups at: https://beresolute.org/ Get Vince's most widely read resources The Daily Devotional at: https://beresolute.org/mdd Check out more ALL IN products like the one Vince is wearing at: https://beresolute.org/product-category/all-in-hats/ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Connect with Vince socially: FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/millervince INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/vinceleemiller LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincemiller TWITTER: https://twitter.com/vinceleemiller