John 14:12-14, Greater Works

12 “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. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. 

How are we to do greater works than Jesus? Will we heal more people miraculously? Will we be able to walk across oceans instead of lakes? Will we be able to feed 1,000,000 at a picnic with a fish and a breadstick? When looking at these “greater works,” I think we need to focus on the phrase “because I am going to the Father.” The difference between Jesus and his followers at this moment is his crucifixion and resurrection. The triumph of Easter ushers in a new age of the Holy Spirit. Because of the Holy Spirit, the disciples of Jesus will be empowered to preach the gospel universally, and faith in Jesus will spread from a small band of Jews that is Jerusalem-centric to the ends of the earth as Gentiles come into life in the kingdom of God. 

Jesus is specifically talking about conversion. At his death, the number of Jesus’ converts is relatively few. After Pentecost, thousands come to faith. The greater work is what the Spirit will do in us through the preaching of the gospel as the church gathers and witnesses in the name of Jesus. The one who works in and through his church is Jesus, who is its head and its Lord. The power of the kingdom is found in his name, in his character, in his living presence, in the glory he brings to the Father. 

Lord Jesus, you have given us the great work of proclaiming your name to all people. We do not follow you with guns or swords or threats, but with the spiritual weapons of love and prayer and your word, which all work because of your Spirit dwelling within us. Help us today to be bold in love, quick in prayer, and ever-mindful of your word. Amen.