Believers will do the works I do.

John 14:12
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.”

The context of the above scripture is Philip asks Jesus to show them the Father. Jesus’ reply teaches quite clearly the divine entity and oneness between the Father and the Son in the Trinity. On the basis of Jesus’ return to the Father, the believer would do not only the kind of works Jesus did but also greater ones. This did not mean more sensational miracles but works more revealing of the purposes of God;

What are these greater things of which Jesus speaks?

Some think he is referring to spectacular miracles, but what would top the raising of Lazarus?

Others think it refers to the missionary activity of the disciples, their bringing more converts to the faith. Such activity is an important focus for the disciples, but the meaning here is more specific. These greater things are possible because I am going to the Father (v. 12). That is, Jesus’ greatest work has yet to occur: His death, resurrection, and ascension. After He is glorified, the Spirit will be given, and believers can then receive the full benefits of the salvation Jesus has accomplished through the union that comes through the Spirit. Therefore greater things are to convey to people the spiritual realities of which the works of Jesus are `signs’.

Greater things require a deeper understanding of God and sharing in His own life through actual union with Him, which is now possible as a result of Jesus’ completed work (John 14:20). It is not just a matter of more disciples; it is a matter of a qualitatively new reality in which the disciples share.

Even though Jesus is departing, these greater things are not accomplished by the disciples apart from Jesus, but rather through prayer to Him. Hence Jesus is our heavenly mediator.

So, John 14:12 is a promise to all believers. This is astonishing. There is no exclusion here if you are a Christian. You shouldn’t think: oh this is for pastors, or veteran Christians, or highly spiritual, mature Christians, or professional Christians, or missionaries, or elders, or evangelists, or highly gifted Christians. No. The text says, “whoever believes in me.” Believers, pure and simple, will do the works Jesus did.

In other words, this is normal Christianity. This is what it means to be a Christian. Knowing and Believing in Jesus is what unites us to Him for eternal life. So when it says, Whoever believes in Jesus will do this or that, it is describing the normal Christian life. So, through faith and prayer, we too can touch people with Jesus’s love and spread Gospel. Move mountains in our and others’ life. Let us never doubt the privilege which is been given to us just because we believe in Him

Blessed Day Ahead.