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 NIV
When Jesus said these words to his disciples, he was preparing them for his departure. But these words were not just for them. Jesus said that they would be true for whoever believes in him. And that includes those today who believe in him.
Believing in Jesus is more than an intellectual exercise. It means to place your faith and trust in him. It means dying to self and living for him, doing the works that Jesus did.
Doing What Jesus Did
What were the works that Jesus did? He walked on water, raised the dead, fed multitudes, healed the sick, and cast out demons. Should we be doing those things today? Or is it possible that Jesus was referring to something else?
Jesus had compassion for those who were hurting and ministered to them. He also proclaimed the kingdom of God and introduced people to the Father above. And those are the things he expects us to copy. To care for people around us. And to share the good news of the kingdom with those living in darkness.
And, because Jesus has gone to the Father, sending us the Holy Spirit, we will be able to do even greater works. Jesus did his works in a small corner of the Roman world. As his followers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can take his love and message to the ends of the earth.
A Promise
He ended this with a promise. He will do for us whatever we ask so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. But there are some conditions attached to this promise. First of all, he made this promise to those who believe in him and are doing the works he did. It is a promise that Jesus will give us what we need to accomplish his work in the world.
Additionally, we need to ask in Jesus’ name. Asking in Jesus’ name is not just some words we say. Instead, it means that I am asking on his behalf. And what I am asking for will glorify the Father through the Son.
We are not left on our own to do the works of Jesus. He has promised to give us whatever we need to do his work and glorify the Father. So, we have no excuse for failing to carry on his work.
