What Does the Bible Mean by ‘Greater Works’?
The Gospel and ‘Greater Works’
“Verily, Verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works that I do shall he do; because I go unto my father.” John 14:12
When Jesus walked on earth, He did great and mighty miracles. In Matthew 4:24, we read, “…and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy: and he healed them.” Jesus even raised a dead man, his friend Lazarus, from the grave.
And not only that, but Jesus worked wonders over nature. Remember the night Jesus calmed the stormy seas? Or when he walked on water? Or when he turned the water into wine at a wedding feast?
With all of those “works” to His name, how can Jesus possibly ask us to do “greater works” in John 14? Simply, Jesus had to die to make salvation an option for you and me. But after His resurrection, He left one simple command for the disciples: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
That same command applies to disciples of today. Our “greater works” are to share the good news of salvation with lost souls. Jesus healed physical infirmities through his earthly “works.” You and I have the ability to lead people to the throne of grace for the healing of their spiritual infirmities – that’s what Jesus means when He says we will do greater works.
Start right now to use the gifts and talents God has given you to lead others to salvation. If you have the gift of teaching, become a Sunday school teacher in your church. If you have great compassion for people, visit shut-ins. Whatever God gives you to do for Him – do it. And work hard at it.
Use your gifts and talents to bring others to Jesus Christ. He will use you to further His Kingdom for as long as you are willing.
