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The promise of "greater works"

Text: John 14 : 12 - 31

THE PROMISE OF “GREATER WORKS”

There was no mistaking the fact that the words of Jesus may be regarded as “a promise”. In this context, Jesus spoke to Philip and his fellow disciples that they would be able to do “greater works”. Let us take time to read again what Jesus said,

“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.”
John 14:12

THE INTERPRETATION OF THE PROMISES OF JESUS

How do we interpret this awesome promise? What principles should we apply as we ponder over these words? Let us take time to consider the following principles!

1. The Principle of Context

Every promise found in the Scriptures, whether here or elsewhere, must be interpreted in the right context! In this case we need to have an understanding of the principle of “The Context of the works of Jesus”.

What were the works of Jesus? John did not list ALL the miracles that Jesus did. None of the Gospel writers claimed that he had recorded every single miracle Jesus performed!

Each Gospel writer wrote about the miracles of Jesus as that which identified Jesus as the Messiah chosen by God. It becomes obvious that we need to fully understand the Doctrine of the Works of Jesus, before we can ask for power to do “greater works” than that performed by the Messiah! Has anyone ever done greater works than Jesus?

Many different types of contexts may be mentioned briefly. Let us name just three:-

a) The literary context

b) The theological context

c) The historical context

Every promise of God must be carefully interpreted before the believer can safely apply it!

2. The Context of the Return of Jesus to His Father

We may classify this under “Theological context”. There was an important underlying reason why Jesus said what He did to His Disciples. He did not want them to think that the great ministry that He had begun would end when He returned to His Father. Far from it, the ministry that He had just begun will continue.

The Disciples would extend the work that Jesus had begun. The Return of Jesus to His Father was a good thing! Yes, there would be sorrow because He had to suffer and die. However, they must look beyond His Death.

There would be His Resurrection. There would be His Return to His Father and a whole new chapter would begin! This theological context helps us comprehend what Jesus meant when He spoke of “greater things”. The Book of Acts well records for us the “greater things” that the Disciples achieved after Jesus returned to His Father.

The Spirit of God was sent by the Father and Son. He empowered the Disciples in the most marvelous way, and they indeed fulfilled what Jesus said. They were able to do “greater works”.

3. The Historical Context

Many have tried to wrest this promise of Jesus out of its context! There was a historical context involved. His Disciples needed special empowerment to establish the Church. They needed special power to proclaim that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead! The first century must be seen as a special historical context that we dare not ignore!

This particular promise of Jesus had special reference to His Disciples in the first century, where supernatural power for life and ministry was concerned!

4. The correlated principle of “limitation”

We may speak of a principle of “limitation”. The moment a text has to be interpreted in its proper context, we are already saying that it has its “limitations”. It is important to bear this principle in mind.

No text, no promise is ever a ‘carte blanche’ promise that a believer can apply as he pleases! There is no such doctrine taught anywhere in the Scriptures!

5. The principle of faith

The principle of faith applies only after we have ascertained the true meaning of what Jesus said! What was it that Jesus sought to teach even as He said these words to Philip and the rest of the Disciples?

Surely, He sought to encourage His Disciples to think more deeply through eyes of faith! If they were to do that, they would find courage, strength and lots more to serve Him!

HIDING GOD’S WORD IN THE HEART

Let us be challenged to hide the Word of the Lord in our heart. Let us set aside time to ponder over the many profound truths that are contained in the teachings of Jesus. These truths must be carefully hidden in the heart. They must be brought to the Father in humble prayer (Psalm 25). Only when we have comprehended God’s Word in its profound depth could we speak about applying that Word in our life and ministry. Let us hide God’s Word in our heart with a deep faith.