Greater Works Than These Shall You Do

Devotion #6 of 13

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." (John 14:12)

He who believes in Me

The qualification for doing "greater works" is not possessing an unusual anointing. It is not receiving the purported baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. Jesus could not have stated it more clearly. "He who believes in Me . . . " And what does that mean? This is the person that is convinced of the truth of the Gospel. He comprehends and embraces the record God has given of His Son. Such a person is more persuaded of Jesus than of the world. The Person of Christ is more important than His own person, and eternity is perceived as contingent upon Jesus alone. The one believing in Christ has abandoned anything and everything that interferes with that persuasion. He is engaged in a fervent quest to "know Christ," and "be found in Him, not having his own righteousness" (Phil. 3:7-11). Faith will not gain the attention of this world, but it does get the attention of God!

The works that I do

The works Jesus did were the Father's works. His promise is that we too will be involved in the Father's works. God Himself will work through us and in us for His own glory. His objective will not be to impress men, but to fulfill His eternal purpose. the Father continues accomplishing His agenda through those who are identified with His Son.

Because I go to the Father

The cause of the greatness of the works is a Savior resident in heaven, not supernal power resident in men! If Jesus did not "go to the Father," men would not have continued the works Jesus did.

Whatsoever you ask in My name

There is nothing, by earth's perspective, glamorous about asking. This is a work of faith, and it is honored in heaven. To ask something "in Jesus' name" is to be in concert with the Lord Jesus--to ask out of a fellowship with Him.

That the Father may be glorified

The purpose of "greater works" is not to salvage the world. It is not the make the world a better place to live. Jesus makes it plain: it is that the Father may be glorified. These are works that turn the spotlight on the Father and what He is doing in Christ Jesus. By this, Jesus means that God's will is accomplished in such a manner as to cause heavenly hosts to magnify Him, and insightful people on earth to thank Him. Anything that does not accrue to God's glory cannot be a "greater work."

You will keep My commandments

"If you love Me, you will keep My commands" (v. 15, RSV). How remarkable that Jesus refers to the keeping of His commandments as evidence of our love for Him--and in the context of doing "greater works." These "works" blend in with obedience. They flow out of a deep love for Christ--a love that militates against disobedience, and constrains obedience. No one will do "greater works" that is not basically obedient.

-- TOMORROW: AN ERA OF INVOLVEMENT ANNOUNCED --