Our text today may be confusing and challenging for the average believer. How could one who reads these words possibly think that he could do greater works than Jesus? After all, he healed the sick, raised the dead, fed thousands, dictated to nature, and cast out demons. This seems so preposterous and unbelievable that most people pass over these words in favor of more understandable versus. Our duty today is to understand what Jesus meant. Keep in mind that this is what Jesus himself said to those who followed him. He spoke to mortal men with a challenge for supernatural ability.
He referred to himself as the one who did marvelous things. āThe works that I doā references to his few years on earth. It was his intention to continue his ministry through the lives of those who believed on him. As one individual, he could not be everywhere. However, his followers who scattered throughout the known world came to be the personification of his miracles. In no way would they accomplish anything aside from him working through them.
He predicted that through the years since he would continue his wonderful powers by way of his believers. This was more radiant in the early days after his ascension. Someone touched the hem of his garment and was healed. The shadow of Peter fell on the needy so that they were healed. These were men who were totally committed to Christ and empowered by his Holy Spirit. Though this was more relevant to the disciples, there is no reason why God could not use people today in miraculous ways. However, the reason must be for Godās purpose and not the glory of man.
When he said greater works, Jesus was not upscaling his own accomplishments. He meant that because there were more people that could evangelize the world, they could do greater works in number. They could experience greater victories. They could captivate greater territories. They can win a greater number of people to God. They were greater in influence. The extent and might of their personal ministries was greater. Through them the Roman Empire was converted from paganism to Christianity.
Jesus explained the purpose of this challenge saying that he would go to the Father. In his absence, he relied on believers to further the ministry of the Gospel. He had no other plan than to use believers as his means to reach the souls of mankind. If they failed, so would his plan. If they refused, so would his intent be frustrated. Jesus had other duties to perform in the heavenlies such as interceding in our behalf before the Father. (1 Timothy 2: 5) The church composed of true and sincere believers has a responsibility to do these greater things of spreading the good news, of snatching souls out of hellfire, of sharing the promise of eternal life. The disciples were available to Jesus and so should we.
Christian Writer 