Greater works than these.

John 14:12-17

Greater works than these

1. Greater works (verse 12)
2. Answered prayer (verses 13-14)

3. Loving Christ (verse 15)
4. Another Counselor (verses 16-17)

In this passage, the Father continues to be front and center.

What’s more, we are introduced to the Counselor or Helper - the Holy Spirit.

Jesus had just finished talking about
HIS OWN works.

JOH 14:10-11

Jesus was talking about His miracles! The signs which revealed His identity.

Not only that, but they will perform greater works than He did!

JOH 14:12

It sounds like Jesus is saying they will perform greater miracles than He did.

No one ever came close to these miracles, before or since.

First, about whom is Jesus speaking in verse 12?

What He is saying here is true for all believers now.

Faith in Christ is the starting point for performing these works.

But before we tackle that word “greater”, let’s look at the big picture here.

JOH 13:36

Jesus began with words of comfort.
Do not let your hearts be troubled.

Jesus is going back to His Father, but His works on earth will continue.

Only now, He will work through believers.

JOH 14:12

The Greek word for “greater” means “in greater degree”.

Jesus used the word when He said that the Father was greater than all. (JOH 10:29)

JOH 15:13

The greatness of a work is not how supernatural it is.

The greatness of the work is determined by the purpose for which it is done.

He sought the glory of His Father - the One who sent Him.

JOH 8:28-29

JOH 14:12

What explains the fact that believers will do greater works than the ones that Jesus had accomplished?

And what is the significance of His going back to the Father?

1. Jesus will be seated at the Right Hand of the Father.

2. The Holy Spirit will be given to believers.

JOH 16:7

These two events bring a revolutionary change to the life of the believer in Christ.

EPH 1:15-23

JOH 14:12

His works will no longer be limited to the confines of His earthly existence.

Jesus is now glorified in heaven. Now He works on earth through the church.

His ministry is to all men and women, Jew and Gentile, to the ends of the earth.

The blessings that come to those who believe now are staggeringly greater.

The works are greater because of the greatness of the message we preach.

The goal remains the same: to glorify the Father, who in turn glorifies His Son.