John 14:12
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The "greater works" Jesus promises aren't about outdoing his miracles, but about the world-changing impact of his followers empowered by the Holy Spirit after his ascension. This represents a broader, more universal scope of ministry than his earthly presence allowed, leading to widespread transformation and the expansion of God's kingdom.
Jesus is in His final hours with His disciples, comforting them in the face of His impending departure and betrayal. He's been explaining His intimate relationship with the Father and how His followers will continue His work through the power of the Holy Spirit He will send after He returns to the Father.
Jesus promised His followers they would do 'greater works' than He did. What could that possibly mean? It's not about outdoing His miracles, but about something far more profound.
Jesus' words about 'greater works' aren't primarily about the spectacle of miracles. While His followers did perform amazing signs, the 'greater' aspect points to the impact and scope of their ministry.
A Wider Reach
Deeper Transformation
Jesus connects believing in Him directly to doing His works, and even greater ones. This isn't just about passive belief, but an active, partnered life with God.
The promise of 'greater works' isn't a blank check for individual ambition; it's rooted in a deep, active faith and a divine partnership.
Understand the original words
amēn amēn · Greek Adverb/Interjection
An emphatic introductory formula used by Jesus to denote the truth, certainty, and divine authority of his upcoming statement.
This passage shows a tangible example of 'greater works,' where Peter's shadow alone healed the sick, illustrating the amplified power flowing through believers after Jesus' ascension.
Acts 19:11-12Here, handkerchiefs and aprons touched by Paul had miraculous healing power, demonstrating how God used ordinary believers to perform extraordinary works, echoing Jesus' promise.
John 16:7-8Jesus explains that His departure to the Father is necessary for the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would empower believers to convict the world, signifying a 'greater work' of spiritual transformation.
Mark 16:17-18This passage lists signs that would accompany believers, including casting out demons and healing the sick, which can be seen as the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to do even greater works through them.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11This chapter details the diverse spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit to believers, highlighting that the enablement for 'works' beyond Jesus' earthly ministry comes from God's distribution of power for the common good.
vincentJohn 14:12: "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."
Greater worksNot more remarkable miracles, but referring to the wider work of the apostolic ministry under the dispensation of the Spirit. This work was of a higher nature than mere bodily cures. Godet truthfully says: "That which was done by St. Peter at Pentecost, by St. Paul all over the world, that which is effect…
bensonJohn 14:12: "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 14:12-14 . Verily, he that believeth on me, &c. — Having mentioned his miracles, Jesus proceeds to promise, that he would endow his apostles with a power of performing even greater wonders than any they had ever seen him do. He made them this promise to animate them in their work, and that they might not despond…
The "greater works" Jesus promises aren't about outdoing his miracles, but about the world-changing impact of his followers empowered by the Holy Spirit after his ascension. This represents a broader, more universal scope of ministry than his earthly presence allowed, leading to widespread transformation and the expansion of God's kingdom.
Jesus is in His final hours with His disciples, comforting them in the face of His impending departure and betrayal. He's been explaining His intimate relationship with the Father and how His followers will continue His work through the power of the Holy Spirit He will send after He returns to the Father.
Jesus is in His final hours with His disciples, comforting them in the face of His impending departure and betrayal. He's been explaining His intimate relationship with the Father and how His followers will continue His work through the power of the Holy Spirit He will send after He returns to the Father.
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"“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father." — The "greater works" Jesus promises aren't about outdoing his miracles, but about the world-changing impact of his followers empowered by the Holy Spirit after his ascension. This represents a broader…
