“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)
The "greater works" Jesus promises aren't necessarily more spectacular miracles, but the wider, world-impacting spread of the Gospel through the Holy Spirit after His ascension. This work, extending beyond His earthly, local ministry, involves transforming hearts and minds on a global scale, far surpassing the reach of His physical presence.
“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)
Jesus is comforting his disciples, knowing they are distressed by his impending departure. He assures them that his leaving to be with the Father is not an end but a transition that will enable even greater ministry to spread throughout the world. This promise of continuing and expanding influence through believers is central to His message as He prepares them for His absence.
Jesus promises believers will do 'greater works.' What does that really mean? It's not just about bigger miracles.
When Jesus speaks of 'works,' it’s important to see the bigger picture. While Jesus performed incredible miracles – healing the sick and raising the dead – the 'greater works' promised to believers have a broader scope.
Jesus' departure wasn't an ending, but a transition. Discover how His return to the Father unlocks His power for us.
The promise of doing 'greater works' is directly linked to Jesus' statement, 'because I am going to the Father.' This isn't a contradiction, but a divine strategy.
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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 the apostles performing miracles, like Peter's shadow healing the sick, which directly illustrates Jesus' promise that believers would do the works He did.
John 16:7-11Jesus explains that His departure to the Father is necessary for the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will empower believers and convict the world, highlighting the 'greater works' of spiritual transformation.
Mark 16:17-18These verses list signs that will accompany believers, including speaking in new tongues and healing the sick, which are tangible examples of the 'works' Jesus promised followers would perform.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11This passage describes the diverse spiritual gifts given to believers for the common good, including the power to work miracles and heal, underscoring the supernatural enablement Jesus spoke of.
Romans 8:11The presence of the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now indwells believers, signifying a powerful life-giving force that enables them to live and act in ways that reflect God's power, extending Jesus' ministry.
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 necessarily more spectacular miracles, but the wider, world-impacting spread of the Gospel through the Holy Spirit after His ascension. This work, extending beyond His earthly, local ministry, involves transforming hearts and minds on a global scale, far surpassing the reach of His physical presence.
Jesus is comforting his disciples, knowing they are distressed by his impending departure. He assures them that his leaving to be with the Father is not an end but a transition that will enable even greater ministry to spread throughout the world. This promise of continuing and expanding influence through believers is central to His message as He prepares them for His absence.
Jesus is comforting his disciples, knowing they are distressed by his impending departure. He assures them that his leaving to be with the Father is not an end but a transition that will enable even greater ministry to spread throughout the world. This promise of continuing and expanding influence through believers is central to His message as He prepares them for His absence.
"“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 necessarily more spectacular miracles, but the wider, world-impacting spread of the Gospel through the Holy Spirit after His ascension. This work, extending…
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Last reviewed October 2026