Greater Works than Jesus?

The life of Christ is a fascinating study. He only walked upon the earth for 33 years, and yet, He accomplished so much, including our salvation. And the gospels only give us a glimpse of everything that He did. John even said, “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written” (John 21:25). 

 

With that in mind, Jesus said something that is truly astounding. While talking to His disciples, He said these words: “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 to my Father” (John 14:12). Greater works than Jesus? How is that possible? Jesus performed miracles. He taught God’s truth. He abolished the law. He led many to righteousness. He secured a strong following. He preached peace and forgiveness. He showed love and compassion. He displayed honesty and integrity. He died on the cross and rose from the grave. How on earth could we do greater works than these? 

 

Well, first of all, let me tell you what Jesus did not mean. He did not mean that we will be able to perform the exact same miracles that He did. True, some of the apostles performed such miracles, even raising the dead, but that’s not what He meant. This also does not mean that we can have the same impact that Christ had. After all, He was the Son of God, and we are certainly incapable of dying for the sins of mankind. 

 

To understand what Jesus meant, we must focus on those words “greater works.” In essence, Jesus is not talking about greater works in quality, but in quantity. Jesus’ ministry lasted for only three and a half years. Most people in ministry will go much longer than that. Also, Jesus never stepped foot outside Israel. He never went to Rome or Corinth. His ministry was focused on the Jews, but He also ministered to Gentiles who came to Him or believed on Him. 

 

So now we can understand what Jesus meant. We have our whole lives to minister to others, and like Christ, we can do so with compassion and good works. Just like Christ, we can see people saved and changed. Our ministries can have the same impact that Christ had on earth because He is just as powerful today as He has always been. He is the same Savior today that He was when He was on the earth. But we can do greater works than Christ in that we can take the gospel to places He never traveled, and many have! 

 

Here’s what Charles Spurgeon said about this wonderful truth: “Now that [Christ] has gone up on high, he does greater wonders by his servants than he, himself, personally did, for he said to a few poor fishermen, ‘Go and break up the Roman Empire,’ and they did it! They preached the gospel, and the gods of the heathen that sat on their thrones for ages were cast to the moles and the bats! And there are greater victories yet before the church of God.” 

 

Wow, what a thought! Today, ask the Lord to empower you to do greater works than Christ. Be faithful in your ministry and fervent in your prayers. Ask God to use you to do great things in this day for the cause of Christ and the gospel.