John 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 (KJV)
Context
This verse is part of Jesus’ farewell discourse to His disciples in the upper room, just before His crucifixion. He is preparing them for His departure and assuring them of the coming of the Holy Spirit. The double affirmation “Verily, verily” underscores the certainty and importance of the promise that follows.
Meaning
Jesus begins with “He that believeth on me.” Believing in Jesus is the starting point of the Christian faith. It involves placing one’s trust in Him as the Son of God and the Savior. True belief leads to a personal relationship with Him and a commitment to follow His teachings.
Jesus declares that those who believe in Him will do the works that He did. Throughout His ministry, Jesus performed many miracles, healings, and acts of compassion. These works demonstrated His divine power and love for humanity.
Jesus further explains that believers will do even greater works than He did. This statement may seem surprising because Jesus performed extraordinary miracles. However, the “greater works” here does not refer to miracles of greater magnitude but to the extension of Jesus’ ministry through His followers. This includes the spread of the gospel, the establishment of the Church, and the transformation of countless lives through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus states that the reason believers can do greater works is because He is going to the Father. His departure from Earth and subsequent ascension to heaven would make way for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, believers would receive power, guidance, and spiritual gifts to continue the work of Jesus on Earth.
Application
This verse holds several important implications for believers today. It reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are called to participate in continuing His work. It encourages us to have faith and trust in Jesus, knowing that through Him, we can make a significant impact in the world. It also reminds us of the vital role of the Holy Spirit in empowering us for service and ministry.
Examples of greater works: Throughout history, we see numerous examples of believers doing greater works in Jesus’ name. The early disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit, preached the gospel boldly, performed miracles, and established churches. Missionaries have carried the message of Christ to distant lands, resulting in the conversion of countless individuals and the growth of the global Church. The Christian community has also been involved in humanitarian efforts, social justice movements, and acts of compassion that have made a significant impact on societies.
John 14:12 reminds us that through our faith in Jesus Christ, we are called to continue His work on Earth. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can make a difference in the world and accomplish greater works than Jesus did during His earthly ministry. This verse serves as an encouragement and a reminder of the transformative power of the gospel and the importance of living out our faith in practical ways.
