John 14:12-14
In these few verses, Jesus makes some pretty fantastic promises. Are they really true? Or is he using hyperbole to pump up his team before they take the field?
• “greater works that these will he do” (v12)
• “whatever you ask in my name, this will I do” (v13)
Jesus just finished telling them that they can believe in him because of both his words and his miracles. A few days later he rose from the dead, another fantastic miracle and demonstration of his deity and power. So I don’t think that Jesus is sensationalizing here. He’s speaking truth, but a truth that I’m afraid most Christians don’t embrace or experience.
Because of the sequence and proximity of these promises, they probably go together. Looking at the broader context indicates both the purpose and conditions for their fulfillment:
1. Condition: “Whoever believes in me…”
2. Cause: “because I am going to the Father…” The next passage speaks of Jesus sending the Holy Spirit; Jesus goes to the Father and sends the Holy Spirit who will empower believers to do greater works! I don’t think the reference to greater works includes Jesus’ death and resurrection though; that was his greatest work which provided the whole context for Christianity!
3. Condition: “in my name…” Jesus doesn’t promise to answer every prayer in a positive way, but specifically those that are asked in his name, and those that will glorify God -->
4. Purpose: “that the Father may be glorified…”
God’s plan for those who believe in Jesus is to engage in God’s work and accomplish more ministry for his glory that even Jesus did! We go to the Father in Jesus’ name and those things that will result in God’s glory will be accomplished.
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