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.
I’ve been going to church all my life. I’ve heard hundreds…maybe thousands of sermons over the years. Yet, I can’t remember ever hearing anyone preach from this particular verse in the Bible. And if they did, I’ve certainly never heard anyone testify that they can match, or are capable of exceeding the works of Jesus Christ. But that’s exactly what I’m going to proclaim this morning. And not only am I going to say it for me, but that goes for you as well.
I make this bold and outlandish statement not because I think I’m something special, but because Jesus said it was so. To doubt the validity of the text, is to doubt the power of Christ. As much as we may feel unworthy, incapable, inadequate and just plain skeptical, the truth is Jesus thinks differently. He made a mind boggling assertion. The question is, when are we going to start believing it?
Before we delve any further into this text, I think it’s important to note that Jesus did not concede to defeat in being the number one spiritual giant of all time. He only said those that believe will do his works and greater because he had to go away. Had he not gone away, I dare say he would have done works like nothing we could even imagine. But he has gone away. And he’s passed the mantle onto us.
When you think about it, this is an incredible statement. First of all, it’s a lot of pressure. Living up to the example of Christ is an almost impossible task. And I say ‘almost’, only because Jesus says we can do it. The scriptures often mention our prowess, power, authority and anointing. Scriptures like Philippians 4:13 ”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” is a classic example. Romans 8:37 declares, “we are more than conquerors through him that loved us”. And how about 1 John 3:2 “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
These verses affirm our new birth experience has truly made us Kingdom ready. We have nothing to fear and heaven to gain. But exceeding the miraculous works of Jesus, still seems way beyond any of our capabilities. Are we to believe we can heal more folk than Jesus? Are we to imagine we could somehow turn water into wine? And if it’s not miracles, signs and wonders that Jesus is referring to, then what is it?
Well, I thought long and hard on this subject and I’ve concluded there is one thing I can do equal to Jesus, and even surpass his record on earth.
Miracles, healings, feeding multitudes and walking on water were unparalleled as human feats, but after all Jesus did, only one person truly believed he was the Christ. The thief on the cross was the only recorded individual that openly affirmed belief that Jesus was indeed a King with a Kingdom. Many believed after the resurrection. The disciples came back after they saw he was still alive. But the thief was alone in his recognition of the deity of the man Jesus.
Dear Children of God, I believe we can do better than one this morning. I’m convinced that through the power of the Holy Ghost in us, we can compel, persuade, convince and coax some folk to give Jesus a try this very day. Miracles are fine. Healing is fantastic. But salvation is greater than them both. There’s nothing greater than causing someone to give their heart and soul to Christ. They just gotta receive. We just gotta believe.
God Bless
