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.
Jesus makes a startling promise: 'He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also' (ho pisteuon eis eme ta erga ha ego poio kakeinos poiesei). This grants believers participation in Christ's miraculous works through faith. The even more shocking addition follows: 'and greater works than these shall he do' (kai meizona touton poiesei). How can disciples do greater works than Jesus? The explanation: 'because I go unto my Father' (hoti ego pros ton patera poreuomai). Jesus' ascension enables the Spirit's coming (14:26, 16:7), empowering global gospel advance. The 'greater works' are not greater in power but in scope - through the Spirit-empowered church, the Gospel reaches all nations, whereas Jesus' earthly ministry was geographically limited. The verse promises Spirit-enabled ministry that extends Christ's work globally.
Historical Context
Early church history validates this promise - through the apostles' Spirit-empowered ministry, thousands were converted, churches multiplied throughout the Roman Empire, and the Gospel transcended cultural boundaries. The Book of Acts demonstrates these 'greater works' - Peter's Pentecost sermon converting 3,000, Paul's missionary journeys establishing churches across Asia Minor and Europe. Church Fathers appealed to this verse defending apostolic authority and miraculous gifts. Medieval mystics saw it validating monastic miracles. Reformation theology emphasized the 'greater works' as gospel proclamation bearing fruit globally. Pentecostal and charismatic movements cite this verse supporting contemporary miraculous gifts. The verse has generated debate about cessationism versus continuationism, but Jesus' emphasis is clearly on gospel expansion enabled by His ascension and Spirit's descent.
Questions for Reflection
How can believers do 'greater works' than Jesus - what does 'greater' mean in this context?
What is the relationship between Jesus going to the Father and believers doing greater works?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus makes a startling promise: 'He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also' (ho pisteuon eis eme ta erga ha ego poio kakeinos poiesei). This grants believers participation in Christ's miraculous works through faith. The even more shocking addition follows: 'and greater works than these shall he do' (kai meizona touton poiesei). How can disciples do greater works than Jesus? The explanation: 'because I go unto my Father' (hoti ego pros ton patera poreuomai). Jesus' ascension enables the Spirit's coming (14:26, 16:7), empowering global gospel advance. The 'greater works' are not greater in power but in scope - through the Spirit-empowered church, the Gospel reaches all nations, whereas Jesus' earthly ministry was geographically limited. The verse promises Spirit-enabled ministry that extends Christ's work globally.