May 4 Greater Things

John 14:12-14 “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” 
 
WITH sure teaching, Jesus says, “I tell you the truth.” The God of the universe has spoken to mankind to reveal two life-giving faith promises here: First, “Anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing…even greater things than these.” And second, “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
   Do you believe these promises? I think most of us react with, “Do you mean that, Lord? I can do greater things than what you did on earth? And, what about the ‘No.’ I’ve heard too many times when I prayed? You didn’t do what I asked, Jesus. Are you telling me the truth?”
   Does this sound familiar? Those have been my thoughts; I suspect you have felt the same way. How do we move through our doubt, our lack of trust in Jesus’ truth to believe the Lord Jesus’ truth?
   First, his promise, “Everyone will do greater things than these (things I have done).” is about a true life as his disciple in three ways. They are: 1) evangelizing, which is to tell the gospel to all 2) leading people to confess Jesus as Lord 3) performing miracles as Jesus did. I know, this third one may seem impossible to most of us. But let’s remember. True discipleship is only possible when the Holy Spirit empowers one to faithfully follow Jesus.
   The 12 apostles demonstrate this to us. There is evangelism in: Acts 8:25 When they had testified and proclaimed the word of the Lord, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.
The apostles led people to confess Jesus: Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They did miracles: Acts 5:12 The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people.
   Through Jesus’ disciples then and throughout the ages since, a far greater number of people have come to Christ. Countless people have been born again into a living faith. Untold numbers of sick have been healed in the Spirit’s power than in Jesus’ three years of ministry. Indeed, Jesus’ faithful disciples have done greater things on earth over time because the Lord has empowered us – yes, you, me and all you say, “I believe Jesus is Lord.”
   When you are faithfully walking in Jesus’ commands, the Holy Spirit will gift you to the work of Christ.
   We’ll continue with Jesus’ second promise in our next lesson.
 
Prayer: Empower me, Holy Spirit, to do the work of Christ on earth. I rejoice in your gifts to tell the world, “Jesus saves.” Amen.