The “Works“ Jesus Commands
Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:12-14 NIV
I have always read this as a confirmation that I can – and will – do great miracles if I have enough faith. And I can ask for – and expect to receive – anything. Funny how that never seems to work out; people are doing so few miracles these days.
But maybe I’ve understood it wrong. The Message says: “Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can’t believe that, believe what you see—these works. The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do. John 14:12-14 The Message (MSG)
So, those greater works are actually His works (done through me, which is a miracle all by itself), and the answered prayers are Kingdom prayers.
But this passage is also sandwiched between two of Jesus’s “works.” In looking back to the previous chapter, I realized that the very last “work” before He said this was washing the disciples’ feet. He follows the action with these words:
Then he said, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do. I’m only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn’t give orders to the employer. If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life. John 13: 12-17 MSG
Jesus goes on to say: “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” John 13:34-35 MSG
So those are our marching orders: acts of humble service, and Christlike love. Both completely out of my reach – in my own strength.
But then Jesus says: “If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can’t take him in because it doesn’t have eyes to see him, doesn’t know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be in you! John 14: 15-17 MSG
The Lord of the Universe who commands, indwells and enables:
I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]
Philippians 4:13 AMP
John 13 through 17 are Jesus’ last teachings to his disciples. In the next 24 hours, they will see him arrested, tried, beaten, condemned and crucified: completing the greatest act of humble service and incredible love ever performed.
Mother Teresa said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” Even small things are possible, for me anyway, only through the power of the risen Lord who sees, indwells and enables. And, when you think about it, making that “work” pretty great after all.