Greater Works
Good Morning Friends,
At first I was a bit baffled by today’s scripture as I searched for the meaning behind the words and their purpose. I am still both comforted and disturbed by them, for they challenge all who believe in Jesus to do Greater Works.
Scripture: Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.
John 14:12-14 (NRSV)
Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’
John 20:21–23 (NRSV)
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (NRSV)
Message: These words of Jesus are perplexing but also powerfully inspiring and encouraging when you ponder them in their context. And I mean powerful for your life today and for the work of people who serve in and through churches. I does though require a vision for a better world here on the earth, as it was designed from heaven. They are words for your life and mine as we seek to build community together. But they are not words to be parsed. The most conflicting section is this idea of doing works greater than the works of Jesus. Something about that thought just does not seem right. Oh really, am I to do something greater than defeating death? How in Jesus’ name am I going to exceed the miracles of walking on water, feeding five thousand with five loaves and two fish, and raising the dead? I don’t know of any Christian who has ever lived who has ever done all three of those miracles, let alone something more miraculous. But personal though this scripture is, it is not about you and me in isolation becoming a better water skier or doctor or a better farmer. It is about you and me in community doing something together we cannot do alone. The promise of the scripture is to carry on the works of Jesus collectively. Our gifts are varied. The process to activate them is in prayer to Him for everything we need to glorify God. That is really something very different from an idea of being empowered as an individual. It is about access. Friends, I am not going to do something greater than Jesus on my own and neither are you. That is not what the scripture says at all. The context is after Jesus has died and risen. The context is just before Pentecost. Friends, believing in Jesus is what unites us as we strive to thrive in the Kingdom. The direction of today’s scripture points to Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit. The message we are to share is not of a promised ransom but a paid ransom so we might indeed be free. The greater works are the continuing works of the Holy Spirit as new creatures in Christ. What’s new and greater is that never before in the history of the world is the offer of forgiveness being extended by an already crucified, already risen and reigning Christ. Indeed when Jesus abides with us through the Holy Spirit the works in and of the Kingdom of God are greater. But they are still God’s.
Pray we believe we shall never thirst. Pray we believe that out of our hearts will flow rivers of living water. Pray we believe that even though we will die we will live. Pray we believe that we will not live in darkness. Pray that in our work we connect faith and works. Pray we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Pray we are new creatures in Christ. Pray that our works bear witness to Jesus. Pray we realize that this is not about our fame but his name.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 