Greater works than Jesus did?

[durangodawood]

John 14:12
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father."

What does that mean? It cant mean that the typical Christian believer is right now doing greater works than Jesus did..... or can it?

 

[lesliedellow]

John 14:12
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father."

What does that mean? It cant mean that the typical Christian believer is right now doing greater works than Jesus did..... or can it?

It means, in essence, that his disciples will go on to win converts in far greater numbers than he did during his life time.

 

[Steeno7]

As the Father worked through Jesus, now Christ works through us. He is not limited, but indwells and powerfully works through all Christians as we remain available to His supernatural ability.

 

[durangodawood]

Perhaps I should have provided just a little more context....

8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.

12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me[e] anything in my name, I will do it.

So if the works are spreading the word, does that imply the first bolded part means "...or else believe on account of the conversions youve already seen"?

 

[lesliedellow]

Perhaps I should have provided just a little more context....

8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.

12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me[e] anything in my name, I will do it.

So if the works are spreading the word, does that imply the first bolded part means "...or else believe on account of the conversions youve already seen"?

It means whatever the disciples had previously witnessed. If we think miracles are "greater" works than evangelism, that only says something about what we are impressed by. From God's point of view, the great work is the building of his kingdom.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

Mod Hat

This thread is undergoing a cleanup, following which it will be reopened.

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We recognize that real seekers are looking for real answers, and the first reply given may be insufficient to achieve this. It is acceptable for the Original Poster (OP) to probe the answers given, and to continue the discussion on lines which help to clarify their understanding of the Christian faith. If another non-Christian seeker wishes to ask questions about the Christian faith, they may start their own thread. No more than one non-Christian (the OP) may post in a thread.

Mark
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[durangodawood]

It means whatever the disciples had previously witnessed. If we think miracles are "greater" works than evangelism, that only says something about what we are impressed by. From God's point of view, the great work is the building of his kingdom.

That makes sense.

Thanks for the replies, folks.

 

[bling]

Jesus could not provide the way for the spirit to indwell believers, yet after jesus went to the cross and left earth we can provide a way for believers to obtain the indwelling holy Spirit.