Speculations

Speculations.

Interpreters have been at a loss in what way to understand this” (Barnes’ Notes Commentary). Below is a brief overview of the many different ideas that have been voiced about what these “greater works” Jesus spoke about might be—i.e., greater . . .

In Effect / Extent

  • Cannot refer to miracles themselves (their quality) but to greater in their effects or extent.
  • More extensive results—i.e., larger numbers.
  • The conversion of more sinners and souls in many more nations.
  • Christian TV, satellites, radio, Internet, books, etc.

In Kind

  • Not in degree but in kind . . .
  • Christ had healed with the hem of his garment . . .
  • But the very shadow of Peter and handkerchiefs and aprons of Paul healed.
  • By the words of Peter, Ananias and Sapphria were struck dead.
  • By Paul’s words, Elymas the sorcerer was struck blind.

In Location

  • Christ only preached in one country and in that language; but the apostles preached in most of the known world and in all the languages.

In More Power

  • They would have more power to do the “works” than they had when He first sent them out. (The reasons are “because I go unto my Father” and the sending the Holy Spirit.)
  • Hence, these “greater works” would not be done in independence from Christ; but with Him in the form of answered prayer and the sent Holy Spirit operating in and through them and us (Eph. 3:20).

In Time

  • Christ only did miracles for three and a half years in one country; but his followers would do so for many ages in many countries.

In Manpower

  • We will do more than Jesus because He was only one man and there are more of us.
  • In millions of relationships . . . and change the face of humanity.

In Faith

  • John 6:28-29:  they would have “to believe in the one he has sent.” Hence, the greater works is faith.
  • Did Jesus have “faith?” (Check Heb. 11:1).
  • Jesus said He could only do what He saw the Father doing (John 5:19-20).
  • Jesus didn’t need faith. He had personal experience and previous knowledge of the Father and the workings of the Godhead having been with them before the beginning and before his incarnation.

In Quality

  • The works of Jesus’ followers are of a greater quality, since they belong to the era of God’s promises fulfilled—i.e., the gift of God’s Spirit and the forgiveness of sins both come about because of Jesus’ work on the Cross.
  • Luke 7:28 is offered in support: “All believers in the new era are greater than he was, because their works are empowered by the Spirit” (Darrell Bock, “Dribbling Circles Around Jesus,” Christianity Today, June 06, p-56).
  • But weren’t Jesus works also empowered by the Spirit?

Source:

1 A Once-Mighty Faith (future book – est. 2014-15) by John Noe