“He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father” (John 14:12 NKJ).
There is a kind of false humility that surfaces when this verse is discussed by Bible commentators. The thinking is, “How could anyone ever imagine he could do anything greater than Jesus? It would have to be vain conceit or spiritual arrogance to even want to do greater things than our Lord.”
Jesus did not speak this word and then step back and threaten us with an “I dare you to even try it.” He spoke this word as an assured fact to be incorporated unto the functioning of His Church. Can we really expect to do greater things than Jesus did? Let us look at some possibilities.
Jesus’ earthly ministry lasted between 36 and 42 months. He worked within a three-year span of time. His Church is now headed toward its two-thousand-year birthday. Contrasting three years of ministry with 2000 years of Christianity gives us one view of greater things: works done in a greatly expanded time frame.
Jesus ministered within a 100-mile radius. The Church has now gone around the world with the Gospel. His followers have done greater works by doing them on a wider scale.
Jesus spoke these words while functioning in His earthly sphere. His glory has been restored since the ascension with the descent of the Holy Spirit. We now have a better covenant based on better promises (Heb. 8:6). We are now fully endowed to go forth in the power of the Holy Spirit and work the greater works that Jesus promised His Church. Let us get on with it!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.