“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” John 14:12-14
Happy Fathers Day!
Across the nation people are celebrating fathers. Some good, some bad. Everyone has a father and every experience is different. Some of us still have our fathers with us, and others have left this earth to be in their heavenly home. I’m blessed to having a wonderful loving father. Not perfect but faithful and true. Steady, interested and involved. A father who has taught me much about how to love my own children.
Yesterday’s passage was about fathers specifically as Jesus spokes about how he and the Father are one. Today’s passage follows on the heals of that idea but moves into what Jesus refers to as “greater works.” He also talks about how he will be going to his Father soon and how if you ask for anything in my name, he will do it. This is for the purpose of the Son (him) bringing glory to the Father (God.) Today, I’d like to visit the idea of “greater works” as it relates to Jesus and his Father, as well as us and our Fathers.
Jesus did great things because of who is father was. Period. He, who is also God in the flesh, had an intimate, loving and grace filled relationship with his Father. Because of this, and Jesus’ obedience, he did great things such as the miracles and the resurrection of the dead. Jesus healed many, forgave sins, and paved a way for us to have access in this life and the next to the Heavenly Father.
Yet Jesus tells us if we abide and believe in him, then we will do greater works than he has even done. This seems unlikely but maybe my idea of greater works (in light of Jesus’ own great works) is misunderstood. I think we will be able to perform miracles, healings and salvation of others if we are faithful to the ministry of the Gospel. But the greatest work we could perform might just be obedience to the Father. It was for Jesus. Why not for us?
Instead of getting hung up on doing outwardly “great” deeds that turns the heads of the hedons, why not focus on the inward reward of obedience, transformation and personal redemption made possible by his death and resurrection upon the cross? Not only are we to produce fruit but we are to be fruit. Our lives are to exhibit holiness and imitate Jesus. Maybe the greater works he is referring to isn’t so much an outward expression but an inward grace.
I often struggle with producing my own “ministry masterpiece” for all the world to see. A bigger church, more participation from people, a published work on the NYT Best Sellers list. But this reminds me of the temptation Jesus had from Satan to make himself great! Greater works for God are humility, obedience and faithfulness. That’s how he measures our lives as we reflect the love and life of his Son Jesus Christ.
So, on this Father’s Day, let’s all strive to imitate Jesus who imitated his Father by being more loving, caring, self-sacrificing and obedient to the call of making disciples, by loving God and loving each other. Could there be anything greater than this?
“O Lord God, thank you for allowing me to be a father and to strive for perfection. Although I am far from where I need to be, by your Holy Spirit I am working towards more and more obedience. So that you might be glorified through my life and actions. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your power and love. Help us celebrate the Father today who is above all and in all. Who knows us deeper than anything one else and who loved us so much he gave up his Son on our account. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen