Two promises.  John 14.12-14  “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!”

Hi. 

‘No matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ,’¹ Paul said… our Lord makes two promises in these three short verses: we will do even greater works than him, and we can ask for anything in his name, and he will do it.  Stop!  If you just rolled right through those, perhaps you should read them again.  Both statements are more than incredible. 

How could the disciples possibly do the same or greater works than Jesus did, once Jesus was gone?  Logically speaking, one reason is that Jesus never left the region of Palestine to minister.  He did not travel and spread the Good News to Europe or Asia …  but the disciples would.  One of the last things he says to them is ‘…you will be my witnesses to Judea, Samaria, and the outer parts of the world.’¹   But though Jesus would be with the Father, absent from them, his followers would not be left to their own devices—they would have the Holy Spirit.  ‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…’ which he will tell them about in the next verses here in John 14.

That power would enable them to witness, AND it would enable the hearers who responded to be similarly filled with the Spirit, and become effectual followers.   Effectual?  Yes, those who submitted to the claims of Christ, lived in obedience, and multiplied themselves—through the power of the Holy Spirit, living in them and through them.  Filled with the Spirit, when they used their gifts, they would heal and teach in Jesus’ name … see the replication happening?  ‘Greater than that done by one—even when the one was Jesus.

You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it.  Simply, Jesus is inviting them to pray, and he attaches a promise to it.  The statement again places Jesus on the level with God, who alone can answer prayer.  Another incredible thing to say!  Can you imagine how Jesus’ claim incited the religious rulers!  The claim indicates there is authority in Jesus’ name … there is power in his name … there is relief available in his name.  Thank you, God!  ‘The name of the Lord is a strong tower.  The righteous run to it, and they are safe.³    Amen.

Promises ...

Christine