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Scripture reveals powerful truths when Jesus declares in John 14:12-15, “Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will do the works that I do. And greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it. If you love Me, you will keep My commands.” Jesus provides a divine invitation and a profound promise. Let us consider the depths of these words and what implications they hold for us as believers.
At this juncture of the Gospel of John, Jesus is engaged in an intimate discourse with His disciples during what is known as the Upper Room Discourse. As He prepares to depart from this world back to the Father through His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, He imparts critical truths to His followers. The setting is deeply personal and filled with the tension of impending separation, yet imbued with hope and reassurance. Jesus is addressing His disciples' fears and uncertainties about the future. His departure is not abandonment but a transition into a new form of relationship augmented by the coming of the Holy Spirit.
### Greater (Greek: μείζων - meizōn)
The word "greater" used in John 14:12 is translated from the Greek word "meizōn," which connotes more than just quantity but emphasizes in quality or magnitude. Jesus is not diminishing the significance of His works but indicating that through the power of the Holy Spirit, His followers will extend the reach and impact of His ministry.
### Name (Greek: ὄνομα - onoma)
The word "name," from the Greek "onoma," encompasses the authority and character of the person named. To ask in Jesus' name is not merely to append His name to our prayers, but to pray with His authority, in alignment with His will and character.
### Doing Greater Works
The promise of greater works is rooted in the spiritual truth that Jesus' departure ushers in the era of the Holy Spirit, empowering believers. John 16:7 says, "But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you." The disciples' future ministry, as recorded in Acts, affirms this truth: signs, wonders, and conversions were witnessed on a massive scale.
### Ask in My Name
The authority encapsulated in Jesus' name is tremendous. Philippians 2:9-10 says, "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow." Our petitions, when aligned with His nature and will, carry the backing of heaven's authority.
### Love and Obedience
Jesus links love with obedience in John 14:15: "If you love Me, keep My commands." The principles of the Kingdom are built on this foundation. Obedience brings us into harmony with God's will and purposes, making our petitions in His name effective and powerful.
1. Believe and Abide: Engender faith by cultivating a deep, abiding relationship with Christ. Meditate on His promises and submit to the Holy Spirit's leading.
2. Understand His Will: To ask anything in His name requires discerning His will. Romans 12:2 encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind, that we may discern His will, His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
3. Exercise Authority: Boldly use the authority given in Christ's name. This authority is not for self-glory but for advancing God's Kingdom purposes, as seen in Mark 16:17-18.
4. Walk in Love and Obedience: Foster genuine love for Christ through keeping His commands. Love is the bedrock of faith (Galatians 5:6). Our petitions should flow from a heart aligned with the heart of God.
Proclamation: In the authority of Jesus’ name, I declare that I will do the works He has called me to do and even greater works, for the Holy Spirit empowers me. I will walk in love and obedience, aligning my will with His, and whatever I ask in His name, I believe He will do it in order to glorify the Father.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You in the precious name of Jesus. I thank You for the privilege of being called Your child and for the authority You have given me in the name of Jesus. Help me to walk in love and obedience, fully surrendered to Your will. Let my life be a reflection of Your glory as I pursue the greater works You have prepared for me. Empower me, Holy Spirit, to pray according to God's will. May everything I ask in Jesus' name be done for Your glory. Amen.
By embracing this teaching, let us walk with confidence and authority, knowing the powerful name by which we have access to the throne of grace.
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