Theology Thursday 23 – Greater Than Jesus
When asked the question “Can you do greater things than Jesus”, most people say absolutely not. Although at first glance the question may seem ridiculous, according to Jesus, in John 14:12-14 we do have the potential to do greater works than him. Watch TT23 as we discuss if it is even possible to do greater works than Jesus.
Scripture Reference
John 14
12 Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it. [1]
Background
- Jesus is giving his farewell speech to the disciples
- He us reassuring the disciples that they won’t be left alone
- The Holy Spirit will be sent back to help them
What did Jesus do?
Luke 4:
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” [2]
The Miracles of Jesus
http://www.jesus.org/life-of-jesus/miracles/what-miracles-did-jesus-perform.html
Reflection Questions
Why aren’t we living up to Jesus’ expectations of being greater than him?
The Miracles of Peter
https://www.blueletterbible.org/study/parallel/paral02.cfm
| Peter heals a lame man | Jerusalem | 3:1-11 |
| Ananias and Sapphira struck dead | Jerusalem | 5:1-10 |
| Apostles perform many wonders | Jerusalem | 5:12-16 |
| Peter and John communicate the Holy Spirit | Samaria | 8:14-17 |
| Peter heals Eneas of a palsy | Lydda | 9:33, 34 |
| Peter raises Tabitha, or Dorcas, to life | Joppa | 9:36-41 |
| Peter delivered out of prison by an angel | Jerusalem | 12:7-17 |
We haven’t accepted our marching orders
John 20:21 “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”[3] 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” [4]
[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Jn 14:12–14). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Lk 4:18–19). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
[3] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Jn 20:21). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
[4] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Jn 20:22–23). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.