The Greatest Thing You Could Ever Do (Greater Works Series)

Last November, I celebrated by 37th birthday and it was nothing monumental. But out of curiosity, I researched some of the great accomplishments people have achieved before their 37th birthday. Michelangelo finished painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Robert Jarvik invented a pneumatically powered heart. Frederic William Herschel invented the contact lens. Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star Spangled Banner.” Amelia Earhart flew in an airplane across the Atlantic by herself. Last year, I successfully replaced a broken tail light on my car ALL BY MYSELF (applause please).

The greatest accomplishment in the world came nearly 2000 years ago- when Jesus paid the penalty for sin, as He died on a cross around the age of thirty-three. Just a few days before this event, the Lord told His disciples something truly amazing and intriguing. “You will do greater things than I have done.”

We need to rewind for a moment. The Son of God came to this earth through a miraculous birth and lived a perfect life. He performed countless miracles and emerged as the greatest teacher to ever live. He shouldered the weight of our sin and, in perfect humility and obedience, made the greatest sacrifice of love by offering Himself for us. (And He rose from the dead!) What could someone do that is greater than the sum of these?

As Jesus sits with His disciples in the upper room for the last time, He proclaims this incredible promise. Judas has been dismissed and the disciples are trembling with fear. Their hearts are trouble at the prophetic instructions from the Lord about the events of the next few days. He speaks to them words of hope. He tells them, “You will do greater things than I have done.”

            What could possibly be considered greater than the works of Christ? Who could do these works? How can any of these works be accomplished?
The answer to these questions of the key to fruitful volunteer ministry. It is also essential to ministry leaders who enlist and train the people of God for Christ-honoring service.

Over the next few days, I will explain the meaning of “greater works” and who is qualified to do them. Be sure to subscribe to this blog (see the right sidebar to sign up) so you do not miss these.