Have you ever wondered about the time Jesus said that those who believe in Him would do even greater works than He did? I don't know about you, but I haven't walked on water without sinking, turned water into wine, brought anyone back from the dead, cured leprosy, or cast out demons. In fact I feel inadequate by not being able to live up to the bar Jesus set for my life. This is kind of depressing, So just what could Jesus possibly mean by this statement? Why did Jesus say this if He was just going to leave me depressed by it?
Lets examine the passage from John 14:12 more closely. "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."In other words, the "greater works" will be possible as a result of His leaving. When we combine this concept with a statement a few verses later about coming back in the form of the Holy Spirit who would indwell in all believers the passage makes greater sense.
To put it another way, it is as if Jesus was saying, "Right now there is only one of me. Soon there will be many, because I am going to my Father in heaven from where I can direct my work through millions of us throughout the world." Understand?
Our efforts joined to innumerable efforts of others result in an increased flow of God's love, mercy, and goodness to vast numbers of people through out the world.
In this light we need not feel depressed or inadequate. We can know that we're accomplishing greater works than Christ did when He was here! It's about what we all can do together as a singular "Body of Christ." Our job is to let our light so shine before others that they see our good works and glorify God who is in heaven.
You and I are a collective part of something greater. Just as a tiny stream begins high in the snow-capped mountains and is joined by countless streams until it becomes a rushing river, so our small works become part of a greater work than what even Jesus accomplished when He was here.
This Summer let us all "Join the flow!" Let's witness and share our faith through words and deeds that give evidence that we are all Easter people bellieving in resurrection and new life.

Pastor Gene Wickman