Soul Snack 8/32 ... "A Call to Arms"
24 hours preceding His death Jesus is still teaching. He has the absolutely correct knowledge to prepare His friends for His end.
I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12
In this now poignant upper room, He is comforting well, teaching with clarity, and promising a decisive future, to His friends. Their feet now washed and fresh, Jesus seeks to freshen their faith with His envisioning insight into faith driven living...'he will do even greater things than these'.
As with any good leader, He has a 'succession plan'. Faith is how His work will now work. Jesus has planned thoroughly for after His departure. Jesus is expecting and equipping for an expanded work. He is sowing for an improved and superior work...'he will do even greater things than these'. Surely a daunting vision for insecure followers.
How did His disciples receive this extravagant instruction?
- Is Jesus making a point by exaggerating?
- Is Jesus speaking words of motivation?
- Is Jesus simply speaking hollow words?
The clear expectation of Christ on His followers is that they will 'over-achieve' on Him. The simple path to over achievement is faith.
Jesus stilled storms, healed the sick and cast out demons. He walked on water and even raised the dead. Jesus defeated the works of satan before He died and then on the cross. He now leaves us 'to mop up' His victory.
Is this verse a gross over statement? No ... it is a call to arms.