Why You Must do Greater Works – Pastor Odim Awa Odim

Why You Must do Greater Works – Pastor Odim Awa Odim: John 14:12; [12] “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. This typically focuses on the promise that believers will do works similar to Jesus and even greater works because He returns to the Father.

But most believers seem not to front or specify more of the similar works of Jesus as of the whole context but they rather choose more of the miracle working abilities of Christ to define what Jesus meant by greater works. Let us look into it more critically from this scripture. John 13:16; [16] Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.

This scripture points to the fact that Faithful servant must also share in or have the same experiences of the master. And not to think that they will be greater than there master. So looking at our Lord’s earthly ministry.

Beneath are his experiences and also his portfolio.

1.  Preaching

Matthew 4:17; [17] From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Jesus’ central message revolved around the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, which emphasized the present and future reign of God.

He preached about repentance, forgiveness, and the love of God, offering hope and salvation through faith in Him.

2. Teaching

Mark 4:34 NLT; 34: In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.

• The Teachings of Jesus

Love: Matthew 22:35-37; [35] Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, [36] “Teacher, which is the great; commandment in the law?” [37]

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

Forgiveness: Matthew 18:21-22; [21] Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” [22] Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Kingdom of God: Jesus’s teaching on the Kingdom of God is central to his message, emphasizing it as both a present reality and a future hope. It’s not just a place or a time after death, but a transformation of hearts and lives through faith in Jesus and God’s reign on earth. Luke 17:20-21; [20] Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; [21] nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

The Kingdom is characterized by love, justice, and righteousness, and it’s accessible to all who turn to God. Matthew 6:33; [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Humility and Mercy: Luke 6:36; [36] Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. Ref: Parable of the Unmerciful Servant ( Mathew 18:23-35).

Discipleship: Matthew 28:19-20; [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Authority of His Teaching: Matthew 28:18; [18] And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

The Bread of Life: John 6:35; [35] And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

The Way, the Truth, and the Life: John 14:6; [6] Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

The Cost of Discipleship: Luke 14:25-27; [25]Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, [26] “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. [27] And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

Eternal Life: John 6:47; [47] Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. His teachings often emphasized humility, mercy, and seeking righteousness and his parables, which used everyday stories to illustrate deeper spiritual truths

3. Working of miracles

The Bible records numerous instances of Jesus performing miracles. These acts, often called “mighty works” or “signs,” included healing the sick, casting out demons, controlling nature, and even raising the dead.

4. Kingdom impact

While the Bible doesn’t have a single verse stating “Jesus works on impact,” many passages highlight Jesus’s impact through his actions and teachings, emphasizing themes of love, service, and transformation.

Ref: the Feeding of the Five thousand

Matt 14:13-21; So now considering the opening text. Jesus Christ has assured us of doing greater ministry because he is going to the father. This greater works speaks loudly of responsibility in deputizing for our risen king here on earth. This greater works speaks of representing our kingdom here on earth as the called out ones.

1 Peter 2:9; [9] But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

When comparing our ministry with his.. he meant we should reach out to more people because he is sending to us the holy Spirit, This is often interpreted as the empowerment of the Holy Spirit enabling believers to accomplish more than Jesus did during his earthly ministry. Greater works, emphasizes that they are not necessarily greater miracles but rather a broader scope of ministry enabled by the Holy Spirit.