One of the most astonishing statements Jesus ever made is found in the Gospel of John:
“I tell you the truth, 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. You can ask for anything in My name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it!”
Think about that for a moment.
Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, calmed storms, fed thousands, delivered people from darkness, and brought hope to broken hearts. Yet He tells His followers that they would continue His works — and that even greater works would come.
This passage is not just for pastors, missionaries, or church leaders. Jesus said, “anyone who believes in Me.” That includes ordinary Christians living ordinary lives with an extraordinary God.
What Did Jesus Mean by “Greater Works”?
Jesus was not saying we would become greater than Him in power, holiness, or authority. He is the Son of God.
But after Jesus returned to the Father, the Holy Spirit was poured out on believers. Instead of Jesus ministering in one place at one time, His Spirit would now work through millions of believers across the earth.
In His earthly ministry, Jesus primarily ministered within Israel. Today, the Gospel has spread to virtually every nation on earth. Millions have come to Christ. Hospitals, orphanages, schools, ministries, churches, and missions movements have been launched in His name.
The “greater works” include the global spread of the Gospel and the transforming power of Christ working through His people generation after generation.
God Works Through Available People
The encouraging thing about this passage is that Jesus did not say, “Anyone who is talented enough,” or “Anyone who is famous enough.”
He simply said, “Anyone who believes in Me.”
God loves to work through surrendered people:
- A parent praying for their children
- A worship leader leading with sincerity
- A teacher investing in students
- A friend encouraging someone in despair
- A missionary serving quietly overseas
- A church member faithfully serving behind the scenes
The Kingdom of God often advances through ordinary acts of obedience empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Asking in Jesus’ Name
Jesus also gives an incredible promise about prayer:
“Ask for anything in My name, and I will do it.”
This does not mean God becomes a vending machine for every selfish desire. To pray “in Jesus’ name” means to pray according to His character, His heart, and His mission.
When our desires begin to align with His purposes, our prayers become powerful.
Jesus says the purpose is “so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.”
That changes everything.
Prayer is not mainly about building our kingdom. It is about advancing His Kingdom.
Don’t Live Small
Too many Christians settle for a small, safe, comfortable faith.
But Jesus calls us to something greater.
He invites us to pray bold prayers.
To believe for changed lives.
To serve courageously.
To share the Gospel.
To love deeply.
To trust the Holy Spirit.
To expect God to work.
You may feel ordinary, but God specializes in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.
The disciples themselves were not famous scholars or powerful leaders. They were fishermen, tax collectors, and common men. Yet after being filled with the Spirit, they changed the world.
And God is still working through believers today.
A Final Thought
The Christian life was never meant to be passive. Jesus did not save us merely so we could survive until heaven. He saved us so we could become part of His mission on earth.
The same Jesus who spoke these words still calls believers to live by faith, pray boldly, serve faithfully, and expect God to move.
Perhaps the greatest tragedy is not failing greatly for God — but never believing Him for anything at all.
