Acts 9:32-43 | You Will Do Greater Things Than Theseਨਮੂਨਾ

The town of Lydda, where Peter healed Aeneas, was about ten miles from Joppa, a Roman-controlled port city on the Mediterranean. In that town, a beloved disciple named Tabitha, who was “full of good works and acts of charity,” became sick and died (Acts 9:36). The disciples in Joppa heard that Peter was in a nearby town and sent for him, asking that he come immediately.

When Peter arrived in Joppa, the disciples led him to the upper room where Tabitha’s body lay. Widows were there weeping and showing Peter the ways Tabitha had blessed them and how much she meant to them. Peter did what Jesus did when he was confronted with a similar situation. Peter put the people outside, knelt down by the body, and prayed. The text doesn’t tell us what Peter prayed. All it says is that he turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up” (Acts 9:40). And she opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called everyone in, the disciples and the widows, and showed them that their friend was alive. Word spread like wildfire, and many put their faith in the Lord.

Tabitha was alive again because Peter got up and went. He followed the example and words of his Master. He was with Jesus when he raised a widow’s son and Jairus’s daughter back to life (Luke 7:11-17 and 8:49-56). Jesus himself had told his disciples that whoever believes in him would do the works he had been doing and would do “greater things than these” because he was returning to the Father (John 14:12).

Was Jesus saying his followers would be greater than he? Certainly not. As the story of Acts testifies, the disciples did everything in Jesus’s name and gave all glory to him. In fact, it was King Jesus himself who was continuing to work through those disciples who believed in him. In context, Jesus’s point is that his words and his works show that it is the Father working through him. Likewise, he will work through those who believe in him, and whatever they ask in his name, he will do it.

Through those who believe in him and obey him, Jesus himself will do greater things than what his followers had even seen in Jesus’s earthly life. How amazing that the Lord Jesus invites us to participate in his work! Pray today that God would fill you with the Holy Spirit and give you courage to boldly do the work of Jesus, as Peter did. Ask Jesus to do the Father’s work through you today.