Week 2: Ministry

Greater Things

When Jesus takes on flesh, he struggles with something we all take for granted, but he is experiencing it for the first time. Since creation, the eternally begotten son has ministered to his people without limits. He has worked alongside the Father with infinite strength, energy, and time. Geographical boundaries did not bind him. The sun never set on his work, and he never had an alarm go off in the morning.

When Jesus takes on flesh, his ministry is suddenly different. He is confined in his humanity to the same fundamental limitations that bind us all. Of course, he can still calm the raging storm, but even before that, he is sleeping in the boat, exhausted from his ministry. I’ve always wondered what it felt like for Jesus to suddenly know the confines of our physical limitations. Each person needs to be individually touched, and each touch takes a second. Each small conversation burns precious minutes and hours. He longs to welcome everyone, teach everyone, and heal everyone, but his incarnation constrains him.

This is the background to his famous words that you will read in today's scriptures. In his final extensive discussion with his disciples before his crucifixion, Jesus encourages them that they “will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father.” He then shifts into the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate. Understanding this movement is essential for understanding our participatory transformation. We will explore it further in our upcoming week on the ascension. For today though, dwell on Jesus' promise that we will do greater things. God’s solution to Jesus' finite limits is the church. The vast community of God, in its diversity and power, is not limited by geography or time as empowered by God’s Spirit.

How will we do greater things?

What is the work we are to be doing?

Read the text and be reminded as you minister in Christ of the significance of your discipleship for the goodness of the world.