Greater Works

As we continue our observation of the words of Christ concerning how to relate to others as He did, we come to this portion of Scripture that talks about the “greater works”. Traditionally, we tend to interpret “greater works” to mean signs and wonders, evangelism, and missions. However, I would like to add a paradigm in order to have a fuller understanding of what Christ is trying to say here.

Do remember that when Jesus spoke these words, they were in the context of chapter 13 - it was at the same last supper where Jesus had earlier talked about servanthood and loving one another as He loved them. Therefore, in keeping with the flow of the narrative of John 13-14, I would like to suggest that we must interpret “greater works” through the lens of love. Here is my proposed paradigm:

1. If we truly are God’s children, we would love and serve as Jesus did. We would love and serve our fellow brethren and those around us. (13:1-20, 31-38)
2. When we forget to love as He loved or are clueless as to how to love challenging individuals, the Holy Spirit within us will remind us and teach us how to love, just as Jesus taught and modelled to His disciples while He was with them. (14:15-31)
3. When we need divine intervention and guidance on how to love and serve, we can always ask the Father in Jesus’ name. And He will answer our prayers. (14:12-14)
4. Therefore, as God the Father and Son empower and resource us to do the works He has for us (signs & wonders, evangelism, and missions), love must be the foundation of all that we do.
5. As a result, the works cannot help but multiply because of the divine love that is present in them.

Bringing up a child in Singapore is challenging. For many parents, their energy and emotional tanks are on a constant low every day. Coming home to their Energiser Bunny kids at the end of a long and tiring day can be extremely challenging. Sometimes, the easier thing to do is to just make sure that all the tasks are done - get their bags ready for school, make sure the kids do their homework and sleep on time, resolve conflicts that they have with each other, etc. If this is your reality, then you are not alone.

I have 3 boys who are all extroverts. Their love languages are touch and words. And they deplete my energy tank each day. Sometimes, I just turn on my ‘autopilot’ mode and focus on getting the various tasks done so that I can reach the final destination of my day - the living room couch. I have to admit that on many days, love was not my motivation for the various things I did for my children. The task became more important than the posture. I forget to do these tasks out of my love for them. I simply just “do the task”.

In our Christian journey, we will encounter many opportunities to do “good works” - blessing another individual, praying, witnessing to a non-believer, giving to missions, etc. Jesus is telling us today not to forget the heart behind everything that we do - love. We can do all these things and yet not have any love for the individuals we minister to. Jesus is encouraging us this day: let love drive everything that you do for the kingdom of God because God is love. As we go out into the world and do the “greater works”, may we always begin with a heart of love - love for God and love for people. Then, our greater works will reflect the glory of God to those who receive it!

Reflection

• Do you think love is the motivation for everything that God has done for you? If not, what other reasons could there be?
• Is there someone that you find difficult to love? Ask the Holy Spirit right now to show you how to love this individual, trusting that God is going to answer your prayer.

Application

Learn to listen to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit whispering to you as you relate to various individuals, especially to those whom you do not really like. Then heed His promptings so that God will be glorified through your words and actions.