John 14:12-14
March 4, 2026
John 14:12-14
CONFESS
Almighty and most merciful Father, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy upon us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
READ & REFLECT
John 14:12-14
12“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
Many people are understandably perplexed by Jesus’ claim that whoever believes in him will do even greater works than he has done. This cannot simply mean Jesus’ followers will do more works than Jesus. And it is hard to imagine Jesus’ followers doing something more spectacular than raising the dead (John 11:43-44).
The key to understanding Jesus’ statement lies in Jesus’ own explanation: “Because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12). Far from abandoning this world, Jesus’ “going to the Father” means that he will rule over this world. One of the primary ways in which Jesus will exert his rule will be through his followers. Prior to his death, many of Jesus’ actions were somewhat veiled and difficult to understand, but following his exaltation, they will take on new light. The works that Jesus’ followers will perform in his name after the resurrection will be greater than those that preceded Jesus’ death because they belong to the new age of clarity and power. That is why Jesus promises to do whatever is asked in his name. He will be the ultimate author of all that is accomplished by his followers.
PRAY
Weekly Collect
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities that may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.