Great News! Greater Things
Pastor Jim Miller
September 15, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction
Pastor Jim greets Real Life Church and introduces the sermon series.
Theme: "Greatest Hits of Jesus" in the Gospels.
Today's focus: Jesus' promise that we will do "greater things" in His name.
Opening Prayer: Expressing gratitude for Jesus' love and calling, seeking guidance to continue His ministry.
Scripture Reading and Context (John 14:4-12)
Jesus gathers with His disciples before His death and resurrection.
Predicts His betrayal and leaving to prepare a place for His disciples.
Confusion of the Disciples: They don't understand where Jesus is going.
Key Verses:
John 14:6: "I am the way, the truth, and the life."
John 14:12: Promise of "even greater works."
Misunderstanding and Clarification
Thomas’ Question: "Lord, we don't know where you're going."
Jesus’ Response: He speaks of spiritual, not earthly, matters.
Comparison: Like the “Who’s on First” routine, the disciples take Jesus literally and get confused.
Jesus as "The Way, The Truth, The Life" (John 14:6)
Exclusive Claim: Jesus is the only way to the Father.
Common Objection: "Aren’t all religions different paths to the same destination?"
Answer:
Christianity’s claim is based on God’s revelation, not human guesswork.
Illustration: Speed limit analogy—guesses don’t override the authority of the law.
Jesus’ Claim Comes from Love
Jesus doesn’t exclude others; He invites all to the truth out of love.
Metaphor: It’s not about exclusion like a child pulling up a ladder in a tree fort. It’s about saving and loving all.
Our Role: When we declare Jesus as the way, it must come from love, or else it’s meaningless noise (1 Corinthians 13).
The Union Between Jesus, the Father, and Us (John 14:7-11)
Philip’s Request: "Show us the Father."
Jesus’ Response: "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father."
Theological Significance:
Jesus and the Father are one—this shaped centuries of Christian thought on the Trinity.
Illustration: St. Patrick’s three-leaf clover analogy.
Mystical Union: Jesus is in the Father, the Father is in Jesus, and we are in Jesus. This unity shapes our faith and prayer life.
Doing "Even Greater Things" (John 14:12)
What does “greater” mean?
No comparison in quality: We aren’t expected to outperform Jesus.
Greater in scope and number: The works of the church across centuries continue Jesus’ ministry, extending His reach and impact.
The disciples and church spread the Gospel for thousands of years, far beyond Jesus’ earthly ministry.
Empowerment Through Jesus
Jesus promises we can do greater works because we are empowered by His Spirit.
Examples from Early Church History:
Irenaeus and Polycarp witnessing miracles.
Augustine’s testimony of countless miracles in his time.
Stories of the supernatural are threaded through 2,000 years of Christian history.
The Church’s Role in Miracles
Historically Accepted: For centuries, miracles were undisputed because they were so frequent and widespread.
Modern Skepticism: Originated from theological disputes, not scientific inquiry.
Challenge to the Church Today: We’ve become hesitant to ask for miracles, not because they don’t happen, but because we fear the risk of unanswered prayers.
Living Holy Lives and Doing Greater Works
Call to Action: To do greater things, we must live lives fully devoted to Christ.
Charity and Generosity: Christians throughout history led in social care and hospitals.
Examples:
Andre Trochme saving Jews during WWII.
Charitable giving in modern America, where Christians are the most generous.
Spiritual Practices: Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving empower our works.
Augustine's Advice: Prayers need the wings of fasting and giving to reach heaven.
Conclusion
Jesus has empowered us to continue His mission.
Encouragement: Embrace a life of radical charity, prayer, and holiness to do the works of Jesus and even greater things in His name.
Final Challenge: Risk asking for the supernatural and expect God to answer.
Closing Prayer: Bless the congregation as they go forth to live out the Gospel and be the church.
Biblical References
John 14:4-6
“You know the way to the place where I am going.” (v. 4)
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (v. 5-6)
John 14:7-11
“If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” (v. 7)
Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” (v. 8-9)
“Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.” (v. 10)
“Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.” (v. 11)
John 14:12-14
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” (v. 12)
“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (v. 13-14)
1 Corinthians 13:1 (Referenced implicitly)
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”
John 17:20-21 (Referenced later in the sermon)
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
Matthew 6:1-18 (Referenced through Augustine's teaching)
Jesus' teachings on giving to the needy, prayer, and fasting.
Reflection Questions
Understanding "The Way, The Truth, and The Life":
How does Jesus' declaration in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," challenge or affirm your understanding of who Jesus is? In what ways can you live this truth more fully in your daily life?
Greater Works in Christ's Name:
Jesus promises in John 14:12 that those who believe in Him will do "even greater works." What do you think this means for your life and the church today? How can you step into this promise with confidence?
The Role of Love in Sharing the Gospel:
Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 13:1, how can you ensure that when you share the message of Christ, it comes from a place of love and not judgment? What steps can you take to cultivate this kind of love in your interactions with others?
The Union Between Jesus, the Father, and Us:
In John 14:7-11, Jesus emphasizes His union with the Father and how believers are invited into that union. How does this shape your understanding of prayer and your relationship with God? How can you deepen this connection in your spiritual life?
Risking Prayer and Believing in Miracles:
The sermon challenges the church to take risks in asking for miracles and trusting God to answer. What holds you back from asking boldly in prayer? How can you grow in faith to expect supernatural outcomes in your life and in the lives of others?
Daily Activities
1. Daily Prayer for Greater Works
Activity: Set aside dedicated time each day to pray for God’s guidance and empowerment to do "greater works" in His name. Ask for the boldness to request miracles and opportunities to serve others in meaningful ways.
Application: This practice reinforces the promise that through Jesus, you are empowered to do even greater things. It also nurtures a deeper connection with God through regular, intentional prayer.
2. Acts of Radical Generosity
Activity: Identify a cause or individual in need and intentionally give generously—whether through financial support, time, or resources. Aim to do this anonymously or without expecting anything in return.
Application: Following the examples of charity throughout Christian history, this practice reflects Jesus' call to live selflessly and mirrors the spirit of almsgiving that Augustine and Jesus emphasized.
3. Fasting to Strengthen Prayer
Activity: Choose one day each week to fast (from food, technology, or another form of indulgence). Use this time to pray specifically for areas where you need God’s intervention and to seek His presence.
Application: Fasting creates space to focus on spiritual matters, intensifies prayer, and is a practice that historically empowered early Christians to seek miracles and grow in holiness.
4. Serving Others in a Christ-like Manner
Activity: Volunteer at a local shelter, food bank, or other community organization. Serve with the intention of imitating Jesus, seeking to love others as He does.
Application: Living out Jesus' command to love and serve others, this activity makes tangible your role in continuing Jesus’ ministry and doing "greater works" in today’s world.
5. Sharing Your Faith from a Place of Love
Activity: Share your faith with a friend, coworker, or family member, focusing on love and understanding. Avoid arguments; instead, offer to listen to their perspective and share how Jesus has transformed your life.
Application: This practice emphasizes Jesus' instruction that declaring Him as “the way” must come from a place of love, reflecting His heart for people and avoiding the “clanging cymbal” of loveless communication.
