Question of the Week: “Jesus said: ‘He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also … and greater works …’ (John 14:12). What do you think he meant by ‘greater works’?”

October 3, 2005

I think Jesus was saying to us: “do not limit yourselves.”

Eduardo, Buenos Aires, Argentina

I think Jesus expected us to heal just as much, and, if possible, more than he did. “Greater works” could mean “more in number” and witnessed by more people.

Syd, Austin, Texas, United States

When Jesus said, “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also ... and greater works ...,” I think he was letting us know that his works were examples of the divine law of God operating on behalf of humanity, but there is infinite variety and detail in the way God’s law applies to our human experience. The “greater works” we have the opportunity to do are not greater in significance to those works by Christ Jesus. He was and always will be the Way-shower. Our “greater” works are seen as we follow Jesus’ example and apply God’s law to all the expanse of human experience. Then God’s law will be more fully realized.

Elizabeth, St. Louis, Missouri, United States

Complete freedom from and mastery of the material illusions of the world (limitations, money, body, nature, etc). This is done by understanding (believing in the Christ idea) the spiritual kingdom here and not being fooled by the material dream illusion.

Dave, New Jersey, United States

Set in practice spiritual qualities, live them, express them because our God is the unique source of riches. The great works are only the spiritual qualities or God’s qualities.

Ndonga, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

I have thought about this a lot over the years and edit my thoughts periodically. Looking at the world today, we could of course consider eliminating poverty, war and disease as “greater works,” but maybe we should look at the mental atmosphere and eliminate hate, fear, self-pity, etc., which in turn would rule out the others. This past few months I have heard the term “rage” applied to Hurricane Katrina, the fires in California, illegal immigration and government issues. Certainly rage nullified would fulfill the requirement for greater works.

Kathy, West Hills, California, United States

The only limitation to what we can do is set by the greatness of our belief or faith. If our faith in Jesus is as great as his faith in the Father, then we can do great works as he did. By the same greatness of faith we can do greater works since the works of Jesus are still unfinished. Now, the choice is ours. Believe and continue the unfinished work, or do not believe and be incapacitated to do anything. After all, without him we can do nothing.

Pablo, Iloilo City, Philippines

Jesus was saying that he was going soon and I think it is clear that had he been working in this experience for more years that he could have elevated many human institutions, etc., to be greater; but his mission was apparently dependant upon his leaving as he said, so that the Comforter could come to us. Maybe the “greater works” would involve overturning evil wherever it was apparent, such as he did in huge numbers at one time. Since he could feed thousands and heal thousands at a time, the greater works he envisioned would be beyond this.

Andy, Bothell, Washington, United States

When Jesus ended his three-year ministry, and knowing that he had left us his example of “going to the Father” when he demonstrated healing, I love to think of the greater number of demonstrations that have been and are being made worldwide today by many faiths, including Christian Science. When you add all the verbal testimonies that are given in churches each week to the ones printed in the Christian Science periodicals since they were published, this is one way of looking at “greater works.”

Rita, British Columbia, Canada

I believe Jesus expected the works to continue. He knew his departure from the world was nearing. Therefore, the “greater works” I interpret as his expectation that this was not the end of Christ demonstrated, but the works he had done can be done by all who believe on him. Thus, “greater” does not mean better, rather it just means continuing the mission of Christ beyond the human life of Jesus.

Jesus explains how we, as adherents to Christ’s teachings, can continue to do these works. He says “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” (John 14:21). Spiritually discerned, this love Jesus is talking about is not human love, rather it is the revelation of God as Love through the manifestation and obedience of the commandments which Jesus gave us. By doing them, we are expressing true love and appreciation for what Jesus did, and this demonstration is exactly what is needed to perpetuate the works of Jesus.

Ian, Tacoma, Washington, United States

Often I have thought about the subject of “greater works.” After all, what could be greater than raising the dead? I finally came to the conclusion that “greater works” would be to not have any problems to begin with .... to entirely avoid having problems of any kind whatsoever. To understand God’s allness and goodness, which fills all space, so completely that you are never mesmerized into believing a lie of any kind. To my way of thinking, that would be “greater works”!

Lorrie, Dayton, Ohio, United States

Beyond human knowledge there are lot of things which is done/known by the supreme power for the sake of humankind. There is no words sufficient to describe His service and love showered continuously on us and He is protector. He is one with all, all the time.

Pspsharma, Bangalore

I don’t think that Jesus meant that the disciples would do “greater” things than what Jesus had done. I think that what he meant was that the greater work that his followers would do would be to carry his message to the rest of the world. This would be a great accomplishment given the resistance to the message of Jesus during his time and also during ours. This is our great work.

Duane, Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts, United States

I think that he meant if we believe in Him ... Truth ... and nothing else, that we can accomplish all that he has and will, because we believe in Him.

Laurel, near Chicago, Illinois, United States

I wonder if he meant greater in the sense of farther—for instance, practitioners heal people who are at great distances away from them (I know) and then also greater in the sense of scope, i.e., government turmoil, everyday business turnarounds, plus as Mrs. Eddy mentioned, the ‘prophylactic’ cure.

Marsha, Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada

Jesus was specially anointed, but the Christ anoints each one of us too. We’ve all been given equal amounts of the Christ qualities. Jesus showed us what those qualities are, and how to develop them in our lives so we could heal others. He was the Master of the Art of Healing (like some painters are considered masters of art.) But he didn’t come to show us up, to say, “Well, I’m the best one there is, and there’s no way you can do the same things, much less greater.” Instead, he said, “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also...and greater works .…” But we have to believe in his works. Jesus healed for only three years. So I think he literally meant, if we follow his example to the T then we’ll be able to equal his works, and do greater—for longer periods, reaching further, perhaps even out to other worlds/galaxies. This all may sound very presumptuous; I don’t think anyone has healed as he did or walked on water. But I think he expects us to work toward that goal. Otherwise, what would have been the point to his teaching?

Sarah, North Kingstown, Rhode Island, United States

I believe Jesus is the example, not the exception. Therefore I believe Jesus meant that any one of us who gains the spiritual understanding that he accessed has the potential and mandate to demonstrate Spiritual Truth in greater and greater ways. Greater works being the healing of anyone who believes in the reality of sickness, death and loss, by revealing the True Reality of Eternal Life, Perfection and Wholeness.

Monica, Seattle, Washington, United States

The difference between good and great could not be more evident here. He (any and all) who believe (hold to, trust, adhere to, understand) the Christ (Truth) will demonstrate these works, and so “be fruitful and multiply” in numerous ways. It is quite clear that the works could only be better by being more widespread.

Dwight, Dallas, Texas, United States

Jesus Christ came to us to teach us how to live, how to love God, ourselves, and all others. He proved who he was by his healing. This was a step in our understanding of who we really are. He did his work perfectly. Now we need to do ours. Learn all he taught us and apply it to all situations. Not just to heal physical ailments but to heal the world thought. I believe this is what he meant by greater works. This is another step in the progression of mankind. He showed us how connected, united we all are in God. He taught in a more individual way, so we would know how to work with him in unity, collectively, wholly and purely.

Diane, St. Charles, Missouri, United States

I doubt we can even imagine what is possible because we are still mired down in medicine and physical means of accomplishing goals. I wish we could all be more spiritual.

Rosi, Ashlan,Wisconsin, United States

Jesus’ full statement about “greater works” is “because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name I will do it.” Jesus in this passage is telling us how to pray; the greater works that will come if we pray in this manner we cannot imagine!

Judy, Boston, Massachusetts, United States

I think he meant that they won’t appear as miracles such as his did. The works we’ll do will appear as normal understanding and be our natural and normal way of life with no gasping crowds looking on.

Mary, Chicago, Illinois, United States

I think that because he didn’t live to face aging or getting older, that these are the greater works, and we are having to really understand the relation of body to God.

Rose, Hot Springs, Arkansas, United States

I think he meant that there is no limit to the work we can do when we recognize the Truth of God’s creation. Jesus was responding to the needs of his day through the works that he did. He knew the human experience would evolve and with that evolution, the need for greater works and demonstrations of God’s power.

Molly Owen, Los Angeles, California, United States

What a great question. I have thought about it many, many times. I think it means for some things:

a) Perhaps we will and can do greater things than Jesus because we will be here in this earthly experience longer than he was (personally).

b) We have the possibility of distributing the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy! These were not available to publish in Jesus’ time. And they can heal countless numbers.

c) With the truly incredible media and technological developments, we have remarkable ways of reaching our brothers: Computer (Internet), television, print, satellite, movies, etc., etc., etc. Thus a powerful divinely inspired lecture, scientific sermons, songs, etc. can reach billions, so tremendous numbers of healings can occur!

d) And because of Jesus, and Mrs. Eddy, we have learned much more about what prayer [is]. And so with more love-filled and spiritually understanding thought, the numbers that can be healed are untold!

Thank you.

Susan, Wellesley, Massachusetts, United States

How can we do greater work than the Master? Who among us today can walk on water, or raise the dead? What does Jesus expect of us that he would say such a thing? I can only conclude that Jesus expects much of us. If the truth about mankind is that we are the sons and daughters of the living God, this statement by Jesus comes from his understanding of our true nature as the divine image of God.

Much about our 21st-century world would certainly astonish those living in Biblical times. We take things for granted today that would be miraculous to those who walked with Jesus. We can talk to each other instantly though thousands of miles apart. We move freely to every part of the globe. We have left the Earth entirely. Jesus knew we would do this because he knows us. But Jesus is the Master and we still sit humbly at his feet. To think that all Christ has done can still be done today is thrilling and humbling at the same time.

Samuel, Fort Worth, Texas, United States

That we will do more works because he was only here doing his works for three years.

Wendy, Riverside, California, United States

That’s a good question. Maybe he meant that the longer it takes society to accept the spiritual truth of things, the greater will be the number of things to overcome.

Marsha, San Diego, California, United States

I don’t think that we could more and more healings. Because there are many today who are following Christ Jesus’ teachings and healing sin, disease and death we are doing more. We are blest today to have Mary Baker Eddy’s book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures which explains and shows how Jesus healed. We have many today who are carrying on Jesus’ tradition. In this sense of the word greater, we are doing more than his disciples. Ellen, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States

To reach out to other people fearlessly and love with reckless abandon. He understood that every problem has a solution. I know Christ Jesus took moments to admire each baby, toddler, child, teen, adult and senior citizen—the entire community—he relished the fact that no wall or barrier could exist between himself and another child of God.

Maude, Waterford, Michigan, United States.

I think that by greater works Jesus was referring to the increased spread of healing and love. Jesus proved that our life is spiritual not in matter. That proof allows for more people to freely demonstrate and receive the healing truths of divine Love.

Paula, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

The works that I do shall he/she be doing also, and other/additional works shall he/she shall able to do, that believeth on me!

Rudolph, Summerville, South Carolina, United States

I have to take the words of Jesus as it was written. “Works” means all that he ever did on earth: healing, making the blind see, stopping the storm, raising the dead, everything. “Greater” means Jesus did not set any limit to what we can do. However, the key word here is “believe.” The miracles in the Bible happened because the recipient believed. This is very plain to see in his words like: “Let it happen as you believe.” or “Your faith has made you well.”

To me it means we can heal more than Jesus, because God is all powerful, ever-present Principle, Love.

Carole, Huntingdon Beach, California

It’s hard to think of anything “greater” in quality than the individual “works” Jesus did—healing “all manner of sickness,” stilling the storm, feeding the multitudes, and most of all overcoming death itself! But maybe the “greater works” he promised we’d do will be greater in magnitude—overcoming sin, sickness, death and all kinds of evil not just in individual situations or experiences, but on a much larger, worldwide scale. Just think! If disease, hatred, violence, greed, lack, suffering, mortality itself, (etc.) can be overcome even in one or a few individual cases—and Jesus and his followers certainly proved that, and are still proving it—then they can be overcome everywhere, in everyone’s experience, from the individual to the global level. The end of wars, of famine and poverty, of hatred, of environmental destruction, of everything (every mortal illusion, that is) that poses itself as standing against the universal recognition of God’s kingdom, of ourselves as His/Her beloved children—all of us. To paraphrase Mrs. Eddy, if 3x3=9, then 3x3,000,000,000,000 must equal 9,000,000,000,000... how big is a “duodecillion” anyway?! Courtenay, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

I think that “greater works” refers to never feeling limited by human thoughts or actions. We need to set an example—through thought, actions and physical health, that we are the perfect children of God. Jesus did this on a daily basis, and this illustrated that we should too, persistently and continuously.

Elizabeth, Eugene, Oregon, United States