Peter Barnes | John 14:12-14
SERMON NOTES
GREATER WORKS AND ANSWERED PRAYER
(Psalm 30; John 14:12-14)
(a) Christians should expect to do greater miracles than Jesus;
(b) Christians can ‘name and claim it’ in prayer, and receive what they want.
Both of those interpretations are impossible.
1. Christians will do greater works than Christ.
– 14:12; Jesus cannot be promising greater miracles
The book of Acts tells of two raisings from the dead (Acts 9; 20). But note Acts 11:27-30. Jesus fed five thousand men; the apostles took up a collection. Note Acts 27:43-44. Jesus walked on water.
– Augustine and J. C. Ryle contend that ‘greater works’ means ‘more conversions’. Compare Acts 1:15 and Acts 2:41.
– ‘because I am going to the Father.’ See John 7:39.
2. Christians have an assurance of answered prayer.
– 14:13-14. Note 15:7, 16:23-24. Jews face Jerusalem to speak to Yahweh and Muslims face Mecca to speak to Allah. Christians come to the Father in the name of Jesus His Son.
– David Yonggi Cho ‘names it and claims it’
– not so in 2 Cor.12:7-10.
– we have every encouragement to evangelise and pray.