What does "greater works than these" suggest about Jesus' future miracles? Setting the Scene John 5:20: “For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all He Himself is doing. And He will show Him greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.” What the Phrase Means • “Greater works” points ahead to miracles that exceed what the disciples had seen so far—miracles that would deepen their amazement and confirm Jesus’ divine identity. • The wording assumes a literal, future fulfillment; it is not rhetorical exaggeration. Miracles Already Witnessed • Healing a man paralyzed 38 years (John 5:1-9) • Turning water into wine (John 2:1-11) • Cleansing the temple (John 2:13-17) Miracles Still to Come—The “Greater Works” 1. Authority over Creation • Feeding 5,000 with five loaves and two fish (John 6:1-14) • Walking on the sea (John 6:16-21) 2. Authority over Life and Death • Restoring sight to the man born blind (John 9:1-7) • Raising Lazarus after four days in the tomb (John 11:38-44) • His own bodily resurrection (John 20:1-18; Acts 2:24) 3. Authority to Give Eternal Life • Promise of resurrection for all who believe (John 5:24-29) • Sending the Holy Spirit to indwell believers (John 7:37-39; 14:16-17) Why These Works Are “Greater” • Scope: Moving from individual healings to raising the dead and conquering death Himself. • Revelation: Each miracle progressively unveils Jesus as the life-giver and Judge (John 5:21-22). • Salvation Impact: His resurrection secures eternal life for multitudes, far surpassing any earlier sign. The Father-Son Relationship • The Father “shows” the Son—continuous, intimate sharing of divine works. • The Son performs every miracle in perfect unity with the Father, making each sign a direct display of God’s power (John 10:37-38). Takeaway for Believers • Expectation: The recorded “greater works” anchor our confidence that Jesus still possesses absolute authority. • Assurance: Because He has already done the greatest work—rising from the dead—believers can trust every promise of life and resurrection to come (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). |
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