Scripture says the angels look down on us and marvel at the gift of salvation that we have been given (see 1 Peter 1:12). For it is one thing to offer physical healing to someone, but quite another to offer salvation and abundant life for all eternity.
Jesus gives us all the resources of heaven to deliver this good news in truth and power. “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14, ESV). When we read this verse, we think of the amazing scale of Jesus’s miracles, but Jesus is speaking of kingdom activity— salvation, transformation, and abundant life. When he says, “Whatever you ask in my name,” our motivation will be revealed. Do we ask for miracles because we think they will bring visible glory to God, or do we ask for kingdom results, no matter how small the scale?
According to Jesus, there is only one qualification to do greater works: “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” (John 14:12). Our belief as Christians means we all are capable of doing the greater works Jesus has ordained for us. But in order to do these works, we must have a clean heart. The very next thing Jesus says is, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). If our hearts are truly cleansed, our obedience will flow not from reluctance but from love.
Do you have trouble being obedient to God’s Word? Jesus gives a promise: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16-17). Note the word “Helper,” which means through the Holy Spirit, Jesus gives us the help we need to obey him.
As we yield to the Spirit’s help and obey God’s commands, he equips us to carry his life-changing gospel to a world in need.