“Truly, truly I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to the Father.” (John 14:12)

Much of the attention given this verse is often directed toward the second part: “greater works than these he will do” — people are amazed at the implication that Jesus’ followers might do works even greater than those that He did when He was here on earth. And that IS an amazing statement indeed!

But perhaps we should give as much attention to the FIRST part of the verse, in which Jesus states that the one who believes in Him will do the same kind of works that Jesus had done here on earth. This is not only a promise, but is also very convicting. It becomes one of the most telling tests of genuine discipleship. Are you a follower of Jesus? Do you really believe in Him? How will we know it? Jesus answers that here: if you really believe in Him, then you will be found doing what He Himself did here on this earth. You will be teaching God’s word; you will be proclaiming His gospel; and you will be caring for His people — those works which characterized Jesus’ life when He walked here (Matthew 4:23).

Is your life marked by these things? If you are truly a disciple, it should be. “He who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also.”