(PRT) John 14:12-14

v. 14:12 In all certainty, I say this to you: those who put their trust in me will do the works that I do, and even greater works than what you see me do, because I am going to the Father. v. 13 Then, whatever you might need and ask in my name this I will do so that the Father might be glorified in the Son. v. 14 If you ask me anything you need in my name, I will do it.

v. 14:12 In all certainty, I say this to you: those who put their trust in me will do the works that I do, and even greater works than what you see me do, because I am going to the Father.

Truly, truly – amen, amen. It’s the way Jesus said something firmly and with resolve. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, doubtlessly. He is speaking to his disciples and extended followers. He is looking beyond those in the room to whomever.

“The works” is those deeds or activities that occupy Jesus that reflect His Kingdom. He is continuing the conversation that began with Philip’s question: “Show us the Father.” He and the Father are one. If you haven’t gotten that yet, believe the works that demonstrate the Father’s love, that show the Father to the world.

The works we do are done like He did them, with the compassionate heart of the Father.

Works is what occupies Jesus in showing the Father to those who will believe: compassion, feeding the poor, caring for the grieving, opening your life to hospitality, giving your gifts and self, going out of the way for someone else’s good, and yes, inviting the Kingdom to come in power and glory for Signs and Wonders.

Greater is the word “megas:” A general word for greater or bigger.

When? Time – related to Kairos, for the moment as in greater works as in the miraculous at points that call for a greater evidence of God’s kingdom.

Where? Spatial or where. Instead of on the paths of Judea and Galilee, greater and around the globe.

Who? Not just Jesus, not just the twelve, not just the surrounding followers listening. Whomever.

What? The very works that show the Father in ways that point to Jesus and demonstrate the Kingdom. John 16:7 – “If I don’t go away, the Father can’t send His promised Spirit.”

Going to the Father indicates a leaving and a going, it’s a journey.

v. 13 Then, whatever you might need and ask in my name this I will do so that the Father might be glorified in the Son.

Whatever we need and ask is a continuation of “The works he does” in the previous verse. Whatever works you need.

The word here for ask is directly related to a need or required desire. The defining work here is not “whatever” or “anything” – it is you might ask because  you need or require.

Again, remember the context: what will show the Father to the world. You are asking on behalf of a required answer that will show the Father, demonstrate the Kingdom and point to Jesus.

In my name means that what you need and ask for is rightly fit to who Jesus is. It’s not a formula to get whatever you require; it is a promise that God will meet you at the point of need that will glorify the Father. We ask out of our need or required desire for what will show the Father to the world, demonstrate the Kingdom values, and point to Jesus.

This is the first “in my Name” command and promise. Defining what this means is crucial. It isn’t a magical formula. It doesn’t invoke God’s blessings on what won’t point to the Father’s love. It is what is needed and requested that shows the Father to the world, brings the values of the Kingdom, and points to Jesus.

v. 14 If you ask me anything you need in my name, I will do it.

This is Jesus making it clear by saying it again in another form. The “if” is the conditional. The condition is anything you or I need that will demonstrate the Kingdom, show the Father to the world and point to Jesus.

I will do it. Because the Father is in Jesus and He is in us by the Holy Spirit, He will do it. He will make it happen or manage it.