We desire daily to do great works; this not only in some of us but also in all of us. During Jesus life on earth, he said greater things will we do because HE is going to the father and in another instance, he said John the Baptist was greater among those born of women yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Therefore, as Children of God the least we can be is like John the Baptist.
Matthew 11:11 (New International Version)
11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
This made me wonder what are these great works I can do that will surpasses what Jesus did on earth and at the same time exceed the works of John the Baptist?
When it comes to performing miracles, Jesus performed all kinds of miracles that the word says it was impossible to capture all of them in this book.
John 20:30-31 (New International Version)
30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe[a] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Let us look at the first scenario where Jesus says I shall do greater things than him?
John 14:12 (New International Version)
12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the work I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the father.
Jesus came as both Man and God on earth. But when he went to the cross, he died as a man powered by the Holyspirit. (Hallelujah, the devil lost the battle in his own territory!). Jesus did not leave us as orphans, but he left us the Holyspirit so that in partnership with HIM we can continue the work that he started i.e. Kingdom advancement which is any and every scriptural mechanism deployed to establish and reign the lordship and influence of Jesus Christ in the hearts of men and across every stratum of human activity represented by the seven mountains of influence.
Witnessing is the greatest commission given to humanity and the greater work since its only we here on earth in partnership with the Holyspirit that have the ability of witnessing to fellow men.
Matthew 28:19-20 (New International Version)
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Let us look at the second scenario for John the Baptist. He Spent his life baptizing, and he ended up baptizing Jesus.
John 1:6-8 (New International Version)
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
John the Baptist was baptizing as part of his purpose. He was to reveal the Messiah to Israel through baptism.
John 1:31-34 (New International Version)
31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”
32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.
Not all of us are authorized to baptize, so are we disqualified from being greater than John the Baptist?
Matthew 11:11 (New International Version)
11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Of course not, one of the significances of baptism is its ability to catapult one to his Divine Purpose. We can all be the bridge the lord can use to help others walk in their purpose and destinies. We can do this through divine connections, giving our resources and time. This right here is witnessing for Christ better than John the Baptist for we have the empowerment from the Holy spirit.
As you go to your workplace be intentional in how you represent Christ through your work and your relation to others. Remember Greater things shall we do in Jesus’ name and by the power of the Holyspirit. It’s good to note that majority of the great works may go unnoticed but worry not as the Lord knows what’s done in secret and he will not only bless us but do so in public eyes.
May the Lord’s presence go before you to bring boldness and courage as you witness for him and may his glory fall!
Amen.
Shalom.