John 14:12

"Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me; or else believe me for the very works’ sake."

Key Reflection

John 14:12 encapsulates Jesus' promise to his disciples, affirming that those who believe in him will not only perform the miracles and deeds he did but even surpass them. This statement is rooted in the deep unity between Jesus and the Father, emphasizing that this faith-based power stems from their shared divine essence. The cultural context of first-century Palestine would find such a claim both profound and challenging, as it implies an intimate relationship with the divine that enables miraculous actions.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 12. He that believeth on me. This promise had doubtless peculiar reference to the apostles themselves. They were full of grief at his departure, and Jesus, in order to console them directed them to the great honour which was to be conferred on them, and to the assurance that God would not leave them, but would attend them in their ministry with the demonstrations of his mighty power. It cannot be understood of all his followers, for the circumstances of the promise do not require us to understand it thus, and it has not been a matter of fact that all Christians have possessed power to do greater works than the Lord Jesus.

Related Verses

More from John 14

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion