In today’s Gospel (Jn 14:1-12) Jesus makes a number of interesting statements to Philip. How does someone, like Philip or me, “see Jesus” and thereby “see the Father”? and how can a person do “greater” works that Jesus?
Well, these verses start the beginning of Jesus’ “farewell discourse” in John’s gospel. He is going away, but he will “come back.” It is this time “in-between,” as scholars call it, that Jesus is talking about.
The foundational point is whether or not a person believes in Jesus, believes in his “name,” in who he truly is – the divine Son of God. Such a belief opens one’s eyes to see that the Father and the Son are One. Jesus even uses “authoritative” verbs to make his point – and an authoritative verb means it is a command. “Don’t be troubled”; “believe”; “have faith in me”; etc.
Once that belief becomes a reality in one’s heart, a true relationship is established between the believer and Jesus. Now one can approach Jesus in faith, and not demand a sign. Now all that remains is to carry on the work of Jesus, but with the power of the Holy Spirit, not our own power. Precisely what is it that makes a believer’s works “greater” than those of Jesus? Fr. Francis Moloney explains it this way: he says, the greatness comes from the very fact of his absence! Jesus is still present – in his absence! And as the number of members of the believing Body of Christ increase, the works of Jesus increase proportionately, because now he can spread his word and works of love through millions of believers!
Once again that puts the burden of responsibility on the believer. Are you in fact carrying on the mission of Jesus, by spreading his words and actions of love? Your answer will determine whether or not you are in the proper relationship with Jesus. Because our journey is a pilgrim’s progress, we can always make improvements in our relationships.
For a Christian, believing in God can’t be separated from believing in the One he sent, his “beloved Son” – the One to whom we’re commanded to “listen.” Jesus is our model of holiness; he is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Well, these verses start the beginning of Jesus’ “farewell discourse” in John’s gospel. He is going away, but he will “come back.” It is this time “in-between,” as scholars call it, that Jesus is talking about.
The foundational point is whether or not a person believes in Jesus, believes in his “name,” in who he truly is – the divine Son of God. Such a belief opens one’s eyes to see that the Father and the Son are One. Jesus even uses “authoritative” verbs to make his point – and an authoritative verb means it is a command. “Don’t be troubled”; “believe”; “have faith in me”; etc.
Once that belief becomes a reality in one’s heart, a true relationship is established between the believer and Jesus. Now one can approach Jesus in faith, and not demand a sign. Now all that remains is to carry on the work of Jesus, but with the power of the Holy Spirit, not our own power. Precisely what is it that makes a believer’s works “greater” than those of Jesus? Fr. Francis Moloney explains it this way: he says, the greatness comes from the very fact of his absence! Jesus is still present – in his absence! And as the number of members of the believing Body of Christ increase, the works of Jesus increase proportionately, because now he can spread his word and works of love through millions of believers!
Once again that puts the burden of responsibility on the believer. Are you in fact carrying on the mission of Jesus, by spreading his words and actions of love? Your answer will determine whether or not you are in the proper relationship with Jesus. Because our journey is a pilgrim’s progress, we can always make improvements in our relationships.
For a Christian, believing in God can’t be separated from believing in the One he sent, his “beloved Son” – the One to whom we’re commanded to “listen.” Jesus is our model of holiness; he is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
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