John 14:12-14

       The third provision of Christ for His disciples is a prayer privilege. 
          Jesus makes a most astounding statement here:  they will do even greater works after He leaves than He did while He was with them.
          What did He mean by greater works?  In one sense you cannot imagine any more powerful works than raising the dead, casting out demons or healing a man born blind.  The apostles were given authority to do the same (Mark 3:14-15).  But He is not saying they will do greater kinds of works but works greater in number and scope.
          Consider this.  The work they were called to was that of making disciples (Matt. 28:16-20).  This was Jesus’ work, of course.  He made disciples.  There were the twelve.  We’re told He appeared to over 500 of His disciples at one time before His ascension (1 Cor. 15:6).  After His ascension we are told there were 120 disciples gathered in a room praying for ten days (Acts 1:15).
          On the tenth day the Holy Spirit came; Peter preached and, as a result of that one sermon, saw more people come to follow Christ than had come to Him during His three years (Acts 2:41).  Shortly after that another 2000 were baptized (Acts 4:4).  And over the centuries things like this have happened in many times and places around the world.
          Think about this.  Jesus called His disciples to make disciples, to do greater works.  120 of them prayed for 10 days; then the greater works came.  Now look at his promise in our passage:  Jesus ties the greater works to a promise about prayer.  They can come to the Father in Jesus name and whatever they ask for He will give it.
          To pray in Jesus name is the key.  It is not a magic charm to be added to the end of a prayer.  Rather, to pray in Jesus name is to…

·        make Christ the petitioner.  It is as if He were asking the Father, and the Father always hears His Son.

·        make Christ’s merit the basis.  We do not come in our own name, as if that would impress the Father.  It is Christ’s provision for sin that enables us to have this access to God’s presence.

·        make Christ’s will the standard.  Remember this:  we are asking of the Father what Christ would ask.  When we come in His name we are not asking for our will but His.
     Again we see that Jesus is calling the disciples to live and minister as He did.  He was often found to be in prayer to His Father, seeking direction and power.  So let us pray.  Let us pray in His name!  Use what He has given that you might do greater works and glorify God!