Kitchen Table Theology
Where Coffee, Conversation, and Theology Meet. During my 40 years in ministry, I’ve developed an increasing burden for what I sense to be an increase in biblical illiteracy, not only among those in our churches, but also in the young men and women entering the ministry. Conversely, I am hopeful, because I also sense a hunger from people to learn and know biblical truth and the things of God has revealed to us in Scripture. Our Kitchen Table Theology team has developed a list of over 150 doctrinal topics which I, along with one of my cohosts, Jen Denton or Tiffany Coker, examine weekly. Our goal is to educate and share biblical truth on the same level as if we were sitting at your kitchen table with a Bible and a pot of southern pecan coffee in front of us. Welcome to the table!
Kitchen Table Theology
275 Are Christians Supposed to Do Greater Works Than Jesus? Understanding John 14:12
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Jesus once told His disciples that those who believe in Him would do the works He did and even “greater works.” For many Christians, that statement raises immediate questions. How could anyone do greater works than the Son of God who raised the dead and walked on water?
In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Jeff and Tiffany walk through John 14:12 and unpack what Jesus meant during the Upper Room discourse. The “greater works” aren’t about surpassing Christ. They’re about the mission of Christ multiplying through His people as the gospel spreads, hearts are transformed, and the church carries the message of salvation to the world.
What We Discussed
02:45 The Context of John 14
Jesus speaks these words during the Upper Room discourse, only hours before His arrest. His disciples are troubled, confused, and struggling to understand what His departure means.
04:10 What Jesus Did Not Mean
Jesus wasn’t promising that every believer would perform miracles that surpass His own. No one exceeds the authority or power of the Son of God.
05:30 The Key Phrase in the Passage
The phrase “because I go to the Father” explains the meaning of the greater works. Jesus’ ascension leads to the sending of the Holy Spirit and the expansion of the gospel mission.
08:30 The Greatest Miracle of All
The most profound miracle is not walking on water but the transformation of a human heart. Through the gospel, sinners are brought from spiritual death to life.
10:30 The Role of Prayer in the Mission
Jesus connects the greater works to prayer in His name. The risen Christ continues to advance His mission as His people pray according to His will.
12:00 Small Acts With Eternal Impact
Faithful witness, loving a neighbor, or sharing the gospel may seem ordinary. Yet these moments often lead to lasting spiritual transformation.
14:30 Faithfulness Over Flashiness
Jesus does not call believers to outdo His miracles. He calls them to participate faithfully in His mission as the gospel spreads across the world.
16:00 The Global Expansion of the Gospel
From a small group of disciples in Judea to billions of believers worldwide, the promise of John 14:12 has unfolded across centuries.
“Greater works are not about surpassing Christ. They are about the risen Christ multiplying His mission through the faithful witness of His people.” – Jeff Cranston
👉 Visit Pastor Jeff Cranston on Amazon or his website to explore his books and booklets written to support believers in their walk with Christ.
We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.org
Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter.
Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church.
Check in with us on Facebook or Instagram @pastorjeffcranston
Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!