Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

Maybe you’ve heard that before. Whether in business, parenting, or friendship, it’s a truth that often rings loud and clear: We become like the people we surround ourselves with.

We even tell our kids, “Bad company corrupts good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33). It’s a warning, but it’s also an invitation. If the people we spend time with shape our hearts and actions, then what would happen if we spent more time with Jesus?

In John 14:12–14, Jesus says something astonishing—something so wild that many of us don’t quite know what to do with it.

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12)

Wait, what?

Greater works than Jesus?

But Jesus Raised the Dead

This is where we pause and think: Greater than raising Lazarus from the grave? Greater than opening the eyes of the blind? Greater than walking on water? Those are the kinds of works we associate with Jesus. The kind that make headlines. The kind that defy all human understanding.

So when Jesus says we’ll do “greater things,” it feels a little intimidating.

But take a step back. Look again.

Yes, Jesus performed miracles—but those weren’t the only things He did.

He also:

• Served people quietly
• Healed hearts, not just bodies
• Befriended the lonely and sat with the broken
• Taught truth in love
• Loved people deeply, sacrificially, consistently
• Walked humbly, lived generously, forgave freely

These weren’t just one-time events. These were the rhythms of His life. And Jesus is inviting us to participate in all of it.

“Whoever Believes in Me…”

Notice how Jesus begins this promise:

“Whoever believes in me…”

Not, “whoever becomes a religious leader.”

Not, “whoever has perfect theology.”

Not, “whoever performs miracles.”

Simply: whoever believes.

This is for everyday believers. People like you and me. People who are still learning, still growing, still wondering if they’re qualified. And Jesus says, Yes. You are.

Why? Because He goes on to say, “…because I am going to the Father.”

Once Jesus returned to the Father, He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in us (John 14:16–17). And through the Spirit, we’re not just doing our own works—we’re continuing His.

The Greater Works Are Closer Than You Think

Let’s reframe what “greater works” might mean.

Greater doesn’t necessarily mean flashier or more miraculous. It means wider, deeper, multiplied, ongoing. After all, Jesus’ earthly ministry was geographically small—mostly around Galilee and Judea. But through His people today, His love and power are reaching every nation.

Greater works might look like:

• Sitting with a grieving friend
• Raising children in the love of Christ
• Praying for someone and watching God move
• Providing groceries to a struggling family
• Mentoring a teen through a tough season
• Speaking life where there’s been shame

Greater works aren’t always loud. They’re often quiet. But they carry the same power, because they flow from the same Spirit

A Story of Greater Works: The Small Church With a Big Mission

I recently experienced this firsthand.

In a season following Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, I served with a small church of about 50 people. We were tiny by the world’s standards—but we were seeing greater works unfold before our eyes.

We were feeding thousands each month.

Not just with food. We were distributing diapers, wipes, clothes, shoes, blankets, toys, cleaning supplies, water—everything people needed to survive in the aftermath. We were unloading 52-foot trailers, sorting, packing, and sending it all out with love and purpose.

And it wasn’t glamorous. We were tired. Sometimes it was messy. But it was beautiful.

The heart behind it all wasn’t about recognition or religious obligation. It was about participating in what Jesus was doing—loving well, serving humbly, giving generously.

This is what it looks like to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.

“The miracles were only part of it. The greater works include everyday love.”

Ask, Believe, and Watch God Show Up

Jesus doesn’t stop at the promise of greater works. He immediately adds:

“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

(John 14:13–14)

These are not blank-check promises. Jesus isn’t saying, “If you say my name, you can get anything you want.” No—He’s saying that when we’re aligned with His heart, we can ask boldly and expect God to move.

As we spend time with Jesus—listening, abiding, obeying—our desires begin to mirror His desires. Our prayers shift from “make my life easier” to “make my life count.” And God loves to answer those prayers.

Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

When we pray that way—heaven comes down. Families are restored. Provision shows up in impossible ways. Hearts are healed. People come to know God. Miracles happen. Not because we’re powerful, but because He is.

“See is the breeding ground of miracles.”

When we look and expect to see God at work, we often do.

What Happens When We Do Life His Way

So what happens when we spend time with Jesus and walk with His people?

• We start to believe like Him.
• We start to love like Him.
• We start to serve like Him.
• We start to pray like Him.
• We start to see the world through His eyes.

And soon, we start seeing those greater works—not just in churches or conferences, but in kitchens, neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, shelters, and grocery stores.

Because we’ve spent time with Jesus.

Because we’re becoming like Him.

Final Thoughts: Let Jesus Show You His Greater Works

Maybe you’ve disqualified yourself from this promise. Maybe you think greater works are for other people—more spiritual people. But Jesus said “whoever believes.”

That’s you.

What if you leaned into that today? What if you asked Jesus,

“Show me your greater works in my life.”

And then looked around for where He’s already moving?

Don’t underestimate the power of small, obedient, faith-filled steps. Don’t underestimate the beauty of serving someone with love and grace. Don’t underestimate what God can do when you offer Him your hands, your prayers, your heart.

Let Jesus show you His greater works—in you, through you, and around you.

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Scriptures to Reflect On:

• John 14:12–14 – The promise of greater works and answered prayers
• Matthew 6:10 – Praying for God’s will on earth
• Acts 1:8 – Power through the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses
• 1 Corinthians 15:33 – Bad company corrupts good morals
• Philippians 2:5–8 – The servant heart of Jesus
• Hebrews 10:24 – Stir one another to love and good works
• Ephesians 3:20 – God does more than we ask or imagine

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A Simple Prayer

Jesus, I want to be with You, walk with You, and become like You.

Let me see where You’re already at work—and help me join You there.

Give me eyes to see and hands to serve.

Let my prayers reflect Your heart.

Show me what Your greater works look like in my life.

Amen.