Can I admit something to you? Whenever I read a novel or watch a movie, I inevitably identify with one character over all of the rest. I like their style. I like the way they think or act. I will even admit to having been swayed by wardrobes and hairstyles from time to time.
Somehow, someway, I just find myself leaning into someone specifically.
Being drawn to people can often turn into a response called emulation, which means that we desire to imitate or even rival what we see. When we were much younger, this meant fantasizing about actually “being” the beloved characters of comic books or cartoon shows on Saturday morning. Hours of role-playing fun, with blankets for capes and self-made sound effects for superpowers. Then, as we got older, we simplified things. If we couldn’t be them, at least we could be like them. A mountain of self-help books now motivates us to model ourselves after others to become the best version of ourselves. But when we consider these techniques more closely, they often come off feeling a bit wistful, or naïve, or horribly unnatural.
Yet, at the Last Supper – Jesus shared the following thought for consideration:
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works because I am going to be with the Father.”
John 14:12 NLT
Now, being more like Jesus is definitely something I want to emulate! His statement certainly stirs a lot of amazing hopes and dreams in my mind. Wow!
But frankly, after I spend a few moments considering it more closely, I just can’t see myself raising people from the dead, calming violent storms, or allowing myself to be nailed to a cross to save a world gone wrong.
Most people are mightily challenged to see themselves in the mold of Christ. Yet, God’s plan clearly calls us to become more and more like His Son as we go forward. I constantly pray to Jesus for “more of You and less of me!” And I am sure that many other believers also pray the same. So, with all of this diligent pursuit of being Christ-like, why aren’t miraculous healings a regular part of our church services or daily news stories? How come revival is not sweeping every city and town across our country and continent? Jesus said we have what He had (and even greater!)? This is exciting, confusing, and intimidating all at the same time.
Might it be possible that, like many things in Scripture, we are reading a little too literally what is being spoken of while missing the bigger picture? Perhaps Jesus is NOT speaking to just the miraculous; but also calling us to consider the everyday.
I would invite you to consider a few interesting points alongside His “same or greater” statement.
Since Jesus returned to the Father, His church has grown to cover the entire world, with over 31% of the population being Christian. That’s a lot of growth from the original band of devoted followers, scattered around the Mediterranean rim in the first few centuries.
How about when Peter spoke with great spirit and conviction to the Passover crowds in Jerusalem following Pentecost? Scripture notes that over 3000 gave their lives to following Christ as the culmination of that one moment. I cannot find any Scriptural accounts that show Jesus converting these kinds of numbers at any single event during His ministry.
What about that very addition of the Holy Spirit within every believer who gives his life to the Lord? An Advocate, Comforter, Intercessor, and Encourager wrapped in the Spirit of God, walking in harmony with each of them, empowering otherwise ordinary people to an above-average faith and outlook on life.
How much “greater” can we see each of these things when looking through a slightly broader lens of consideration? I now see Jesus magnified!
And if I use this type of measurement to reassess my previous outlook on my personal Jesus abilities, it is now possible for me to take note of the miraculous in a new everyday light.
I have raised people around me from their situation of being spiritually dead – to finding new life again with Jesus Christ.
I have calmed storms between parties and points of view – to bring new and calmer outlooks and outcomes for all involved.
I have sacrificed many things for those around me – to protect them or support them in their moments of weakness or suffering in this world gone wrong.
Suddenly I see Jesus’ words in a whole new light.
Let me be very clear: there is truly only ONE Jesus Christ – both on the pages of history and in the halls of Heaven. Yet, each one of us CAN emulate Him in our day-to-day. We ARE empowered and brought forth to make Kingdom-sized differences for Him. In this place and in this time.
Miraculous dreams coming true in who I am?
His answer is YES and AMEN!
