Greater Works — Part One

Since Jesus' disciples didn't yet grasp the reality of His upcoming death and resurrection, they struggled to understand what He meant when He said, -A little while, and you will see me no longer- and again a little while, and you will see me.- In answer to their confusion, Jesus prepared them for His departure by comparing the cross to the agony and joy of childbirth. Alistair Begg walks us through Jesus' declaration, illustration, and explanation, clarifying how, like the apostles, we, too, can be assured and rejoice.

When studying the Bible, context is crucial. In John 14, Jesus promised His disciples that they would do -greater works- than He and that if they would -ask me anything in my name, I will do it.- Alistair Begg provides incisive perspective into the context of Jesus' words, reminding us that the greatest work of God is the redemption of His people. When we pray according to God's purposes and promises, we can be assured that God will answer our prayers for His glory.

Jesus' claims are exclusive- salvation is found in Him alone. At the same time, He extends salvation to all who believe in Him and points out that those who follow Him will do the works that He did, and -greater than these.- What did Jesus mean by this phrase-- In this study in John 14, Alistair Begg explores the relationship between Christ's miraculous works of redemption and regeneration and the ongoing work of believers. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we're called to point others to the love and grace of the one true Savior.

All the world's major religions teach that there is some sort of life beyond this one. What, if anything, is behind the mysterious curtain we call death-- In this Easter message, Alistair Begg reminds us that the whole of Christianity hinges on two facts- that Jesus Christ was delivered over to death as a substitute for sins and that He was raised to life to justify all who believe in Him. By trusting in Christ and His work on the cross, we can have life-even after death-allowing us to stand before God clothed in the righteousness of Jesus.

On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus issued a new commandment, telling His disciples to love one another just as He had loved them. Commitment to loving like Jesus-perfectly, ceaselessly, and sacrificially-is to be the distinguishing feature of every Christian community. Alistair Begg explains that this challenge, which is the great opportunity for every generation, is only possible after Christ takes up residence in our lives, empowering us to love freely and generously, demonstrating with our actions how He has worked for us, in us, and through us.

Although Peter declared that he would lay down his life for Jesus, when he was questioned by a servant girl, he denied Him three times. Rather than view Peter's actions with judgment, Alistair Begg explains that Peter's failure serves as a warning to all believers. The seeds of every sin are latent in our own hearts-and, like Peter, if we trust in our own strength, we will fall. The life of faith cannot be built on our promises to Christ but must be fixed on the promises He makes to us.

After washing His disciples' feet at the Passover supper, Jesus, in yet another generous expression of love, prepared them for what was to come and announced that one of them would betray Him. As we consider this intimate scene in John's Gospel, Alistair Begg teaches that it contains both warning and encouragement for believers. Followers of Christ must resist temptation in all its forms and trust in the Lord, even as we recognize that the God who sovereignly overruled Judas' betrayal can be trusted in our present circumstances.

With the public ministry of Jesus now at an end, John's Gospel records that during the Passover supper, Christ rose and washed His disciples' feet. With full knowledge of all that was about to transpire in the days to come, Jesus demonstrated His humility and love toward His followers. As Alistair Begg explains, His foot washing serves as both an illustration of what would take place at the cross-the King laying down His life for His people-and an example of how believers should live in humble service to one another.

After reporting the animosity exhibited toward Jesus by the chief priests and Pharisees, John's Gospel records the curiosity of the Greeks, who, at the Passover, sought Him out to speak with Him. In this setting, Jesus spoke of how a grain of wheat must die to bear fruit. Explaining the pivotal moment marked by the arrival and interest of the gentiles, Alistair Begg reminds us that although the disciples wished Jesus not to die, His death is the key to life.

The Gospel of John is a highly concentrated look at Jesus' life, during which He performed many signs and miracles. Frustrated by these signs and in concern for themselves, the chief priests and Pharisees rejected Jesus and planned to put Him to death. Discussing key events in the first half of John's narrative, Alistair Begg emphasizes the evangelistic purpose of the biblical record, written so that we may believe and have life in Him. Only Jesus has the authority to defeat death, as His death and resurrection are the source of our spiritual life.