Greater Works Than Jesus: How You Can Operate in Miracles and Healing Power

Excerpted from Abundant Life 365.

And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents, and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover (Mark 16:17-18).

As believers, we’re called to live a life where the supernatural becomes natural—where miracles, healings, and divine protection are the norm.

 Jesus made it clear that these signs are meant to follow us, not just pastors or evangelists, but anyone who believes. They’re like a heavenly trail we leave behind, evidence of God working in and through us.

To step into this reality, saturate your heart and mind with the Word of God. Think about how Jesus ministered—His compassion, authority, and confidence in the Father’s power. Picture the apostles boldly laying hands on the sick, speaking life, and seeing transformation. The more you meditate on these accounts, the more you’ll see yourself in that role. Imagine praying for someone and watching their pain dissolve or boldly declaring freedom over someone bound by fear.

And remember, Jesus promised we would do even greater works than He did (John 14:12). Let that sink in—greater works! Not because we’re more qualified, but because His Spirit empowers us. There’s no limit to what God can do through a believing heart. So, dream bigger, step out in faith, and expect to see God show up in powerful ways.

Today, let this truth embolden you. You’re not called to just survive life; you’re called to live it with power and purpose. Signs and wonders aren’t just for someone else—they’re for you! Believe, step out, and watch what God will do.

No Exceptions, No Conditions!

When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses” (Matthew 8:16-17).

The evening air buzzed with expectation as crowds brought their loved ones to Jesus. What did He do? With a single word, He cast out demons and healed every sickness. Every. Single. One. No exceptions, no conditions. His compassion wasn’t selective, and His power wasn’t limited. He extended His heart toward everyone!

This wasn’t just an act of kindness; it was fulfillment in action. Isaiah’s prophecy declared the Messiah would take our infirmities and bear our sicknesses. On the cross, Jesus didn’t just carry the weight of sin; He also carried sickness and disease. Healing isn’t extra—it’s included in everything Jesus came to do for you.

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, a clear pattern emerges: He taught about the kingdom of God and then healed the sick. Luke 4:40 says that at sunset, people brought all who were sick, and He healed them. Luke 9:11 shows Him welcoming the crowds, teaching them, and healing their needs. Again and again, the Gospels reveal His heart—Jesus healed them all.

Here’s the amazing part: there’s not one instance in the New Testament where someone came to Jesus for healing and He turned them away. Not one! And His heart for healing hasn’t changed. What He did then, He still does today. If you’re carrying sickness or pain, remember this: Jesus has already borne it for you. He is willing. He is able. Healing is part of the abundant life He came to bring! Lean into His promises, because He hasn’t left anyone out—including you.

You’re Called to Boldness

Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands (Acts 14:3).

The apostles didn’t shy away from sharing the truth, even when opposition arose. Their boldness wasn’t based on their own abilities or charm but on the assurance that

God was with them, proving His Word through miraculous signs and wonders. When we step out in faith, God always backs us up!

The miraculous is more than just something extraordinary— it’s evidence. It’s the living proof that the message of Jesus is real and powerful. When God grants us the ability to operate in His power, He’s not just putting on a show. He’s confirming the truth of His Word and His love. This should give us great confidence. When we share the Gospel, it’s not all up to us to convince people. God shows up, demonstrating His grace in tangible ways that no argument can refute.

Miracles also have a unique way of capturing attention. They’re like a divine billboard, turning hearts toward God. For those who are lost, the miraculous becomes a signpost pointing them to Jesus. It’s not about glorifying the person through whom the miracle comes—it’s all about glorifying God and drawing people into relationship with Him.

So, don’t hold back. Share boldly, love freely, and trust God to confirm His message. As you step out in obedience, He’ll show Himself faithful, working in ways that only He can. And when He does, lives will be changed, hearts will be softened, and His name will be glorified. Miracles are God’s way of showing the world His incredible love and grace!

Signs and Wonders Are for Today!

He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick (Luke 9:2).

Imagine being one of the twelve, standing there as Jesus calls you by name and gives you a mission. He didn’t just ask them to go out and talk; He sent them with power,

with purpose. They weren’t merely speakers or messengers. Healing the sick wasn’t just a side act, and preaching about the kingdom of God wasn’t just filling time with religious talk or philosophy. Jesus was announcing that everything His followers did would declare, “God’s kingdom is right here, with you!” The disciples’ lives became a demonstration of that message.

But Jesus didn’t stop with just twelve. Soon after, He sent seventy more, giving them the same authority to heal and proclaim the kingdom of God. But there is something very important we must remember: the mission didn’t end with them! This call wasn’t just a limited assignment for a chosen few. Jesus never even hinted that His miracles would stop when the twelve or seventy left the scene. In fact, these verses are our reminder that this power and purpose are for everyone who believes.

So, if someone tells you that signs and wonders ended back then, it’s worth asking, “Which ones?” Because God’s mission continues through us—through those who believe (Mark 16:17-18). You and I are called to walk in the same Spirit, to live like God’s kingdom is alive and active—because it is! All of us have the opportunity to share His kingdom with those around us, not just in words but through our actions, prayers, and faith. Remember, the same Spirit that empowered the twelve and the seventy empowers you today. Go out and live as if the kingdom has truly come near—because through you, it has.

“By His Stripes, You Were Healed!”

This verse is a powerful summary of the Gospel. It tells us that Jesus bore our sins in His own body on the cross, a selfless act that not only secured our forgiveness but also empowered us to live a new life. Often, we focus on the latter part of the verse—“by His stripes, you were healed”—and rightly so, as it speaks to the physical and emotional healing that Jesus provides. However, there is a deeper truth here that we can’t forget, or we will miss out on a huge part of the benefits we receive through salvation!

The verse begins with the promise that, because Jesus bore our sins, we have died to them. This is more than just a theological statement; it’s a practical reality! Our old sinful nature was crucified with Christ, and now we have the supernatural ability to live righteously. This means that the power of sin has been broken in our lives. We are no longer slaves to our old habits, thoughts, and desires. Instead, we have been given the grace to live in a way that honors God. When temptation arises, we can stand firm, knowing that sin has no authority over us anymore.

This is a promise for godly living, a reminder that our salvation is not just about avoiding hell but about living a life that reflects the character of Christ. We can be physically and emotionally well because we are spiritually alive in Him. Our healing extends to every part of us—spirit, soul, and body. Let’s not disregard the first part of the verse but embrace it fully, understanding that Jesus’ sacrifice empowers us to live in righteousness. Through His stripes, we are healed—body, soul, and spirit, fully restored in Him.