Whatever may be the meaning of the Master’s words, it is obvious that not any of His followers have ever been able to do “greater works” than he accomplished as regards the miraculous works of opening the blind eyes, unstopping the deaf ears, raising the dead, etc. The “works,” therefore, must be of a different nature, or upon a larger scale. Both of these are true. The last expression of the verse should be noted in this connection, “…because I go unto my Father.”
Our Lord, when he ascended on high, and had presented the merits of his sacrifice on behalf of his followers, could then bestow the connection of sonship with the Father upon those who, through faith and obedience, would become members of his true and faithful church. These receiving the holy spirit – the power and influence of God – would be enabled to accomplish the “greater works” of opening the spiritually blind eyes, unstopping the spiritually deaf ears, raising to spiritual life those who were dead in trespasses and sins, all of which, from the Divine viewpoint, is a far greater work than the merely physical healing, etc.
The holy spirit is like a tool to help a person do the work required to live a consecrated life. When a person is spirit begotten, they can:
…be helped with their weaknesses. (see Romans 8:26-28, Rotherham)
…be a good example to others. (see Galatians. 6:10, 1 Timothy 4:12)
…develop the “fruit of the spirit” Paul describes in Galatians, in order to glorify God. (see Galatians 5:22,23, John 5:18)
…be comforted through difficult experiences, knowing that the power of God is working in their lives for their best spiritual welfare. (see Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
…be inspired to share the word of God with others. (see Matthew 5:16, Philippians 2:15, 2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Timothy 4:6,7)
…help transform and renew their minds to set their focus on serving God. (see Romans 12:2)
…have a greater understanding of the Bible – not through a miracle without any effort, but through the hard work of studying God ’s word. (see Matthew 6:15-17, 2 Timothy 2:15)
…have a sense of peace as they rejoice in the Lord and guard their hearts and minds against evil. (see Matthew 10:13, Philippians 4:4-7)
…be motivated to serve and build up other Christians. (see Galatians 6:10, Hebrews 6:10, Matthew 25:40)
…be guided in the work of self-sacrifice, which is giving up one’s own desires in order to do the will of God. (see Romans 12:1,2, Philippians 2:14, 1 Corinthians 3:9)
…increase their own hope and faith in God and His promises. Romans (5:5, NLT) says, “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the holy spirit to fill our hearts with His love.”
When the church of Christ is complete and has been glorified to their promised heavenly reward, the work of literally raising the dead, healing, blessing and restoring to full life and health and joy and happiness will be executed on a worldwide scale, for the promise is that all the families of the earth will be blessed through the “seed of Abraham,” Jesus and the members of his body, the church (Genesis 22:18 and Galatians 3:27-29).