Of the five supernatural signs which Jesus promised in Mark 16, four are actually recorded as taking place in the book of Acts. The speaking with other (or new) tongues was manifested on the day of Pentecost and on various subsequent occasions. The healing of the sick and the casting out of demons were manifested in the ministries of Philip, of Paul and of all the other apostles. Immunity to the bite of a poisonous snake was manifested in the experience of Paul on the island of Malta (see Acts 28:3-6). A modern record of these signs is contained in a small book titled Signs Following, published in the first half of the twentieth century. The author, William Burton, served for more than forty years as a missionary in the Belgian Congo.
In his book he considers each of the five signs in turn and records several detailed instances, attested to by his own observation and experience, in which each of these signs was manifested. In particular he records instances of immunity, on the part of missionaries and evangelists, both to the poison of snakes and also to other forms of poison placed in their food or drink by witch doctors opposed to the propagation of the gospel. Jesus promised that these signs would follow those who believe without any further limitations as to time or place or person.
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” (John 14:12)
Notice the central part of this promise: “He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also.” The phrase “he who believes in Me” occurs frequently in the New Testament. It is absolutely general in its application. It means any true believer, anywhere. It is not limited to any special age or place or group or class of persons.
How can it be possible that every believer can do the works that Jesus Himself did? The answer is given in the last part of John 14:12, where Jesus says, “Because I go to My Father.” A little further on Jesus says again:
“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever, even the Spirit of truth [that is, the Holy Spirit]” (John 14:16-17)
This statement supplies the answer to the promise of verse 12. It is the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit, sent down upon the believer from the presence of the Father, that enables him to do the work that Jesus did.
The same anointing of the Holy Spirit, resting upon the believer as it rested first upon Jesus, leads the believer into the same type of supernatural ministry that Jesus entered into after the Holy Spirit came upon Him. This supernatural ministry is not due to any natural power or ability in the believer, but to the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon him.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your brilliant Master Plan whereby all of Your children who believe in the accomplished work of Jesus on the Cross become the bearers of Your love and power to heal people. Please help us to become more and more aware of this vital truth for the world around us, Lord. Amen.
