The Works Jesus Actually Did

Here’s a question worth sitting with. What were the works of Jesus? Ask most Christians and they’ll say healing the sick, raising the dead, feeding the five thousand, walking on water. But that’s only the last three and a half years. What about the other thirty? What did He do then?

In one sentence, He did the will of His Father. He said it plainly in John 6:38: “I came down from heaven not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me.” That’s the answer. Most of His life was hidden, ordinary, faithful. When Mary asked Him to bring water from the well, He brought a full bucket. When Joseph asked Him to help in the carpenter shop, He helped. He obeyed His parents. He kept His mouth quiet when others would have argued. He said no to His own will a thousand small times before anyone was watching.

That’s what the works of Jesus actually were. Saying no to His own will. Saying yes to the Father. In the small things first. The miracles came at the end, but the obedience came every day.

Here’s the freeing part. You can do that. You can’t multiply loaves or raise Lazarus. But you can deny yourself today. You can choose God’s will when no one’s watching. You can carry the bucket all the way full instead of half. The works Jesus did are within reach for every believer who’s willing to say yes when their own flesh says no.