“great” = kalos {kal-os’} = beautiful or excellent. This is the same word Jesus used when speaking of the “good” shepherd. It denotes the attractiveness of goodness. The works He did came not from legal necessity, but from compassion and love. They were good and noble and declared the heart of God for His people.

Note the quiet courage Jesus displays in the face of impending danger. As the Jews raise their hands to fling the heavy stones at Jesus, He calmly resumes the discussion by asking them a question.

Note also the source of those good works. Jesus is not acting of His own volition; He is doing the works of God as God directs. What great confidence and assurance we can have when we are only doing the will of the Father!