The statement by Jesus, “the Father is greater than I,” found in John 14:28, often raises questions, particularly regarding the divinity of Christ. This verse, spoken by Jesus to his disciples on the eve of his crucifixion, can seem perplexing when considering the Christian doctrine that Jesus is God. To fully grasp the meaning of John 14:28, it’s crucial to examine the context, the nature of Christ, and the purpose behind Jesus’ words.
In John 14:28, Jesus tells his disciples, “You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.” This declaration came at a time of significant distress for the disciples. Jesus had just informed them of his impending departure (John 13:33, 36), causing them confusion and sorrow. His words in John 14:28 were intended to offer comfort and a different perspective on his leaving. He was going back to the Father, a return to glory and a cause for rejoicing, not sadness, if they truly understood.
Critics sometimes use John 14:28 to argue against the deity of Jesus. They reason that if Jesus himself said the Father is greater, then Jesus cannot be equal to God. However, this interpretation overlooks key theological concepts and the broader biblical witness. The Gospel of John itself strongly affirms Jesus’ divinity, stating unequivocally in the opening verse, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus claims equality with God (John 10:30) and accepts worship (John 20:28), reinforcing his divine nature. So how do we reconcile this with John 14:28?
The answer lies in understanding the doctrine of the Incarnation. The Incarnation, as described in Philippians 2:6-8, explains that Jesus, though being in very nature God, “did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” This “emptying” or self-humbling was a voluntary act. For a time, during his earthly ministry, Jesus willingly took on a subordinate role to the Father. Hebrews 2:9 further clarifies this, stating Jesus was made “lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death.”
Therefore, the “greater” in John 14:28 refers to position and role within the Trinity during Jesus’ earthly mission, not to essence or divine nature. In his incarnate state, Jesus operated in submission to the Father’s will (John 5:19, 30). He experienced human limitations, suffering, and ultimately death – experiences the Father, in his divine nature, does not undergo. The Father sent the Son (John 3:16), and the Son willingly obeyed, taking on human form for our salvation. This act of obedience and submission within the Trinity does not diminish Jesus’ divinity but rather highlights the intricate and loving relationship between the Father and the Son.
Furthermore, understanding the concept of eternal Sonship is crucial. This doctrine affirms that Jesus is eternally the Son of God, existing with the Father from the beginning (John 1:1-2, 17:5). There was never a time when Jesus was not. His Sonship is not a temporal creation but an eternal relationship within the Godhead. Therefore, when Jesus speaks of the Father being “greater,” it’s within the context of this eternal relationship manifested in time through the Incarnation.
In conclusion, John 14:28 does not negate Jesus’ divinity. Instead, it reveals a profound truth about the Trinity and the Incarnation. The Father is “greater” in position and role, particularly in the context of Jesus’ earthly mission and voluntary submission. This verse should not be isolated but understood within the broader scriptural teaching that Jesus is fully God, co-equal with the Father in essence and divine nature. Reflecting on John 14:28 deepens our appreciation for the humility of Christ in taking on human form and the immeasurable love within the Godhead that made our salvation possible.
For deeper study:
- Consider reading theological works on the Trinity and the Incarnation to further explore these concepts.
- Study other passages in John’s Gospel that affirm Jesus’ divinity, such as John 1:1-18, John 5:16-23, and John 10:25-39.
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- Why didn’t Jesus know the timing of his return? Examining Mark 13:32
