How should John 14:28 influence our response to Jesus' ascension? Setting the Scene John 14 captures the intimate upper-room conversation the night before Calvary. Jesus unveils His departure, comforts the disciples, and anchors their hearts in the Father’s plan. What Jesus Said in John 14:28 “You heard Me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.” Key phrases: • “I am going away” – pointing ahead to the ascension (Acts 1:9). • “I am coming back to you” – promising His return and ongoing presence (John 14:18). • “Rejoice… I am going to the Father” – calling His followers to celebrate, not mourn. • “The Father is greater than I” – highlighting the ordered relationship within the Trinity and the success of His earthly mission. Why Rejoicing Is the First Response • Mission accomplished: Christ’s return to the Father proves the cross and resurrection fully satisfied redemption (Hebrews 9:24). • Vindication: The ascension publicly affirms His divine identity (Philippians 2:9-11). • Benefit to believers: His presence at the Father’s right hand secures continual intercession (Romans 8:34). So our instinctive reaction is joy, not grief. Confidence in Christ’s Ongoing Work Because He ascended: • He prepares a place for us (John 14:2-3). • He dispatches the Holy Spirit to indwell and empower (John 16:7; Acts 2:33). • He governs history until every enemy is subdued (1 Corinthians 15:25). Therefore, the ascension breeds steady assurance rather than uncertainty. Counting on the Gift of the Spirit John 14:28 implies a handoff: Jesus goes, the Spirit comes. • Power for witness (Acts 1:8). • Guidance into truth (John 16:13). • Presence of Christ within (Colossians 1:27). Respond by leaning on the Spirit daily, not on fleshly effort. Living with Expectant Hope • “They were looking intently up into the sky” (Acts 1:10-11) – the church’s posture ever since. • “Coming back to you” guards us from despair and fuels perseverance (Titus 2:13). We meet life’s trials with forward-facing confidence: the same Jesus who left is coming again. Practical Takeaways for Today – Celebrate His exaltation in worship. – Rest in His intercession when guilt accuses. – Walk in the Spirit’s power for holiness and witness. – Hold your plans loosely, aware of His imminent return. – Spread the good news; He ascended to be Savior for all who believe (Luke 24:46-47). |
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