How does John 14:28 encourage us to trust in God's greater plan? Setting the Scene: Jesus’ Farewell Words Jesus speaks John 14:28 during His last evening with the disciples. Emotions run high; sorrow clouds their hearts. Into that anxiety He inserts a statement meant to spark joy, not fear. The Core Statement of 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, because the Father is greater than I.” What Jesus affirms: • He is leaving—yet promises a return. • His departure should bring rejoicing, not despair. • The Father’s greatness frames every detail of what is unfolding. Why Jesus’ Departure Shows a Greater Plan 1. Fulfillment of Redemption • John 16:7—“It is for your benefit that I go away.” • His ascension secures our Advocate at the Father’s right hand (Hebrews 4:14-16). 2. Expansion of Presence • John 14:16-17—sending “another Advocate”—the Spirit—so Christ’s presence spreads worldwide rather than remaining in one locale. 3. Confirmation of Sovereign Order • “The Father is greater than I” highlights perfect Trinitarian roles; nothing is random, each Person working in harmony for salvation. Trust Grows When We See Jesus’ View of the Father • Jesus rejoices in the Father’s plan; we mirror His joy. • Isaiah 55:8-9—God’s thoughts higher than ours. • Romans 8:28—“all things work together for good” because the Father orchestrates every strand. • Jeremiah 29:11—plans “to prosper you and not to harm you.” Christ’s journey to the cross and back proves that promise is literal, not abstract. Living Application: Resting in God’s Sovereignty Today • Celebrate divine timing: if the disciples could rejoice before understanding the cross, we can rejoice before seeing our resolution. • Anchor hope in Christ’s return: He “is coming back” just as surely as He left (Acts 1:11). • Surrender anxious control: the greater Father already holds the blueprint—our part is obedient trust. • Share the comfort: the Spirit sent after Jesus’ departure enables us to encourage others with the same assurance (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). John 14:28 moves us from grief to gladness by reminding us that every seeming loss in God’s story hides a larger gain. When Jesus says, “Rejoice,” He is inviting us into the settled confidence that the Father’s greater plan is always at work—and always good. |
    |