How can John 14:28 deepen our understanding of the Trinity? Setting the Scene John 14 takes place in the Upper Room on the eve of the cross. Jesus comforts His disciples, promises the Spirit, and opens a window into Trinitarian fellowship. Verse 28 sits in the middle of that conversation. “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.” Why This Verse Matters for the Trinity • It places Father and Son in the same sentence, clearly distinct yet in seamless relationship. • It speaks of divine equality (shared glory, cf. John 17:5) while also hinting at functional order (“greater”). • It prepares for the Spirit’s mission that follows (John 14:16–17, 26), drawing all three Persons into view. Phrase-by-Phrase Insights 1. “I am going away” • Points to the Son’s voluntary departure through the cross, resurrection, and ascension (Hebrews 9:24). • Reveals purposeful distinction: the Son moves toward the Father, not vice-versa. 2. “I am coming back to you” • Anticipates resurrection appearances (John 20:19) and future return (Acts 1:11). • Shows the Son acting with the same divine authority as the Father (John 5:21). 3. “I am going to the Father” • Highlights face-to-face communion of two co-equal Persons (John 1:18). • The Son’s return to glory underscores shared essence: He “was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). 4. “The Father is greater than I” • Speaks of order, not inferiority. The Son, in His incarnate mission, submits to the Father (Philippians 2:6-8). • After the mission is complete, He remains equal in deity yet joyfully hands the kingdom to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). • Functional hierarchy within the Trinity deepens, not diminishes, the oneness (John 10:30). Three Key Trinitarian Truths Reinforced • Equality of Essence – John 1:1; Colossians 1:19; Hebrews 1:3 show Father and Son sharing the same divine nature. – The Spirit also shares that essence (Acts 5:3-4). • Distinction of Persons – The Father sends; the Son is sent; the Spirit proceeds (John 14:16-17, 26). – Each Person acts personally and relationally. • Order of Roles – Father initiates, Son accomplishes, Spirit applies (Ephesians 1:3-14). – The Son’s statement “the Father is greater” reflects this ordered cooperation, not a rank of deity. How John 14:28 Shapes Our Faith • Rejoicing in Divine Harmony – If the disciples should “rejoice” at the Son’s return to the Father, we too celebrate the perfect unity and love within the Godhead. • Confidence in Salvation – The Son’s successful return to the Father certifies the acceptance of His atoning work (Romans 4:25). • Assurance of the Spirit’s Presence – Because the Son went, the Spirit now dwells in believers (John 14:16-18). Trinitarian fellowship moves from heaven into every heart that trusts Christ. • Pattern for Humble Service – The Son’s joyful submission models how equal persons can embrace different roles (Philippians 2:5-11). Church life and family life flourish when we echo that pattern. Summary Snapshot John 14:28 places Father and Son side by side, revealing equality of being, distinction of Person, and loving order of function—truths that, together with the promised Spirit, bring the Trinity into clear, worship-inspiring focus. |
    |