What does Jesus mean by "the Father is greater than I"? Setting the Scene • John 14 takes place in the Upper Room on the night before the crucifixion. • Jesus is comforting His disciples, promising the Holy Spirit, and explaining His return to the Father. What Jesus Actually Said “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.” (John 14:28) Understanding “Greater” • “Greater” refers to position, not essence. • In His divine nature, the Son is fully God (John 1:1; Colossians 1:19). • In His incarnate mission, He voluntarily accepted a role of submission to the Father (Philippians 2:6-8). Equal in Deity, Distinct in Role • John 10:30—“I and the Father are one” (oneness of nature). • Hebrews 1:3—The Son is “the radiance of God’s glory.” • 1 Corinthians 11:3—“God is the head of Christ” (functional order). The Son’s Voluntary Humbling • Philippians 2:6-8—Though equal with God, He “emptied Himself.” • John 5:19—He does only what He sees the Father doing. • John 17:4-5—He looks forward to sharing the glory He had “before the world existed.” Why the Father Is Called “Greater” Here 1. Authority: Within the economy of redemption, the Father sends, the Son obeys (John 12:49-50). 2. Origin of the Plan: Salvation flows from the Father’s will, executed by the Son (Ephesians 1:3-7). 3. Heavenly Status: At that moment, the incarnate Son is on earth in a humiliated state; the Father remains enthroned in glory. Why This Matters for Us • Assurance: Because the Father accepted the Son’s work, our redemption is secure (Hebrews 10:12-14). • Humility: Jesus models willing submission without loss of dignity (Matthew 20:28). • Hope: The Son’s return to the Father guarantees our future with Him (John 14:2-3). Quick Summary “The Father is greater than I” highlights Jesus’ voluntary, earthly submission—not a denial of His deity. Equal in nature, distinct in role, the Son points us to the Father’s glory and invites us into the wonder of their shared life. |
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