What is the meaning of John 14:28? You heard Me say Jesus reminds the disciples of His clear, repeated promise (John 13:33; John 14:2-3). He is not introducing a new idea but anchoring them in truth already spoken. The Lord’s consistency reassures us that every word He utters can be trusted, just as Numbers 23:19 affirms God “does not lie or change His mind.” Faith rests on what He has already said, not on shifting feelings or speculation. ‘I am going away Physically, Jesus would soon leave through the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension (John 16:7; Acts 1:9). • His departure is purposeful: to “prepare a place” (John 14:2-3). • It secures our salvation: by His blood He opens “a new and living way” (Hebrews 10:19-20). • It begins His high-priestly ministry in heaven (Hebrews 7:25). Believers can take these statements at face value—He literally went away, bodily and historically. and I am coming back to you. The promise is twofold: • Resurrection appearances only days later (John 20:19-23). • Ultimate return at His second coming (Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Because Jesus rose and will appear again “in the same way,” our hope is concrete, not symbolic. Titus 2:13 calls this the “blessed hope,” urging expectancy and holy living. If you loved Me, you would rejoice True love for Christ aligns with His mission, not merely our comfort. The disciples felt loss, yet Jesus redirects them to joyful agreement with God’s plan. Philippians 4:4 commands, “Rejoice in the Lord always,” even when circumstances look bleak (John 16:22). Love for Christ celebrates whatever glorifies Him and advances redemption, including His temporary absence. that I am going to the Father Returning to the Father means: • Mission accomplished—“It is finished” (John 19:30). • Acceptance of His sacrifice (Hebrews 9:24). • The sending of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7; Acts 2:33). Far from abandonment, His ascent guarantees divine presence in a new, powerful way (John 14:16-18). Knowing this, believers can rejoice with the disciples (Luke 24:52-53). because the Father is greater than I. Jesus speaks of functional order, not inferiority of essence. During the Incarnation He voluntarily submitted to the Father’s will (Philippians 2:6-8; John 5:19). • As God the Son, He shares the Father’s divine nature (John 1:1; 10:30). • As Messiah in human flesh, He honors the Father’s headship (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). The “greater” refers to position, not deity, highlighting perfect unity within the Godhead and modeling humble obedience for us. summary John 14:28 reassures the disciples—and us—that Jesus’ temporary departure, His triumphant return, and the Father-ordained plan all work together for our eternal good. Because Scripture is entirely true, we may rest in each promise: Christ literally left, literally rose, literally ascended, and will literally return. Loving Him means rejoicing in this redemptive storyline, trusting the Father’s wise design, and living in anticipation of the day we see our Lord face to face. |
    |