John 14:28

Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

John 14:28 (KJV)

Context

John 14 is part of Jesus’ farewell discourse to His disciples before His crucifixion. He is preparing them for His departure and comforting them with the promise of the Holy Spirit. He has just spoken about going to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house and has assured them He will come again to receive them to Himself. The disciples are troubled by the prospect of His departure, and Jesus is addressing their concerns.

Meaning

In this verse, Jesus reminds His disciples that He had told them about His departure and His eventual return. He knew that He would leave them physically but would come back to them in a different way, and ultimately receive them to Himself. His going to the Father would lead to His glorification and the sending of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus says, “If ye loved me, ye would rejoice because I said, I go unto the Father.” While it might seem counterintuitive to rejoice in Jesus’ departure, He is emphasizing the reason for their rejoicing. His return to the Father is a significant event that would bring about great blessings and fulfill the purpose of His mission on earth. True love for Jesus would recognize the benefit of His return to the Father.

Jesus adds, “for my Father is greater than I.” This statement has often been a subject of theological discussion. It does not imply any inequality in the nature or essence of the Father and the Son, but rather highlights the relational roles they have taken in the plan of salvation. In His incarnate state and in His role as the Son sent by the Father, Jesus acknowledges the Father’s greatness. Jesus, as the Son of God, willingly submits to the Father’s will and authority.

Biblical connections

The following verse (John 14:29) indicates that Jesus told His disciples these things beforehand so that when they came to pass, they might believe. This shows the purpose of Jesus’ predictive words: to strengthen their faith. In John 14:31, Jesus states that He acts in obedience to the Father’s command out of love for the Father, which directly connects to the theme of love in verse 28.

Application

Trust in Jesus’ promises: Just as Jesus assured His disciples of His return, we can trust in His promises. He never breaks His word, and He will come again to fulfill His ultimate plan of redemption.

Rejoicing in God’s plan: Even in the midst of difficult circumstances or Jesus’ physical absence, we can rejoice because God’s plan is unfolding. His purpose is greater than our immediate understanding, and His ways are perfect.

Understanding the roles in the Godhead: Jesus’ statement about the Father being greater than Him is a reminder of the unity and submission within the Trinity. It helps us grasp the concept of the Son willingly submitting to the Father’s will and authority.

Reflection

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of Jesus’ teachings in the farewell discourse, it would be beneficial to read and study the surrounding verses (John 14:1-31) and the subsequent chapters (John 15-17). Bible study is a personal journey, and it’s always helpful to read the surrounding verses, consult commentaries, and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit for a deeper understanding of the Scriptures.