Why did Jesus say the Father is greater than Him in John 14:28?

In John 14:28, Jesus says, "You heard me say, 'I am going away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I." This statement has been a source of considerable theological discussion and debate over the centuries. To understand why Jesus said the Father is greater than Him, we need to delve into the context of the passage, the nature of the relationship between the Father and the Son, and the theological nuances of Jesus' incarnation.

Firstly, it is essential to consider the immediate context of John 14. This chapter is part of Jesus' Farewell Discourse, where He is comforting His disciples and preparing them for His imminent departure. Jesus had just spoken about His return to the Father and the coming of the Holy Spirit. He reassures them that His departure is for their benefit, as it will enable the Holy Spirit to come and dwell within them (John 14:16-17).

When Jesus says, "the Father is greater than I," He is speaking from the perspective of His incarnate state. The doctrine of the Incarnation teaches that Jesus, the Son of God, took on human flesh and lived among us (John 1:14). In doing so, He voluntarily subjected Himself to the limitations of humanity. Philippians 2:6-8 beautifully encapsulates this mystery:

"Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

In His human nature, Jesus experienced hunger, thirst, fatigue, and other human limitations. He also submitted to the Father's will, demonstrating perfect obedience. Therefore, when Jesus says the Father is greater than Him, He is acknowledging the Father's greater authority and position, especially in light of His own humble, incarnate state.

The relationship between the Father and the Son is also crucial to understanding this statement. The doctrine of the Trinity teaches that God is one Being in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three Persons are co-equal and co-eternal, sharing the same divine essence. However, within the economy of the Trinity, there is a functional hierarchy. The Son is eternally begotten of the Father, and the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. This eternal relationship does not imply inequality in essence or nature but rather a distinction in roles and functions.

Jesus' statement in John 14:28 reflects this functional subordination within the Trinity. The Father, as the source and origin of the Godhead, holds a position of greater authority, while the Son, though equal in essence, submits to the Father's will. This is evident in Jesus' earthly ministry, where He frequently speaks of doing the Father's will and glorifying the Father (John 4:34, John 8:29, John 17:4).

Furthermore, Jesus' return to the Father signifies the completion of His earthly mission. His incarnation, suffering, death, and resurrection were all part of the Father's redemptive plan. By returning to the Father, Jesus is being exalted and glorified, resuming His pre-incarnate glory. In John 17:5, Jesus prays, "And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed." His return to the Father is a cause for rejoicing because it signifies the fulfillment of God's plan of salvation and the ultimate victory over sin and death.

The early Church Fathers also grappled with the meaning of John 14:28. For instance, Augustine of Hippo, in his work "On the Trinity," explains that Jesus' statement should be understood in light of His humanity. He writes:

"For the Father is greater than I: and this, as He is man, He said because of the form of a servant which He took, not because of that form of God in which He is equal to the Father."

Augustine emphasizes that Jesus' words reflect His incarnate state, not a denial of His divine nature. Similarly, Athanasius, in his defense against Arianism, argued that Jesus' statement should be seen in the context of His voluntary humility and incarnation.

Moreover, the context of John 14:28 also includes Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit. Jesus assures His disciples that the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in His name, will teach them all things and remind them of everything He has said (John 14:26). This promise underscores the continuity of God's presence and work among His people. The coming of the Holy Spirit represents the ongoing fulfillment of God's redemptive plan and the empowerment of the disciples to carry on Jesus' mission.

In conclusion, Jesus' statement that the Father is greater than Him in John 14:28 must be understood in the context of His incarnate state and the functional hierarchy within the Trinity. It reflects His voluntary submission to the Father's will and His humble acceptance of human limitations. This statement does not imply any inequality in essence or nature between the Father and the Son but rather highlights the distinct roles and functions within the Godhead. Jesus' return to the Father is a cause for rejoicing, as it signifies the completion of His redemptive work and the exaltation of His glory. The promise of the Holy Spirit further assures us of God's continued presence and work in our lives, empowering us to live out our faith and fulfill His purposes.