John 14:28 - You heard how I told you, ‘I go away, and I come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I said ‘I am going to my Father;’ for the Father is greater than I.
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What does "John 14:28" mean?
John 14:28 is a complex verse that has been interpreted in various ways throughout Christian history. Here's a breakdown of its meaning, considering different perspectives:
Core Meaning & Context:
"You heard how I told you, ‘I go away, and I come to you.’": This refers to Jesus' impending death, resurrection, and ascension back to the Father. He will physically depart (die and ascend) but will return spiritually (through the Holy Spirit and, ultimately, in his second coming).
"If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I said ‘I am going to my Father.’": This is the crux of the verse. Jesus suggests the disciples should be happy about his departure because it means he's returning to a better state, with the Father. Their love for him should prioritize his ultimate good and glorification, even if it means temporary separation and their own sadness.
"For the Father is greater than I.": This is the most debated part of the verse and relates to the nature of Jesus' relationship with God the Father.
Different Interpretations of "The Father is Greater than I":
1. Arian/Subordinationist View (Historically considered heretical):
This view argues that Jesus is a created being, subordinate to God the Father in essence and being. "Greater" implies a fundamental difference in nature. This view is generally rejected by mainstream Christianity.
2. Economic/Functional Trinitarianism (Most common Trinitarian explanation):
This view aligns with the doctrine of the Trinity. It emphasizes that while Jesus is equal to the Father in essence (being fully God), he is subordinate to the Father in role or function within the Godhead.
Explanation: During his incarnation (when Jesus took on human form), he voluntarily submitted himself to the Father's will. He operated under the Father's authority while on Earth. This doesn't diminish his divinity, but rather highlights the different roles within the Trinity. He emptied himself (Philippians 2:7), taking the form of a servant, and that is the context of this statement. He willingly submitted to the Father's plan for redemption.
*Example: Think of it like a CEO and a COO. They are both equally powerful and crucial to the company (equal in essence), but the COO reports to the CEO (functional subordination).
3. Incarnational Humility View:
This view also emphasizes Jesus' voluntary submission in his incarnation. The "greater" refers to the limitations Jesus accepted when he took on human form. He willingly limited his power and knowledge to identify with humanity and fulfill his mission. He was, for a time, fully God, but also fully man.
Key Considerations & Theological Implications:
The Trinity: Understanding this verse requires grappling with the complex doctrine of the Trinity: God as one being in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). The Father, Son, and Spirit are all fully God, yet distinct.
Jesus' Dual Nature: The verse also touches on the dual nature of Christ: both fully God and fully human.
Love and Sacrifice: The verse emphasizes the importance of selfless love. The disciples should love Jesus enough to prioritize his glory, even if it means personal loss or sadness.
Hope in Resurrection: The "I come to you" part offers hope. Jesus' departure isn't the end, but a prelude to a greater reality and future reunion.
In summary:
John 14:28 teaches that while Jesus is one with the Father in divinity, he voluntarily submitted to the Father's will during his earthly ministry. The disciples' love for him should prioritize his ultimate good and glorification, which is achieved through his death, resurrection, and return to the Father. The verse underscores the importance of understanding the Trinity and the dual nature of Christ, while also emphasizing the depth of selfless love and the hope found in Jesus' promise of return. The most common Trinitarian understanding is that it refers to functional subordination within the Trinity, or to the limitation Jesus voluntarily accepted during his incarnation.
John 14:28 - You heard how I told you, ‘I go away, and I come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I said ‘I am going to my Father;’ for the Father is greater than I.
What does "John 14:28" mean?
John 14:28 is a complex verse that has been interpreted in various ways throughout Christian history. Here's a breakdown of its meaning, considering different perspectives:
Core Meaning & Context:
"You heard how I told you, ‘I go away, and I come to you.’": This refers to Jesus' impending death, resurrection, and ascension back to the Father. He will physically depart (die and ascend) but will return spiritually (through the Holy Spirit and, ultimately, in his second coming).
"If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I said ‘I am going to my Father.’": This is the crux of the verse. Jesus suggests the disciples should be happy about his departure because it means he's returning to a better state, with the Father. Their love for him should prioritize his ultimate good and glorification, even if it means temporary separation and their own sadness.
"For the Father is greater than I.": This is the most debated part of the verse and relates to the nature of Jesus' relationship with God the Father.
Different Interpretations of "The Father is Greater than I":
1. Arian/Subordinationist View (Historically considered heretical):
This view argues that Jesus is a created being, subordinate to God the Father in essence and being. "Greater" implies a fundamental difference in nature. This view is generally rejected by mainstream Christianity.
2. Economic/Functional Trinitarianism (Most common Trinitarian explanation):
This view aligns with the doctrine of the Trinity. It emphasizes that while Jesus is equal to the Father in essence (being fully God), he is subordinate to the Father in role or function within the Godhead.
Explanation: During his incarnation (when Jesus took on human form), he voluntarily submitted himself to the Father's will. He operated under the Father's authority while on Earth. This doesn't diminish his divinity, but rather highlights the different roles within the Trinity. He emptied himself (Philippians 2:7), taking the form of a servant, and that is the context of this statement. He willingly submitted to the Father's plan for redemption.
*Example: Think of it like a CEO and a COO. They are both equally powerful and crucial to the company (equal in essence), but the COO reports to the CEO (functional subordination).
3. Incarnational Humility View:
This view also emphasizes Jesus' voluntary submission in his incarnation. The "greater" refers to the limitations Jesus accepted when he took on human form. He willingly limited his power and knowledge to identify with humanity and fulfill his mission. He was, for a time, fully God, but also fully man.
Key Considerations & Theological Implications:
The Trinity: Understanding this verse requires grappling with the complex doctrine of the Trinity: God as one being in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). The Father, Son, and Spirit are all fully God, yet distinct.
Jesus' Dual Nature: The verse also touches on the dual nature of Christ: both fully God and fully human.
Love and Sacrifice: The verse emphasizes the importance of selfless love. The disciples should love Jesus enough to prioritize his glory, even if it means personal loss or sadness.
Hope in Resurrection: The "I come to you" part offers hope. Jesus' departure isn't the end, but a prelude to a greater reality and future reunion.
In summary:
John 14:28 teaches that while Jesus is one with the Father in divinity, he voluntarily submitted to the Father's will during his earthly ministry. The disciples' love for him should prioritize his ultimate good and glorification, which is achieved through his death, resurrection, and return to the Father. The verse underscores the importance of understanding the Trinity and the dual nature of Christ, while also emphasizing the depth of selfless love and the hope found in Jesus' promise of return. The most common Trinitarian understanding is that it refers to functional subordination within the Trinity, or to the limitation Jesus voluntarily accepted during his incarnation.