John 14:28
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
John 14:28
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.
Chapter Context
John 14 is a theological gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of judgment, salvation, faith. Written during the late first century CE (c. 90-95 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed late first-century challenges from both Judaism and emerging Gnostic thought.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within John and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
John 14:28
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.
Analysis
Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you—Jesus reminds them of His previous teaching (14:3). If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I (εἰ ἠγαπᾶτέ με ἐχάρητε ἄν, ὅτι πορεύομαι πρὸς τὸν πατέρα, ὅτι ὁ πατὴρ μείζων μού ἐστιν, ei ēgapate me echarēte an, hoti poreuomai pros ton patera, hoti ho patēr meizōn mou estin)—This verse requires careful exegesis. My Father is greater than I (ὁ πατὴρ μείζων μού ἐστιν, ho patēr meizōn mou estin) doesn't deny Jesus's deity but acknowledges His voluntary subordination during incarnation (Philippians 2:6-8). The Father is 'greater' (μείζων, meizōn) positionally, not ontologically—Jesus temporarily submitted to human limitations during His earthly ministry.
Jesus says if they loved Him properly, they'd rejoice at His return to glory rather than grieve His departure. His going to the Father means: completed atonement, resumed glory, and sent Spirit (John 16:7). Arians and Jehovah's Witnesses misuse this verse to deny Christ's deity, but context shows Jesus speaks of His mediatorial office during incarnation, not His essential nature (Colossians 2:9).
Historical Context
This statement came during the Upper Room Discourse before crucifixion. Jesus was preparing disciples for His departure while affirming His unity with the Father (John 14:9-11). Early church councils (Nicaea 325, Constantinople 381) clarified that 'greater' refers to Jesus's voluntary human state, not inequality within the Trinity.
Reflection
- How does understanding Jesus's voluntary submission during incarnation reconcile this verse with His full deity?
- What does it mean to love Christ rightly—rejoicing in His glorification rather than selfishly wanting His physical presence?
- How should Christians use this verse apologetically when confronted by those who deny Christ's deity?
Word Studies
- Love: ἀγάπη (Agape) G25 - Divine love
Cross-References
- Love: Matthew 12:18, 1 Peter 1:8
- Parallel theme: John 5:18, 13:16, 14:18, 16:7, 20:17, 20:21