John 14:28 (NKJV)

You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.

In the above verse, Jesus says, “My Father is greater than I,” a statement that has sparked much theological discussion. How does this align with the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, which holds that Jesus is co-equal with God?

To grasp this, it’s essential to understand the nature of Jesus’ ministry and the context of His statement. Jesus’ words here reflect His earthly role and mission. During His time on earth, Jesus, though divine, took on a human form and a servant’s role, as described in Philippians 2:5-8. This self-limiting of His divine attributes (referred to as “kenosis”) was an act of humility and obedience, part of His mission for humanity’s salvation.

Philippians 2:5-8 (NKJV)

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Jesus’ statement about the Father being greater than Him should be understood in light of His human experience and the limitations He willingly accepted during His earthly ministry. This doesn’t imply an inherent inferiority in His divine nature but rather highlights the relational dynamics within the Trinity during His earthly life. His going back to the Father – following His resurrection (as mentioned in John 14:28), was a return to His pre-incarnate glory, and exaltation.

Additionally, it is important to understand that the word “greater” in both Greek and English can mean either of two things.

First, it could mean “someone who is better in essence, rank, and position.” For instance, you would be greater than your pet in essence, rank, and position as well.  Secondly, ‘greater’ can also refer to “someone who holds a greater status or office.” For example, your boss is greater than you; the president is greater than the vice president. However, God values both the president and the boss equally and accords them the same dignity and value.

In saying that the Father is greater, Jesus was not referring to His essence, but rather to His position and role on earth at the time of making the statement.

In conclusion, Jesus’ statement in John 14:28 about the Father being greater is not a contradiction of His divinity but an affirmation of His earthly role and the relational dynamics within the Godhead during this temporal period. Understanding this helps us appreciate the incredible humility of Christ in His redemptive work.