Recently, a good friend asked me about my understanding of the last part of the following verse, where Jesus is speaking to His disciples:
"You heard that I said to you, 'I go away, and I will come to you.' If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. (John 14:28 NASB)
My friend knew that there is only one God, and this one God exists as one essence in three persons – God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. So, what exactly did Jesus mean when He said that “the Father is greater than I?”
I am so glad my friend asked me this question. It started me on a search of the Scriptures and some biblical resources to be able to articulate a good answer. Along the way, I discovered many truths about the Trinity, the word we use to describe this concept of the one true God that exists as three persons.
To answer this question, remember that during His time on earth, Jesus existed simultaneously as both God and man. So, “in His human life on earth, Jesus voluntarily shared our natural limitations in order to save us…”
He [voluntarily] humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross. For this reason God [then] highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth— and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:8-11 HCSB)
This passage tells us that, “after He rose from the dead, Jesus returned to the glory He had with the Father.” (quotes are from The Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps and Time Lines) So, the time in which the Father was greater than the Son was a very specific and limited time in history.
As I continued to reflect upon some of the 60+ passages that mention all 3 of the Persons of the Trinity, and what these passages reveal about the interrelationships and interactions among the 3 Persons, I began to see some helpful applications to my life.
1. Each of the 3 persons of the Trinity gives glory to, and lifts up, one another.
o Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You… "I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. "Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. (John 17:1,4-5 NASB)
o [Jesus said,] "[The Spirit of truth] will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.” (John 16:14 NASB)
o Application: Similarly, as believers, we should look for ways to lift up and encourage one another.
§ And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25 NASB)
2. Each of the 3 persons of the Trinity demonstrates love toward one another.
o "The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. (John 3:35 NASB)
o [Jesus said,] “But so that the world may know that I love the Father, I do exactly as the Father commanded Me. (John 14:31a NASB)
o Application: Similarly, as believers, we should look for ways to love one another.
§ [Jesus said,] "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35 NASB)
3. The 3 persons of the Trinity speak of, and point to, one another.
o [Jesus said,] "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. (John 14:26 NASB)
o Application: Similarly, as believers, we should look for ways to speak of, and point others to, the Triune Godhead.
§ "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 NASB)
§ But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you. (1 Peter 3:15 AMPC)
§ Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20 NASB)
Today, I encourage you to "Reflect on This."