Meaning of John 14:28

Jesus' declaration that his departure to the Father is a cause for joy for his disciples, despite their sorrow, hinges on the understanding that his going is not an abandonment but a necessary step for the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan and the empowerment of believers. The statement "the Father is greater than I" is not a declaration of inferiority but rather a reflection of the distinct roles within the Godhead and the hierarchical relationship of the Son to the Father in his incarnate state, particularly as he returns to his pre-existent glory and authority. His departure, therefore, is the prerequisite for the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will continue his work and indwell believers, making his presence eternally accessible in a new and profound way. This paradox of sorrow at departure and joy at his going to the Father is central to understanding the transformative power of Christ's ascension and the subsequent outpouring of the Spirit.

Context and Background

This verse is spoken by Jesus during his final discourse with his disciples in the Upper Room, immediately before his arrest and crucifixion. The disciples are deeply troubled by Jesus' pronouncements about his impending departure. They have come to rely on his physical presence, his teaching, and his leadership. Jesus is attempting to prepare them for a reality where his physical presence will be absent, but his spiritual presence, through the Holy Spirit, will be even more intimately available. The disciples' immediate reaction is likely one of fear and confusion, as they associate his going away with loss and defeat, not with a positive divine purpose.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Paradox of Grief and Joy: Jesus acknowledges the disciples' sorrow but redirects their focus to a future joy that transcends their present pain. This joy is rooted in the ultimate good that his departure will accomplish.
• The Divine Hierarchy and Unity: The statement "the Father is greater than I" is a complex theological assertion. Within the context of his incarnate mission, Jesus voluntarily submitted to the Father's will and authority. However, this does not negate their shared divine nature. It speaks to their distinct roles in salvation history.
• The Necessity of Departure for Empowerment: Jesus' departure is not an end but a transition. It is a necessary precursor to the sending of the Holy Spirit, who will empower the disciples to continue his mission and to experience his presence in a new, universal, and indwelling manner.
• Love as a Motivator for Understanding: Jesus links their potential gladness to their love for him. True love, he implies, seeks the beloved's ultimate good and understands that their perceived absence can lead to greater glory and benefit.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This passage has profound spiritual implications for believers across all ages. It teaches us that:

• Spiritual Growth Often Involves Letting Go: We may experience sorrow when circumstances change, particularly when we feel a loss of familiar spiritual supports or physical presence. However, true spiritual maturity involves embracing these transitions, trusting that God has a greater purpose that will ultimately lead to greater spiritual enrichment.
• The Holy Spirit is Our Sustainer: Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit assures us that we are never truly alone. The Spirit indwells believers, providing guidance, comfort, power, and a constant connection to God.
• Our Focus Should Be on God's Glory: The ultimate good is God's glory, and Jesus' return to the Father is the apex of his earthly mission, leading to the exaltation of God. Our joy should ultimately be found in God's perfect will and purposes being fulfilled.
• Love for Christ Leads to Obedience and Understanding: When we love Christ, we are more inclined to trust his word, even when it is difficult to understand, and to find joy in his divine plan.

How it Relates to the Broader Biblical Narrative

John 14:28 fits within the larger narrative of God's redemptive plan. The Old Testament foreshadowed a Messiah who would suffer and die, but also triumph and reign. Jesus' ascension to the Father, as described here, fulfills prophecies of his exaltation and the establishment of his kingdom. His departure is the bridge between the earthly ministry of Jesus and the establishment of the Church, empowered by the Spirit, to carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth. This event is the culmination of his incarnational mission and the beginning of a new era of God's interaction with humanity. It also sets the stage for the eschatological hope of Christ's return.

Analogies

• A Seed Falling to the Ground: A seed must die and be buried in the ground (its departure) before it can sprout and bear much fruit (the work of the Spirit and the growth of the Church). The seed's individual existence is transformed into a greater, multiplied life.
• A General Returning to Headquarters: A victorious general might return to headquarters to report his success and receive further orders, thereby enabling a larger, more strategic campaign. His "departure" from the battlefield is not an end but a means to a greater victory.
• A Parent Leaving for Work: A parent may leave their children to go to work, causing temporary sadness. However, the parent's work provides for the family's needs and future, ultimately leading to their well-being and security. The parent's departure is for the family's ultimate good.

How it Relates to Other Verses

• John 16:7: "But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." This verse directly elaborates on the necessity of Jesus' departure for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
• Philippians 2:9-11: "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This passage speaks to Jesus' exaltation after his suffering, aligning with his return to the Father and his greater glory.
• Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This verse highlights the empowerment that directly follows Jesus' ascension and the sending of the Spirit, a direct consequence of his departure.
• 1 John 2:1-2: "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." This verse points to Jesus' ongoing intercessory work in the presence of the Father, a role he assumes after his ascension.