When Jesus says, “The Father is greater than I” in John 14:28, it can seem puzzling if we consider Him to be fully divine. However, this statement makes sense in the context of His incarnation, the relationship within the Trinity, and His mission on Earth. Christian theology teaches that Jesus has two natures: one fully divine and one fully human. By taking on human nature, Jesus voluntarily limited Himself to the constraints of being human, experiencing hunger, fatigue, suffering, and even death. In this limited, human capacity, it’s natural to see how He could truthfully say, “The Father is greater than I.” This is not a statement of inequality in their divinity but rather a reflection of Jesus’ acceptance of His role as the Son who came to serve and save humanity.
Another helpful perspective is that of “functional subordination” within the Trinity. In this view, although Jesus is equal to the Father in divine essence, He submits to the Father’s will and purpose in function or role, especially during His time on Earth. This voluntary submission is seen as an essential aspect of Jesus’ mission and His expression of unity and love within the Trinity. Saying, “The Father is greater than I” reflects this relationship where, as the Son, Jesus defers to the Father’s role without indicating any inferiority in His own divine nature.
The humility inherent in Jesus’ incarnation is central to this statement as well. In Philippians 2:6-8, Paul speaks of Jesus, who “though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant.” In doing so, Jesus set aside certain aspects of His divine privileges to become fully human, showing humility and obedience even to the point of death. This humility meant that, during His earthly ministry, Jesus truly could—and did—say that the Father was “greater” in terms of role and glory, as He had veiled His own divine glory to live among people as a human being. This temporary setting aside of divine privilege underscores the profound humility and selflessness of His incarnation, where He limited Himself to relate to humanity and fulfill His mission as a servant.
Furthermore, Jesus’ reference to the Father’s greatness can be seen as an acknowledgment of the distinct roles within the Trinity. Christian doctrine understands God as one being existing in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ statement reflects this relational distinction within the Trinity, where, while being of one essence with the Father, He respects the unique relationship and order within that divine community. Jesus is not implying a lesser divinity; rather, He is acknowledging the particular role of the Father, especially during His mission on Earth.
In John 17:5, as Jesus prays, He asks the Father to “glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” Here, Jesus indicates that He once fully shared in the Father’s glory and would do so again, pointing to a temporary setting aside of His divine glory for the sake of the incarnation. This verse further emphasizes that His earthly ministry was one of humility and submission, but not an abandonment of His divine identity.
Ultimately, Jesus’ statement, “The Father is greater than I,” is best understood as an expression of His unique, humble relationship with the Father and a testament to the self-sacrificial nature of His mission. It speaks to the love and unity within the Trinity, His humility as the incarnate Son, and His willingness to experience human limitations for humanity’s sake. In Christian thought, this verse does not negate His divinity but rather highlights His role within God’s plan and His profound identification with human experience.