{"id":31729,"date":"2022-11-26T10:23:34","date_gmt":"2022-11-26T10:23:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vnsalvation.net\/?p=31729"},"modified":"2022-11-26T10:31:20","modified_gmt":"2022-11-26T10:31:20","slug":"why-does-jesus-say-my-father-is-greater-than-i","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hahosa.com\/vnsalvation\/why-does-jesus-say-my-father-is-greater-than-i\/","title":{"rendered":"Why does Jesus say \u201cmy Father is greater than I\u201d?"},"content":{"rendered":"

My Father Is Greater Than I<\/span><\/h4>\n

The phrase \u201cmy Father is greater than I\u201d is found in the gospel of John.\u00a0Jesus<\/a>\u00a0said, \u201cYe 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\u201d (John 14:28<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Some have a hard time understanding the phrase \u201cmy Father is greater than I.\u201d But any inferiority the statement in\u00a0John 14:28<\/a>\u00a0seems to assign to Christ should be understood only with reference to His incarnation. In order to fully understand the nature of Christ, we need to examine His standing in the\u00a0Godhead<\/a>\u00a0before and after His incarnation.<\/p>\n

The Deity and Preexistence of Christ<\/span><\/h4>\n

Christ has ever been\u00a0God<\/a>\u00a0(John 1:1<\/a>;\u00a0Hebrews 1:8<\/a>); but, in contrast, He became man (John 1:14<\/a>;\u00a0Philippians 2:7<\/a>). The apostle John stresses the continuous, timeless, unlimited existence of Christ prior to His incarnation.<\/p>\n

In eternity past there was no point before which it could be said that the Word was not. The Son was with the Father from all eternity. There never was a time when He was not in close fellowship with the eternal\u00a0God<\/a>. In\u00a0Revelation 22:13<\/a>,\u00a0Jesus<\/a>\u00a0proclaims Himself \u201cthe beginning and the end.\u201d He is \u201cthe same yesterday, and to day, and for ever\u201d (Hebrews 13:8<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The Scriptures teach that\u00a0Jesus<\/a>\u00a0Christ is\u00a0God<\/a>\u00a0in the ultimate sense of the word\u2014in nature, in\u00a0wisdom<\/a>, in authority, and in power (Isaiah 9:6<\/a>;\u00a0Micah<\/a>\u00a05:2;\u00a0Matthew1:1<\/a>,\u00a023<\/a>;\u00a0Luke 1:35<\/a>;\u00a0John 1:1\u20133<\/a>;\u00a0Colossians 1:15\u201317<\/a>;\u00a0Hebrews 1:8<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Love Led to Christ\u2019s Condescension<\/span><\/h4>\n

Christ became one of us to reveal the Father\u2019s\u00a0love<\/a>, to suffer for our sins, and redeem us from\u00a0sin<\/a>\u00a0(Hebrews 2:14\u201317<\/a>). The eternal Word, who had ever been with the Father (John 1:1<\/a>) became\u00a0Immanuel<\/a>, \u201cGod with us\u201d (Matthew 1:23<\/a>). And now, He has become our high Priest in the Heavenly\u00a0Sanctuary<\/a>\u00a0(Hebrews 8).<\/p>\n

\u201cFor God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten<\/span>\u00a0Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life\u201d (John 3:16<\/a>).\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Love<\/a>\u00a0is the pre-eminent character of the Creator in relation to His creatures. It is the ruling force in divine government. \u201cGod is love\u201d (1 John 4:8<\/a>). The ultimate expression of divine love is the Father\u2019s gift of His own Son, through whom it becomes possible for humans to be \u201ccalled the sons of God\u201d (1 John 3:1<\/a>). \u201cGreater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends\u201d (John 15:13<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The Humanity of Christ<\/span><\/h4>\n

Jesus had earthly limitations. For example, He was subject to such things as hunger, thirst, growth (both physical and mental),\u00a0pain<\/a>, disease. We read in\u00a0Luke 2:52<\/a>\u00a0that \u201cJesus increased in\u00a0wisdom<\/a>\u00a0and stature, and in favor with God and men.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Like every child of Adam, Jesus bear on consequences of the great law of heredity. He was not supernaturally endowed with\u00a0wisdom<\/a>\u00a0above that of other normal children. He thought, spoke, and acted with the wisdom of a child. But at each stage of His development, He was perfect, with the simple, natural grace of a sinless life.<\/p>\n

Another example is His limited knowledge in comparison to the Father. He said during His ministry,\u00a0\u201cBut of that day and hour<\/span>\u00a0no one knows, not even the angels in\u00a0heaven<\/a>, nor the Son, but only the<\/span>\u00a0Father\u201d<\/span><\/span>\u00a0(Mark 13:32<\/a>). B<\/span>ecause of His human nature and its limitations, the Father God is greater than Him.<\/p>\n

Even in His incarnation Jesus declared that He was one with the Father (John 10:30<\/a>). The Lord Jesus Christ was a real human being except that He \u201cknew no\u00a0sin<\/a>\u201d (2 Corinthians 5:21<\/a>;\u00a0Luke 24:39<\/a>;\u00a0John 1:14<\/a>;\u00a0Romans 1:3<\/a>,\u00a04<\/a>;\u00a05:15<\/a>;\u00a0Galatians<\/a>\u00a04:4;\u00a01 Timothy 2:5<\/a>;\u00a0Hebrews 2:14<\/a>,\u00a017<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The divine nature and the human nature blended into one Person. Divinity was clothed with humanity, not exchanged for it. The two natures became closely and inseparably one. Yet, each remained distinct (John 1:1\u20133<\/a>,\u00a014<\/a>;\u00a0Mark 16:6<\/a>;\u00a0Philippians 2:6\u20138<\/a>;\u00a0Colossians 2:9<\/a>). As a man, He could have sinned but He did not. He was \u201ctempted<\/a>\u00a0like as we are, yet without\u00a0sin<\/a>\u201d (Hebrews 4:15<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The Subordination of Christ<\/span><\/h4>\n

In His childhood Jesus yielded to the will of his earthly parents, \u201cHe went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them\u201d (Matthew 26:39<\/a>). And during His earthly ministry, He was subject to the Father. He said, \u201cFor I have come down from\u00a0heaven<\/a>, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me\u201d (John 6:38<\/a>). And even in His\u00a0death<\/a>, He again yielded to the Father. Before His crucifixion, He prayed,\u00a0\u201cO My Father, if it is possible,<\/span>\u00a0let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless,<\/span>\u00a0not as I will, but as You\u00a0will<\/i>\u201d (Matthew 26:39<\/a>).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In spite of all the suffering and the fierce temptations\u00a0Satan<\/a>\u00a0pressed upon His\u00a0soul<\/a>, Jesus submitted without question or hesitation to the Father\u2019s will. His perfect submission to God\u2019s will provides a perfect example for us to follow (Psalms 40:8<\/a>;\u00a0John 3:16<\/a>;\u00a02<\/a>\u00a0Corinthians 8:9;\u00a0Philippians 2:7<\/a>,\u00a08<\/a>;\u00a0Hebrews 2:9<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Tempted in All Things Without Sin<\/span><\/h4>\n

He \u201cwas in all points\u00a0tempted<\/a>\u00a0as we are, yet without sin\u201d (Hebrews 4:15<\/a>).\u00a0<\/span>In some mysterious way that we cannot comprehend, Jesus experienced the full weight of every possible\u00a0temptation<\/a>\u00a0the \u201cprince of this world\u201d (John 12:31<\/a>) could put upon Him, but without in the least way, even by a thought, falling to any of them (John 14:30<\/a>).\u00a0Satan<\/a>\u00a0found nothing in Jesus that fell for his deceptive lies.<\/p>\n

Though liable to\u00a0temptation<\/a>\u00a0and \u201cin all points tempted like as we are,\u201d Jesus was nevertheless altogether \u201cwithout sin.\u201d Sin continually surrounded Him, it oppressed Him throughout His earthly life; yet it found no place in Him (John 14:30<\/a>). He remained untouched by it. The Sinless One was made sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21<\/a>). He was accounted a transgressor (Isaiah 53:12<\/a>) and handled as the worst sinner, but through no sin of His own (Matthew 4:1\u201311<\/a>;\u00a0Romans 8:3<\/a>,\u00a04<\/a>;\u00a02<\/a>\u00a0Corinthians 5:21;\u00a0Hebrews 2:10<\/a>,17<\/a>;\u00a04:15<\/a>;\u00a01<\/a>\u00a0John 3:5<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Herein lies the great mystery of the perfect life of our Savior. For the first time human nature was triumphant over its natural tendency to sin, and because of Christ\u2019s victory over sin, we too may triumph over it. He obtained victory \u201cthat the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit<\/span>\u00a0(Romans 8:4<\/a>).<\/p>\n

In Him we can be \u201cmore than conquerors\u201d (Romans 8:37<\/a>), for God \u201cgiveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ\u201d (1 Corinthians 15:57<\/a>), over both sin and its wages,\u00a0death<\/a>\u00a0(Galatians<\/a>\u00a02:20). \u201cFor in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted<\/span>\u201d (Hebrews 2:18<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The Vicarious Death of Christ<\/span><\/h4>\n

Unlike Adam and Eve, who made an attempt to seize equality with God (Genesis 3:5<\/a>), Jesus, the last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:47<\/a>) was \u201cmade in the likeness of men.\u201d He humbled Himself even unto death \u2013 the death of the cross. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was crucified as an\u00a0offering<\/a>\u00a0for our sins. He died to make an atonement for sin (Romans 3:24\u201326<\/a>;\u00a02<\/a>\u00a0Corinthians 5:21;\u00a01 Peter 2:24<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Christ\u2019s redemptive death atoned for our sins, but He did not remain under the authority of death. Inasmuch as He did not sin, death could not hold Him, and He rose triumphant from the grave (John 10:17<\/a>;\u00a0Acts 2:22\u201324<\/a>). The sacrifice of Jesus Christ provided complete atonement for the sins of all people (Isaiah 53:4\u20136<\/a>;\u00a0John 3:14\u201317<\/a>;\u00a01<\/a>\u00a0Peter 3:18; 4:1;\u00a01 John 2:2<\/a>;\u00a0Matthew 16:13<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The Resurrection of Christ<\/span><\/h4>\n

In His divinity, Christ had power not only to give His life but to take it up again. He declared,\u00a0\u201cI am<\/span>\u00a0the resurrection and the life.<\/span>\u00a0He who believes in Me, though he may<\/span>\u00a0die, he shall live<\/span><\/span>\u201d (John 11:25<\/a>). Jesus here declares Himself to be the Life-giver. He who receives Him receives life (1 John 5:11<\/a>,\u00a012<\/a>) and is assured of a future resurrection to\u00a0eternal life<\/a>\u00a0(1 Corinthians 15:51\u201355<\/a>;\u00a01<\/a>\u00a0Thessalonians 4:16).<\/p>\n

The Ascension of Christ<\/span><\/h4>\n

The ascension was a fitting climax to Christ\u2019s mission on earth. Our Savior had descended from\u00a0heaven<\/a>\u00a0to save mankind (John 3:13<\/a>,\u00a016<\/a>). When His earthly work was finished, He returned to His heavenly home (John 14:2<\/a>), to mediate for man (1 Timothy 2:5<\/a>;\u00a0Hebrews 7:25<\/a>;\u00a01<\/a>\u00a0John 2:1<\/a>) until His\u00a0second coming<\/a>\u00a0(John 14:3<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The Exaltation of Christ<\/span><\/h4>\n

After the crucifixion, God highly exalted His Son.\u00a0Paul<\/a>\u00a0declared, \u201cTherefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name\u201d\u00a0<\/span>(Philippians 2:9<\/a>). Because of Christ\u2019s self-emptying (verse 7), the Father has been able to raise the Son to an even more glorious state than He had before His incarnation.The Son was all-glorious before, but His condensation has added to the glory that He had with the Father before the world was (John 17:5<\/a>).<\/p>\n

As God-man He lived a perfect earthly life, overcame the enemy, and won redemption for mankind. Such victories certainly added an unmeasurable weight of eternal glory to God\u2019s Son! Upon His return to heaven, Christ resumed His status that He had with the Father before His incarnation (Matthew 28:18<\/a>;\u00a0John 12:23<\/a>;\u00a017:5<\/a>;\u00a0Ephesians 1:19\u201322<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/span><\/h4>\n

When Jesus affirmed, \u201cThe Father is greater than I\u201d (John 14:28<\/a>), He was not disclaiming His divine nature; rather, He was asserting that He had subjected Himself voluntarily to the Father\u2019s will to be incarnated, suffer and die to redeem the fallen race. In that sense, the Father was greater than Himself.<\/p>\n

In His service,
\nBibleAsk<\/a>\u00a0Team<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Why does Jesus say \u201cmy Father is greater than I\u201d? – BibleAsk<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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