InstaStudy

Understanding the Father and the Son: A Study of John 14:28

This study explores the profound statement in John 14:28, 'for my Father is greater than I,' by examining the nature of God's oneness and Jesus' unique role as both divine and human. We will delve into scriptural truths that reveal the singular identity of God and how the Father and Son represent different aspects or manifestations of this one glorious being.

1. The Oneness of God: Foundation for Understanding

1.1 God is One and Unique

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Isaiah 44:6
  • The scriptures consistently declare that there is only one God.
  • This singular God is the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of all.
  • There is no other God beside Him, nor was there any before Him.

1.2 God's Manifestations, Not Multiple Persons

Verses: 1 Timothy 3:16; John 1:1; John 1:14
  • God reveals Himself in various roles and capacities throughout scripture.
  • The 'Father' and 'Son' describe different aspects or relationships of the one God.
  • God chose to manifest Himself in human flesh for the redemption of humanity.

2. Jesus as God Manifest in Flesh

2.1 The Fullness of God in Christ

Verses: Colossians 2:9; Isaiah 9:6; John 10:30
  • In Jesus Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
  • He is identified with divine titles such as 'Mighty God' and 'Everlasting Father'.
  • Jesus declared His absolute unity with the Father, stating 'I and my Father are one'.

2.2 The Father Dwelling in the Son

Verses: John 14:9-11; John 14:7
  • To see Jesus is to see the Father, for the Father was in Him.
  • The works Jesus performed were not His own, but the Father (Spirit) dwelling in Him.
  • Jesus is the visible manifestation of the invisible God, making God known to humanity.

3. The Father as the Spirit and Source

3.1 The Father is the Spirit

Verses: John 4:24; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Ephesians 4:4-6
  • God is Spirit, and this Spirit is the Father.
  • The Lord, who is the Spirit, is the one God.
  • There is one Spirit, one Lord, and one God and Father of all.

3.2 The Father as the Ultimate Source

Verses: 1 Corinthians 8:6; Romans 11:36; James 1:17
  • All things originate from the one God, who is called the Father.
  • From Him, through Him, and to Him are all things.
  • Every good and perfect gift descends from the Father of lights.

3.3 The 'Father' as Jesus' Divine Nature

Verses: John 5:26; John 6:57
  • The Father represents the eternal, unbegotten divine essence within Jesus.
  • Just as the Father has life in Himself, so He granted the Son to have life in Himself.
  • The divine Spirit (Father) within Jesus sustained His human life and empowered His ministry.

4. Interpreting John 14:28: Jesus' Submission and Humanity

4.1 Jesus' Dual Nature: God and Man

Verses: Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 2:14; 1 Timothy 2:5
  • Though being God, Jesus willingly took on the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men.
  • He fully partook of flesh and blood, experiencing human limitations.
  • He is the one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.

4.2 The 'Father' (Divine) is Greater Than 'I' (Human)

Verses: John 14:28; John 5:19; John 8:28
  • In His humanity, Jesus submitted to the divine will and nature within Him, referred to as the Father.
  • The human 'I' could do nothing of Himself, but only what He saw the Father (divine Spirit) doing.
  • This statement highlights the distinction between the infinite Spirit (Father) and the finite flesh (Son) of the one God.

4.3 The Father as the Source of Authority and Power

Verses: John 5:30; John 14:10; Matthew 28:18
  • Jesus' judgment was just because He sought not His own will, but the will of the Father who sent Him.
  • The words and works were not His own, but the Father dwelling in Him performed them.
  • All authority in heaven and on earth was given to Him (the Son) by the Father (the divine Spirit within).

5. Implications for Our Faith and Worship

5.1 Worshiping the One God

Verses: Matthew 4:10; Revelation 4:11; John 5:23
  • We are commanded to worship the Lord our God, and Him only.
  • All glory, honor, and power belong to the one God.
  • All should honor the Son just as they honor the Father, recognizing their singular identity.

5.2 The Significance of the Name of Jesus

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 4:12; Colossians 3:17
  • Salvation is found in no other name given among men.
  • We are to do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus.
  • Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ signifies identification with the one God who manifested Himself for our salvation.