Did Jesus Contradict Himself When He Said the Father Is Greater Than I?
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Throughout Jesus’ ministry, he would constantly make statements that would define and declare his divinity. Many of these statements were obvious to the onlookers – and sometimes they wanted to stone him because they realized he was declaring himself to be God. What is confusing to many is that Jesus claimed not only to be equal to God, he also made statements where he appears to make himself not equal to God. Here is one.
When Jesus made this statement in John 14 saying the Father is greater than I, guess what? He was telling the truth at that moment. While he and the Father were one, at that moment, the Father was greater. Those two things were true at the same time. How is this possible? I am so glad you asked.
Jesus and the Father shared the same divine nature and the same divine essence. That did not change when Jesus came to earth. What did change temporarily was their divine role or divine function. While they were the same in nature, at that point, the Father was greater in his role. It is important to understand why this is true. To clarify this, it requires us to look at Philippians.
The answer to this question is found right here in these verses. In writing this, Paul establishes or reinforces that Jesus, by his nature, is God. However, he also establishes that Jesus chose to relinquish certain aspects of his deity, for example, his omnipresence and his glory, so that he could take on the role of a servant. Paul says he made himself nothing, meaning it was his choice. There was no wrestling match between Jesus and the Father where the Father forced him to submit, proving he was greater. Jesus willingly laid aside aspects of his deity so he could become a servant and take on human flesh. He took the lesser role, by his own choosing, and he did it for only one purpose: So he could die on a cross and bear the weight of our sin.
When Jesus walked the earth, the fullness of the Godhead dwelt in him, so he was fully God. However, he took on the role of a servant so that while he was on the earth, the Father was greater than him, but that was only for his time on earth.
So, when you look at all the factors, you see there is no contradiction and both things Jesus said are true.
On the night Judas betrayed Jesus, Jesus prayed in the garden. Here is one thing he mentions in his prayer.
As Jesus is nearing the end of his life, he reminds us again of who he is. He shows us his equality and distinction from the Father, and he also references how he existed with the Father, sharing the same glory before the world began. This highlights his eternal nature, which again is proof of his deity.
The question of the deity of Jesus is one people are going to keep asking until he returns. While some may wrestle with this question, Jesus never did. He knew he was God, and he walked in his servant’s role to complete his mission to reveal the Father and to redeem you and me. Thankfully, he did both to perfection.
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