Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 14:28

"Ye heard how I said to you, I go away, and I come unto you. If ye loved me, ye would have rejoiced, because I go unto the Father: for the Father is greater than I." — John 14:28 (ASV)

In concluding this discourse, Jesus reminded them that he was about to return to the Father and that he had forewarned them so that their faith might not be disrupted by his removal. The statement “the Father is greater than I” refers to position rather than essence; Jesus was speaking from the standpoint of his humanity (cf. 5:19). The numerous statements in this gospel that the Father had sent him confirm that Jesus was acting under authority and was obligated to fulfill the Father’s commands.