His Holiness Pope Shenouda III in this lecture explains the saying of Christ in John 14:28, “My Father is greater than I,” which caused great controversy among the Arians in the fourth century. The Pope clarifies its correct meaning according to Orthodox faith.

Biblical context

He shows that Christ said this on Holy Thursday night, after the Last Supper, on His way to Gethsemane before His Passion. He told His disciples that He was going to the Father so they should rejoice, for He was returning to the divine glory He had before His incarnation.

Meaning of “My Father is greater than I”

The Pope explains that Christ said this as man, in His state of humility and self-emptying, not concerning His divinity. For “He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men” (Phil. 2:6–9). Thus, the Father is greater only with regard to the Son’s humbled human state, not His divine nature.

Equality in divinity

The Pope emphasizes that Christ is equal to the Father in essence, nature, and divinity, citing verses:

• “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30).

• “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).

• “All that is Mine is Yours” (John 17:10).

• “In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Col. 2:9).
  These confirm perfect equality; the phrase “My Father is greater than I” does not diminish His divinity.

Concept of self-emptying and incarnation

Christ was “made a little lower than the angels” (Heb. 2:9) to accomplish redemption but was later “crowned with glory and honor.” This emptying was temporary for the work of salvation. In His essence, the Son is eternally God of the same nature as the Father, though humbled in the flesh.

Refutation of the Arians

The Arians misunderstood the verse as referring to divinity. The Pope clarifies that the Son is not created nor lesser than the Father; He is begotten eternally and of the same divine nature.

Testimony of the Fathers

He cites St. Ambrose, who explained that when God swore to Abraham “by Himself,” it shows that there is none greater than the Son. St. Cyril also taught that the revelation of Christ’s divine nature was gradual, according to people’s capacity.

Conclusion

Thus, the phrase “My Father is greater than I” refers only to Christ’s human condition in the incarnation. In His divinity, He is one with the Father in essence, glory, and power—without any difference in greatness.

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