Is the Word Fully Divine or Subordinate to God?
In this article, you will learn how John 1:1 contradicts John 14:28, John 10:29, Mark 13:32, 1 Corinthians 11:3, Matthew 24:36 and Philippians 2:5-7. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The concept of Jesus as both fully divine and yet subordinate to God is one that has sparked theological debate over centuries, especially in light of various Biblical verses. John 1:1 posits that "the Word was with God, and the Word was God," suggesting an eternal and equal standing of Jesus with God. In this light, one might imagine a high-ranking royal who shares equal power and authority with the monarch, seamlessly working in unison.
However, other verses seem to challenge this perception. In John 14:28, Jesus explicitly states, "My Father is greater than I," suggesting a hierarchy. This is like a crown prince who, while holding significant authority, still acknowledges the ultimate sovereignty of the king.
Further complicating the picture are passages like John 10:29 and Mark 13:32. John 10:29 mentions that "My Father... is greater than all." Here, the notion of divine superiority is reinforced, akin to a talented artist within a family acknowledging the patriarch's overarching influence.
Mark 13:32 presents another dimension by highlighting a limitation of knowledge in Jesus, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son." Similarly, Matthew 24:36 echoes this by stating that some things are known only to the Father. This scenario can be likened to a high-ranking official who doesn't have access to all state secrets—his position is crucial, yet not entirely all-knowing.
1 Corinthians 11:3 introduces yet another element, suggesting, "the head of Christ is God," implying a structured hierarchy. Philippians 2:5-7 discusses how Jesus "emptied himself," an act of humility and servitude that appears to contrast the divine completeness he possesses as the Word.
In light of these contrasting messages, the question remains intriguing: How do these aspects coexist harmoniously within Christian doctrine?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | John 1:1 | In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. |
| 2. | John 14:28 | Ye 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. |
| 3. | John 10:29 | My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand. |
| 4. | Mark 13:32 | But of that day and [that] hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. |
| 5. | 1 Corinthians 11:3 | But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman [is] the man; and the head of Christ [is] God. |
| 6. | Matthew 24:36 | But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. |
| 7. | Philippians 2:5-7 | Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: |