“the Father is greater than I” = must be meant in the light of (John 10:30) that Jesus and the Father are one. Jesus is not referring to any difference in nature or essence between Himself and the Father, but of present position (Php 2:6-8). Also note that the Father “sent” Jesus (14:24). He who sends must be greater than he who is sent, much like a boss sending an employee on an errand. The boss is greater in a sense, but is not a higher form of human being. The Father is greater than Jesus, but they are both God. Godet remarks that this “passage breathes, in Him who thus speaks, the most lively feeling of His participation in divinity. God alone can compare Himself with God.”

John 10:30  I and the Father are one.”

Philippians 2:6-8  Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,  but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!

John 14:24  He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

Jesus is speaking of His imminent departure to be with His Father and to be reinstated to His former position of exaltation. This is a good thing for Jesus, and should bring joy to those who love Him and desire the best for Him. How does this thought relate to the passing away of Christian friends and relatives?