Is the Messiah Fully Divine? Unpacking Biblical Contradictions
In this article, you will learn how Isaiah 9:6 contradicts John 14:28, Mark 10:18, Matthew 24:36, 1 Corinthians 15:28, John 5:19 and Philippians 2:6-7. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible is often viewed as a complex tapestry of divine teachings, yet certain verses can appear to send mixed messages, particularly regarding the nature of the Messiah. One foundational verse, Isaiah 9:6, is traditionally understood by Christians as predicting the birth of Jesus, portraying Him with divine attributes such as "The mighty God" and "The everlasting Father." This suggests a figure of supreme authority and divinity.
Yet, several New Testament passages seem to challenge this interpretation. In John 14:28, Jesus explicitly states, "my Father is greater than I," suggesting a hierarchy between Him and God that contrasts with Isaiah's depiction of the Messiah as "The mighty God." Similarly, Mark 10:18 records Jesus as saying, "there is none good but one, that is, God," implying a distinction between His own goodness and divine goodness.
Further, in Matthew 24:36, Jesus admits to not knowing the timing of future events that only the Father knows, which raises questions when Isaiah 9:6 describes the Messiah with attributes of wisdom and omniscience. Likewise, 1 Corinthians 15:28 speaks of the Son being subject to God, again conflicting with the title "The everlasting Father."
John 5:19 shows Jesus asserting His dependence on the Father, which does not align easily with the autonomous divine authority implied in Isaiah's prophecy. Finally, Philippians 2:6-7 describes Jesus as taking on the form of a servant and not seizing equality with God, which contrasts sharply with the divine descriptors of the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6.
These passages collectively present a puzzle. How can the Messiah be the all-encompassing divine figure of Isaiah 9:6 when other scriptures seem to highlight His limitations and subservience? This contradiction invites deeper reflection on the nature and identity of the Messiah in Christian theology.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Isaiah 9:6 | For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. |
| 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. | Mark 10:18 | And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God. |
| 4. | Matthew 24:36 | But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. |
| 5. | 1 Corinthians 15:28 | And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. |
| 6. | John 5:19 | Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. |
| 7. | Philippians 2:6-7 | Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: |