The Puzzle of Unity and Distinction in Scripture
In this article, you will learn how John 10:30 contradicts Matthew 24:36, Mark 10:18, John 14:28, Philippians 2:6 and 1 Corinthians 15:28. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
In examining the Bible, one intriguing aspect is the relationship between Jesus and God the Father, which appears harmoniously unified yet distinct at times. This duality presents theological questions worth exploring.
John 10:30 provides a foundational statement, where Jesus declares his oneness with the Father. This suggests a perfect unity, likening their relationship to a team's seamless collaboration, acting and thinking as if they were one entity. However, other scriptures provide additional dimensions to this relationship that seem to contrast with this unity.
In Matthew 24:36, Jesus acknowledges a knowledge distinction by indicating that the Son does not know the time of the end, only the Father does. This implies a level of individual limitation that seems to contradict the idea of complete unity.
Similarly, Mark 10:18 presents Jesus questioning why he is called good and stating that only God is truly good, implying a separation from the Father in terms of divine goodness. This, too, creates a complex picture when set against the backdrop of oneness in John 10:30.
John 14:28 adds another layer by having Jesus assert that the Father is greater than himself, suggesting a hierarchy within the Godhead. Philippians 2:6 further complicates this as it speaks to Jesus not clinging to equality with God.
Lastly, 1 Corinthians 15:28 reveals a future subjection of the Son to the Father, highlighting a relational dynamic that appears to be more hierarchical than unified.
Understanding these verses through analogies, one could think of a symphony orchestra: the conductor (Father) and lead violinist (Son) work perfectly in harmony, yet have distinct roles and responsibilities. These scriptures compel readers to ponder the mystery of divine relationship, searching for coherence amidst apparent contradictions in this spiritual symphony.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | John 10:30 | I and [my] Father are one. |
| 2. | Matthew 24:36 | But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. |
| 3. | Mark 10:18 | And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God. |
| 4. | 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. |
| 5. | Philippians 2:6 | Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: |
| 6. | 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. |