Contradiction with Matthew 26:39
This verse suggests a moment of submission to God's will, aligning with the prayer in Hebrews 5:7 rather than contradicting it.
Matthew 26:39: And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
Contradiction with John 11:41-42
These verses depict Jesus' confidence in God hearing his prayers, which doesn't directly contradict but rather complements Hebrews 5:7's theme of reverent submission.
John 11:41-42: Then they took away the stone [from the place] where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up [his] eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
Contradiction with John 18:11
Shows Jesus' acceptance of the cup (suffering) given by God, similar to the obedience and submission depicted in Hebrews 5:7.
John 18:11: Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
Contradiction with Luke 22:42
Illustrates Jesus' submission to God's will, a parallel rather than a contradiction to Hebrews 5:7.
Luke 22:42: Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. [willing, remove: Gr. willing to remove]
Contradiction with Isaiah 53:7
Describes a silent suffering servant, aligning with themes of submission and prayer expressed in Hebrews 5:7.
Isaiah 53:7: He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Paradox #1
Hebrews 5:7 might seem to create a contradiction if one considers the nature of Jesus' prayers and his divine status. It speaks of Jesus, who is believed to be God, praying to God the Father with loud cries and tears. This could seem inconsistent because, in Christian belief, Jesus and the Father are one in the Trinity, yet Jesus is shown to be in deep anguish and pleading to God, which might suggest a conflict between his human and divine natures. This can be difficult to understand if one expects a harmonious relationship without need for such intense prayer between two persons of the same divine being.
Paradox #2
One potential contradiction in Hebrews 5:7 is the portrayal of Jesus praying with loud cries to be saved from death, which might seem inconsistent with accounts in other parts of the New Testament that emphasize his acceptance of his fate. Some interpretations see this as conflicting with the idea of his willing sacrifice and foreknowledge of his resurrection.