Contradiction with Matthew 26:39
This verse shows Jesus praying to the Father to let the cup pass from him, indicating a lack of autonomous power over the situation contrary to the claim in John 10:18.
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 5:30
In this verse, Jesus states that he can do nothing by himself but only what he hears from the Father, which suggests a dependency contrary to the autonomy implied in John 10:18.
John 5:30: I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
Contradiction with Luke 22:42
Jesus asks for the Father's will to be done rather than his own, indicating dependence on the Father rather than autonomous control.
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]
Paradox #1
The contradiction or inconsistency in "John 10:18" could be related to the differing accounts of who has control over Jesus's life and death. In the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), it is often implied that external forces such as the Roman authorities or Jewish leaders are responsible for His crucifixion. However, in this verse, it suggests that Jesus has authority over His own life and death, potentially creating a conflict in terms of who is ultimately responsible for His crucifixion.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or conflict in John 10:18 could be the concept of free will versus divine plan. The verse implies that Jesus has the authority to lay down his life and take it up again, which might conflict with the idea that his actions are part of a predetermined divine plan. This raises questions about the nature of free will if the outcome is already decided by a higher power.