Contradiction with Matthew 10:33
This verse emphasizes denying Christ before men, which contrasts with accepting anyone Jesus sends, as mentioned in John 13:20.
Matthew 10:33: But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Contradiction with Galatians 1:8
This verse warns against accepting anyone bringing a different gospel, which could contrast with the acceptance implied in John 13:20.
Galatians 1:8: But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Contradiction with 1 John 4:1
This verse advises testing the spirits to see if they are from God, which might contradict the notion of accepting everyone Jesus sends as stated in John 13:20.
1 John 4:1: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Contradiction with Mark 9:40
This verse promotes inclusivity by stating that anyone not against us is for us, which might seem contradictory to the exclusivity implied in John 13:20.
Mark 9:40: For he that is not against us is on our part.
Contradiction with 2 John 1:10
This verse advises not receiving anyone who does not bring the doctrine of Christ, which can be seen as contradictory to the open acceptance suggested in John 13:20.
2 John 1:10: If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into [your] house, neither bid him God speed:
Paradox #1
John 13:20 suggests that accepting Jesus' messengers is akin to accepting Jesus himself and, by extension, God. The moral conflict might arise if someone interprets this to mean that all actions of these messengers should be accepted, even if those actions are harmful or contradict other teachings of love and compassion in the Bible. This could lead to blindly following leaders without questioning their morality or alignment with core values, creating inconsistency with critical thinking and personal moral responsibility.