Contradiction with Exodus 33:20
States that no one can see God's face and live, contrasting with John 14:9 where Jesus suggests seeing Him is seeing the Father.
Exodus 33:20: And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:16
Asserts that God dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see, contradicting the idea of seeing God in Jesus.
1 Timothy 6:16: Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honour and power everlasting. Amen.
Contradiction with John 1:18
Declares that no one has seen God at any time, conflicting with Jesus's statement in John 14:9.
John 1:18: No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared [him].
Contradiction with Colossians 1:15
Describes Jesus as the image of the invisible God, implying God's invisibility, yet John 14:9 equates seeing Jesus with seeing God.
Colossians 1:15: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Contradiction with Isaiah 55:8-9
Highlights the difference between God's ways/thoughts and humans, challenging the notion of fully seeing or knowing God that John 14:9 implies.
Isaiah 55:8-9: For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
Paradox #1
John 14:9 suggests that seeing Jesus is equivalent to seeing God. This could conflict with the belief in God's invisibility or transcendence, as some parts of the Bible suggest that God cannot be directly seen by humans. This may seem inconsistent with the idea that God is beyond physical form.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction or inconsistency could be in the interpretation that Jesus and God are the same or that seeing Jesus is the same as seeing God. Some might argue that this conflicts with other biblical teachings that distinguish between Jesus and God the Father as separate entities. Interpretation varies, leading to different theological views on the nature of Jesus and his relationship with God.
Paradox #3
Some people might see a contradiction in this verse because it suggests a close connection between a divine figure and a human one, which could clash with beliefs that emphasize the distinctness between God and humans. This can create tension for those who see God as wholly separate from human attributes or experiences. Others might not see a contradiction at all, depending on their interpretation.