Contradiction with Matthew 10:34
This verse states that Jesus came not to send peace but a sword, which contradicts the notion of ultimate love and sacrifice for others' peace expressed in John 15:13.
Matthew 10:34: Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Contradiction with Matthew 16:25
It suggests that whoever wants to save their life will lose it, which can contradict the concept of giving one's life for friends as the ultimate act of love.
Matthew 16:25: For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Contradiction with Luke 12:51
Jesus says He came to bring division rather than peace, which stands in contrast to the ultimate love and unity implied in laying down one's life for friends.
Luke 12:51: Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
Contradiction with Matthew 23:27
Condemns outward appearance of righteousness, potentially contradicting the noble portrayal of sacrifice in John 15:13 when motives might not be pure.
Matthew 23:27: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead [men's] bones, and of all uncleanness.
Contradiction with Philippians 2:12
Emphasizes working out one's own salvation, which might contradict the selflessness of laying down one's life for friends as the highest form of love.
Philippians 2:12: Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Paradox #1
The contradiction could be seen in the context of self-sacrifice versus the value of one's own life. While the verse speaks about the greatest love being shown through sacrificing one's life for friends, some might argue that it contradicts the idea of self-preservation and the inherent value of every individual life. Balancing the act of selflessness with the right to protect one's own life can be seen as a moral conflict.