Contradiction with John 14:9
In John 20:17, Jesus refers to ascending to "my Father, and your Father," suggesting a distinction, while John 14:9 implies unity with the Father when Jesus says, "he that hath seen me hath seen the Father."
John 14:9: Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou [then], Shew us the Father?
Contradiction with Matthew 28:9
John 20:17 advises Mary Magdalene not to touch Jesus, while Matthew 28:9 shows the women holding his feet and worshiping him.
Matthew 28:9: And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
Contradiction with Luke 24:39
John 20:17 mentions Jesus’s ascension to the Father, whereas Luke 24:39 depicts Jesus as physically present and showing his body to the disciples.
Luke 24:39: Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
Contradiction with Colossians 2:9
John 20:17 treats Jesus’s relationship with God as distinct, while Colossians 2:9 states, "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily," emphasizing divine unity.
Colossians 2:9: For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Contradiction with Hebrews 1:3
Contradicts the notion of separation in John 20:17, as Hebrews 1:3 describes Jesus as "the express image of his person," signifying that Jesus and the Father are indistinguishable in essence.
Hebrews 1:3: Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Contradiction with John 10:30
John 20:17 presents Jesus referring to "my Father," indicating distinction, whereas John 10:30 states, "I and my Father are one," asserting unity.
John 10:30: I and [my] Father are one.
Contradiction with Matthew 1:23
John 20:17 depicts Jesus referring to God as distinct, while Matthew 1:23 calls Jesus Emmanuel, meaning "God with us," indicating divinity.
Matthew 1:23: Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. [they...: or, his name shall be called]
Paradox #1
Some people might see a conflict in this verse with the idea that Jesus and God are one because Jesus refers to God as "my Father and your Father, my God and your God," which might suggest a distinction between Jesus and God. This can be seen as inconsistent with the belief in the Trinity, where Jesus is fully God.
Paradox #2
John 20:17 contains a statement by Jesus after his resurrection, where he tells Mary Magdalene not to hold onto him because he has not yet ascended to the Father. The potential contradiction or inconsistency lies in the timing of events related to the resurrection and ascension. In some other parts of the New Testament, like Acts 1:3-9, it is suggested that Jesus ascended to heaven 40 days after his resurrection. This raises questions about what Jesus meant by "ascending" in this particular interaction with Mary Magdalene.