Luke 15:2 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Luke, Jesus is showing that He loves everyone, even those who do bad things, and He wants to help them become better. The religious leaders, called Pharisees and scribes, didn't like this because they thought Jesus should only spend time with people who followed all the rules.

Contradiction with Matthew 9:13

This verse portrays Jesus explicitly stating his purpose to call sinners, while Luke 15:2 notes criticism for associating with them.

Matthew 9:13: But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Contradiction with Matthew 11:19

Jesus is called a friend of publicans and sinners here, reinforcing his acceptance, which contradicts the criticism he faces in Luke 15:2.

Matthew 11:19: The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

Contradiction with Mark 2:17

Jesus emphasizes that his mission is for sinners, contradicting the disapproval in Luke 15:2.

Mark 2:17: When Jesus heard [it], he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Contradiction with John 9:16

Jesus' actions often led to division or criticism from others, as in Luke 15:2, but here, the division occurs over healing on the Sabbath.

John 9:16: Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.

Contradiction with Luke 7:34

Jesus again being called a friend of sinners, highlighting the opposing views of partaking with them, as criticized in Luke 15:2.

Luke 7:34: The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!

Contradiction with Acts 10:28

This verse shows a shift where Peter learns not to call any person common or unclean, contrasting the Pharisees' view in Luke 15:2.

Acts 10:28: And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

Paradox #1

The contradiction or inconsistency could be how religious leaders criticized Jesus for associating with sinners instead of welcoming the idea of compassion and kindness. This shows a conflict between rigid judgment and the principle of showing love and acceptance.