Contradiction with Matthew 11:11
While this verse is actually similar to Luke 7:28, it has been interpreted by some as contradicting the idea of hierarchy in divine beings since it mentions "he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he," suggesting a different order of greatness.
Matthew 11:11: Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Contradiction with Matthew 20:16
This verse states, "So the last shall be first, and the first last," which contrasts with the idea of certain individuals being greater than others, implying a different take on the concept of rank and greatness.
Matthew 20:16: So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
Contradiction with John 14:28
Jesus says, "for my Father is greater than I," emphasizing a different kind of greatness that contradicts the perceived hierarchy based merely on roles or states.
John 14:28: Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come [again] unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
Contradiction with Galatians 3:28
This verse emphasizes that there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, suggesting equality among all believers, which can be seen as contradicting any notion of greatness hierarchy.
Galatians 3:28: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Contradiction with James 2:1
It advises not having faith with respect of persons, which could be interpreted as contradicting any hierarchical statements about greatness among people.
James 2:1: My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [the Lord] of glory, with respect of persons.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 1:27
This verse suggests that God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, possibly contradicting earthly perceptions of greatness.
1 Corinthians 1:27: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
Contradiction with Mark 9:35
It states, "If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all," which can contrast with any view that supports a clear hierarchy of greatness.
Mark 9:35: And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, [the same] shall be last of all, and servant of all.
Paradox #1
Some people see a potential conflict between this verse and other parts of the Bible that discuss the greatness of figures like Jesus or other prophets. The verse suggests a ranking of greatness that might seem inconsistent with how prophets or religious figures are viewed elsewhere in the Bible. However, interpretations may vary, and many theologians find ways to reconcile these differences.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction or conflict in Luke 7:28 could arise from the idea that Jesus speaks highly of John the Baptist but also refers to those who are in the kingdom of God as greater than him. This could be seen as inconsistent because it raises questions about how greatness is measured and valued in spiritual terms, possibly creating confusion about worth and status before God.