Contradiction with Philippians 2:9
Mark 15:31 describes the mocking of Jesus, claiming He cannot save Himself, while Philippians 2:9 states that God exalted Jesus and gave Him a name above every name.
Philippians 2:9: Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Contradiction with Hebrews 1:3
Mark 15:31 suggests Jesus’s inability to save Himself, contrasting with Hebrews 1:3 where Jesus is described as upholding all things by His powerful word.
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 Colossians 1:16-17
Mark 15:31 implies limitation in Jesus’s power, while Colossians 1:16-17 attributes creation and sustaining of all things to Jesus.
Colossians 1:16-17: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Contradiction with Matthew 28:18
Mark 15:31 questions Jesus’s ability to save Himself, whereas Matthew 28:18 affirms Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth.
Matthew 28:18: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Contradiction with John 10:18
Mark 15:31 implies helplessness, but John 10:18 states that Jesus has the authority to lay down His life and take it up again.
John 10:18: No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Paradox #1
Theological discussions around Mark 15:31 often focus on the apparent inconsistency between the mocking of Jesus by religious leaders and their expectations of a Messiah. They expected the Messiah to be a powerful political figure, while Jesus embodied a suffering servant. This misunderstanding might highlight conflicting expectations about the nature and role of Jesus as the Messiah.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction or inconsistency with Mark 15:31 could involve differing interpretations of Jesus's identity and his role as the Messiah. Some might see the mocking by the religious leaders, as described in the verse, as conflicting with the idea of Jesus's divine authority and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This could raise questions about why, if Jesus is the Messiah, he did not save himself in the manner expected by some interpretations of messianic prophecies.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or conflict in Mark 15:31 might arise from the mocking and ridicule directed at a person who is suffering, specifically when the religious leaders mock Jesus. This behavior could be seen as inconsistent with the moral teachings of compassion, empathy, and kindness promoted throughout the Bible.