Contradiction with Matthew 4:7
This verse emphasizes not testing God, whereas in Mark 15:32, Jesus is being challenged to prove His divinity by saving Himself.
Matthew 4:7: Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. [tempt: or, try, or, put to trial, or, proof]
Contradiction with Luke 4:12
Similar to Matthew 4:7, this verse highlights that one should not tempt God, yet Mark 15:32 depicts Jesus being tempted by onlookers to come down from the cross.
Luke 4:12: And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
Contradiction with John 10:18
Here, Jesus states He has authority to lay down His life and take it up again, contrasting with the mockery in Mark 15:32 where others doubt His power to save Himself.
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.
Contradiction with Luke 23:34
This verse shows Jesus asking for forgiveness for those mocking Him, contradicting the disdainful tone of the crowd in Mark 15:32.
Luke 23:34: Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Contradiction with Romans 5:8
It underlines God’s love shown through Christ's willingness to die for sinners, contrasting with Mark 15:32's implication that He should prioritize saving Himself.
Romans 5:8: But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Paradox #1
One possible contradiction or inconsistency related to Mark 15:32 could be the challenge to Jesus' identity as the Son of God. The verse describes mockery from those who doubted Jesus' divine nature or his power to save himself and others. This can appear inconsistent with the belief that Jesus had the power to perform miracles and rise from the dead. The mockery could seem to undermine the understanding of his divine authority and mission at that moment.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in the verse could be seen in the expectation of belief based on witnessing a miracle versus having faith without seeing. The verse suggests that people might believe if Jesus comes down from the cross, while elsewhere in the Bible, faith is often portrayed as believing without seeing. This conflict highlights the difference between faith that requires proof and faith that does not.