Contradiction with Luke 14:26
This verse emphasizes hating one's family and even one's own life to be a disciple, which contrasts with the welcoming attitude toward children in Mark 9:36.
Luke 14:26: If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
Contradiction with Matthew 15:26
This verse highlights a scenario where Jesus initially refuses to help a non-Israelite, contrasting with the open acceptance of all children in Mark 9:36.
Matthew 15:26: But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast [it] to dogs.
Contradiction with Matthew 18:8-9
These verses speak of drastic measures against sin, which could contrast with the innocence and example of faith that children represent in Mark 9:36.
Matthew 18:8-9: Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast [them] from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 21:18-21
The harsh punishment for a rebellious son in these verses contrasts with the gentle reception of children depicted in Mark 9:36.
Deuteronomy 21:18-21: If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and [that], when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them:
Contradiction with 2 Kings 2:23-24
The incident with Elisha and the children who mocked him, resulting in a severe consequence, contrasts with the treatment of children in Mark 9:36.
2 Kings 2:23-24: And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.
Contradiction with Genesis 22:2
The command for Abraham to sacrifice Isaac presents a contrasting scenario to the protective view of children in Mark 9:36.
Genesis 22:2: And he said, Take now thy son, thine only [son] Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
Paradox #1
Mark 9:36 discusses welcoming children and treating them with kindness. A potential contradiction might arise if someone argues that the Bible also has teachings where harsh actions are taken against groups or individuals, including children, in certain contexts. This could create an inconsistency when juxtaposing the message of care and acceptance in this verse with other parts of the text that seem less compassionate.