Contradiction with Luke 7:28
States that although there is no greater prophet than John the Baptist, the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he is.
Luke 7:28: For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
Contradiction with Mark 9:35
Teaches that anyone who wants to be first must be the very last and the servant of all, suggesting a different standard 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.
Contradiction with Matthew 23:11
States that the greatest among you will be your servant, implying a different criteria for greatness than that of being the greatest born of women.
Matthew 23:11: But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
Contradiction with Matthew 20:26-27
Encourages those who want to be great to be a servant, contrasting worldly greatness with servitude.
Matthew 20:26-27: But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 1:27-29
Explains that God chooses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, contradicting human measures of greatness such as birthright.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29: 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 James 2:5
Highlights that God has chosen the poor of the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, opposing the notion that earthly greatness determines one's status in the kingdom of heaven.
James 2:5: Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? [of the: or, of that]
Contradiction with Philippians 2:5-7
Describes how Jesus, although equal with God, took on the nature of a servant, challenging typical views of greatness.
Philippians 2:5-7: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 15:9
Paul refers to himself as the least of the apostles, though he contributed significantly to the spread of Christianity, contradicting the concept that birth determines greatness.
1 Corinthians 15:9: For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 12:9
Paul says that God's power is made perfect in weakness, opposing the idea that earthly stature confers greatness in God's eyes.
2 Corinthians 12:9: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Paradox #1
Some people see a contradiction with this verse because it suggests that John the Baptist is the greatest among those born of women, but that anyone in the kingdom of heaven is greater than him. This can seem inconsistent because it raises questions about how greatness is measured and who exactly qualifies as being in the kingdom of heaven. It's conflicting for some because it challenges the traditional understanding of spiritual hierarchy.
Paradox #2
Matthew 11:11 could be seen as contradictory when compared with other parts of the Bible that emphasize equality among believers. This verse seems to rank individuals, which can conflict with the idea that all believers are equal in the eyes of God. Additionally, it might appear inconsistent with teachings that highlight humility and the idea that the least shall be the greatest.
Paradox #3
Some people find a contradiction with the idea that John the Baptist is the greatest born of women, yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than him. This seems conflicting since John played a crucial prophetic role, but the verse suggests even the least in heaven surpasses him. It raises questions about the nature of greatness in the context of earthly life versus spiritual status in heaven.
Paradox #4
One possible moral inconsistency related to Matthew 11:11 could be the idea of unequal recognition or status among people, especially in terms of spiritual or moral greatness. This could seem to conflict with other biblical teachings that emphasize equality and the idea that all individuals are valuable and loved by God.