Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 3:4
Ecclesiastes suggests that there is an appropriate time to engage in different emotions and activities, potentially contradicting the expectation of an immediate response described in Matthew 11:17.
Ecclesiastes 3:4: A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
Paradox #1
The verse uses a metaphor about people not responding to the messages sent by Jesus and John the Baptist. A potential theological conflict might arise with interpretations about human free will versus divine intervention. If humans are unresponsive due to their nature, it may seem to conflict with the idea that God's message is clear and powerful enough to reach everyone. Yet, many traditions hold that God allows people to choose their response. This tension between divine message and human response can be seen as a theological inconsistency.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency might arise from expectations of people behaving differently based on circumstances, while criticizing them for not reacting as predicted. It highlights the challenge of satisfying expectations and the difficulty in responding appropriately to different social cues.