Contradiction with Matthew 10:39
This verse repeats the message of Matthew 16:25, and thus does not present a contradiction.
Matthew 10:39: He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Contradiction with Luke 9:24
This verse, like Matthew 16:25, supports the concept of losing one's life to save it in a spiritual sense, and does not present a contradiction.
Luke 9:24: For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
Contradiction with Mark 8:35
This verse aligns with Matthew 16:25 by promoting the idea of self-denial for spiritual gain, reinforcing rather than contradicting the message.
Mark 8:35: For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Paradox #1
This verse might seem contradictory to some because it suggests that losing one's life can lead to finding it. People may struggle with understanding how losing something as essential as life could result in a greater gain, which may seem inconsistent with the typical human desire to preserve life at all costs. This can create tension for those trying to reconcile self-preservation with spiritual teachings that value self-sacrifice or putting spiritual goals above physical life.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in Matthew 16:25 might be seen in its paradoxical message that emphasizes losing one's life to find it. Some might find this message inconsistent with worldly views or teachings in other parts of the Bible that highlight self-preservation and the value of life. However, this contradiction is often resolved by interpreting the verse in a spiritual sense, rather than a literal one, emphasizing the importance of spiritual priorities over earthly ones.
Paradox #3
This verse suggests that losing one's life for a cause leads to truly finding it. The contradiction could be that it seems to promote self-sacrifice to the point of losing one's own life, which can conflict with the natural instinct to preserve life and prioritizing self-care. This can lead to confusion about when and how much one should sacrifice for others or a cause.