Contradiction with Exodus 20:12
This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring one's father and mother, which can be seen as contradicting the idea of leaving family for the sake of following Jesus.
Exodus 20:12: Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 5:8
This verse states that anyone who does not provide for their relatives is worse than an unbeliever, which conflicts with the encouragement to leave family behind for Jesus' sake.
1 Timothy 5:8: But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. [house: or, kindred]
Contradiction with Ephesians 6:2-3
These verses command honoring parents as a commandment with a promise of well-being and longevity, contrasting with abandoning family ties.
Ephesians 6:2-3: Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
Contradiction with Proverbs 17:17
This verse emphasizes that a friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity, suggesting the importance of maintaining family and social bonds.
Proverbs 17:17: A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:10-11
These verses encourage married couples to remain together and not separate, potentially contradicting the idea of leaving family members.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11: And unto the married I command, [yet] not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from [her] husband:
Paradox #1
Matthew 19:29 could be seen as a contradiction or inconsistency because it suggests that followers of Jesus might need to abandon family and possessions to gain eternal life. This could conflict with other biblical teachings that emphasize family loyalty, honoring parents, and the importance of community. The challenge is balancing the call to follow Jesus with other biblical expectations concerning personal responsibilities and relationships.
Paradox #2
Some people see a conflict between this verse and the idea that family should always come first. The verse suggests that following spiritual or religious commitments could require putting them before family, while other teachings emphasize the importance of family loyalty and care. This can seem contradictory or inconsistent to some readers.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in this verse might be seen in the expectation to leave family and personal connections in pursuit of spiritual or religious goals, which can conflict with values that prioritize familial responsibilities and commitments. Balancing personal faith with the importance of family loyalty could be viewed as a moral inconsistency.