Contradictions and Paradoxes in Matthew 20:21

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Matthew 20:21 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Matthew 20:21. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Matthew, Jesus is asked by a mom if her two boys can have special places next to him in his kingdom. This shows how people sometimes want to be important and close to someone powerful.

Matthew 20:21: And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

Contradiction with Matthew 19:30

This verse suggests that many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first, contradicting the request for positions of honor.

Matthew 19:30: But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last [shall be] first.

Contradiction with Matthew 23:11

This verse teaches that the greatest among you shall be your servant, opposing the desire for high status.

Matthew 23:11: But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

Contradiction with Mark 9:35

It states that anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all, which contradicts the pursuit of a high position.

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 James 4:10

Advises to humble oneself in the sight of the Lord for exaltation, which contrasts with seeking elevated status directly.

James 4:10: Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Contradiction with Luke 14:11

Declares that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted, countering the pursuit of self-promotion in Matthew 20:21.

Luke 14:11: For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction in this verse could be seen in the idea of favoring certain people over others. It suggests granting special privileges or status to specific individuals, which could be viewed as unfair or inconsistent with the broader message of equality and humility found elsewhere in the teachings.

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