Contradiction with Matthew 23:11
This verse teaches that the greatest among you should be your servant, contrasting the idea of ruling over others.
Matthew 23:11: But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
Contradiction with Mark 9:35
This verse states that if anyone wants to be first, he must be the last and servant of all, contradicting the concept of exercising dominion.
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 Luke 22:26
This verse teaches that the greatest should be like the youngest, and the leader as one who serves, contrasting with ruling authority.
Luke 22:26: But ye [shall] not [be] so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
Contradiction with John 13:14
This verse highlights the act of serving others by Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, contradicting authoritarian leadership.
John 13:14: If I then, [your] Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
Contradiction with 1 Peter 5:3
This verse advises leaders not to lord over those in their charge but to be examples, contradicting the notion of exercising dominion.
1 Peter 5:3: Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. [being lords over: or, overruling]
Paradox #1
Matthew 20:25 refers to how leaders should not exercise authority in a domineering way. A potential contradiction could arise with interpretations of certain Old Testament passages where leaders exercise authoritarian control, or with passages endorsing strict hierarchical structures. However, interpretations vary, and some see these as contextually complementary rather than contradictory.
Paradox #2
Matthew 20:25 discusses the idea of authority and leadership, contrasting worldly power with servant leadership. A contradiction might arise if one interprets this verse as advocating for humility and servant leadership, while other parts of the Bible seem to support hierarchical structures and authority. This can create tension between the concept of leading through service versus exercising authority and control.