Contradictions and Paradoxes in Matthew 3:14

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Matthew 3:14 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Matthew 3:14. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Matthew, John was surprised because he thought Jesus was so special that he should be the one baptizing him, not the other way around. John felt he wasn't good enough to baptize Jesus because Jesus was very important.

Matthew 3:14: But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

Contradiction with Mark 1:7

John states he is not worthy to unloose Jesus' sandals, showing humility unlike in Matthew 3:14 where he initially protests baptizing Jesus.

Mark 1:7: And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

Contradiction with John 1:27

John emphasizes his unworthiness to perform even the most menial task for Jesus, contrasting his hesitation to baptize Him in Matthew 3:14.

John 1:27: He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

Contradiction with John 1:31-33

John suggests he did not know Jesus until His baptism, complicating the foreknowledge implied by John's reluctance in Matthew 3:14.

John 1:31-33: And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

Contradiction with Matthew 11:11

Jesus claims none born of women is greater than John the Baptist, potentially clashing with John's reluctance in Matthew 3:14 due to self-perceived unworthiness.

Matthew 11:11: Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Contradiction with Luke 3:16

John openly declares his subservience to Jesus, which contrasts with his initial resistance to baptizing Him in Matthew 3:14.

Luke 3:16: John answered, saying unto [them] all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction in Matthew 3:14 could arise from questioning why John the Baptist, who recognized Jesus as greater than himself and expressed reluctance to baptize Him, should proceed with the baptism. It might seem inconsistent for someone of higher spiritual standing to be baptized by someone of lesser standing, raising questions about the nature of humility and authority.

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