Contradictions and Paradoxes in Matthew 4:20

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Matthew 4:20 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Matthew 4:20. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Matthew, Jesus called some fishermen, and they immediately left their fishing nets and followed him because they believed he was very special. Christians understand this to mean that when Jesus calls us, we should be ready to follow him right away, just like the fishermen did.

Matthew 4:20: And they straightway left [their] nets, and followed him.

Contradiction with Matthew 6:33

Whereas Matthew 4:20 shows immediate following of Jesus without concern for possessions, Matthew 6:33 suggests seeking the Kingdom of God first, indicating a sequence rather than immediate action.

Matthew 6:33: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Contradiction with Luke 9:59-60

In Matthew 4:20, disciples follow immediately, but Luke 9:59-60 depicts hesitation as one seeks to bury their father before following Jesus.

Luke 9:59-60: And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

Contradiction with Matthew 19:21-22

Contrary to the immediate action in Matthew 4:20, in Matthew 19:21-22, the young man hesitates and leaves sorrowful when asked to give up his possessions and follow Jesus.

Matthew 19:21-22: Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come [and] follow me.

Contradiction with Luke 18:22-23

Similar to Matthew 19:21-22, this verse shows hesitation and sorrow at the thought of giving up riches, opposite to the immediate following in Matthew 4:20.

Luke 18:22-23: Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

Contradiction with John 6:66

While Matthew 4:20 shows commitment, John 6:66 depicts many disciples turning away from following Jesus.

John 6:66: From that [time] many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

Contradiction with Matthew 8:21-22

Matthew 4:20 emphasizes immediate following, but Matthew 8:21-22 presents a scenario where a potential follower requests to first tend to familial duties.

Matthew 8:21-22: And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
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