Contradiction with Luke 9:57-62
Contradicts the idea of immediate following as the individuals in these verses hesitate and request to attend to personal matters before following.
Luke 9:57-62: And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain [man] said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
Contradiction with John 21:21-22
Contradicts by presenting a situation where following Jesus is interpreted individually and directly by Jesus towards Peter, illustrating differing personal interactions in following Him.
John 21:21-22: Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what [shall] this man [do]?
Contradiction with Mark 4:38
Contrasts in terms of Jesus' reaction in a storm on a ship, where he is found asleep, differing from disciples’ active following seen in Matthew 8:23.
Mark 4:38: And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
Contradiction with Matthew 14:30-31
Shows an immediate downfall or challenge in following when Peter tries to follow Jesus by walking on water, highlighting the difficulty in contrast to the simplicity of following in 8:23.
Matthew 14:30-31: But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. [boisterous: or, strong]
Contradiction with Acts 20:22-24
Paul's description of following despite impending suffering contrasts with the implicit simple following found in Matthew 8:23.
Acts 20:22-24: And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: