Implications of Contradictions

[ericc]

Doesn’t seem like you read this. Jesus explained John’s greatness and it exceeded the expectations of His listeners.

I read it and as a listener it tells me what John tasks were , that is, to prepare the way for the Lord. John is not Elijah reincarnated. If John was great, is it because of the spirit of Elijah in him? If the cause is Elijah, then his greatness is from Elijah and not his.

The verses you quoted didn’t convey to me as a listener the greatness of John at all, but rather, the purpose of him. I don’t see how you can conclude that "John’s greatness exceeded the expectations of his listeners. " How did you come to that conclusion? How do you know what the expectations of the listeners were? How do you know those were exceeded? In what way was he great? If you were to say that John is great because of his role, then if we don’t discriminate, everyone is great too because each of us have a role too. If John is great because he did extraordinary things, then I must have missed knowing about them.

I only see Jesus clarifying to the crowd, what John’s role was and who he is. John’s style of living and his preaching probably raised questions about John. Who is he? What is he doing? Is he authentic? You have a person who wears a garment of camel’s hair, leather belt about his waist and eating locust and honey and that will bound to attract questions.

 

[Benadam]

“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

Looks like everybody back then recognized John the Baptist as a great man. In this passage listed among great men of not just history but salvation history.The people and therefore Jesus’ listeners as well, had high expectations.

I read it and as a listener it tells me what John tasks were

tasks that confirm John as a great man.

John is not Elijah reincarnated.

who said anything about reincarnation?

The verses you quoted didn’t convey to me as a listener the greatness of John at all, but rather, the purpose of him.

John’s purpose played a key role in salvation history.

If you were to say that John is great because of his role, then if we don’t discriminate, everyone is great too because each of us have a role too.

John’s purpose played a key role in salvation history.

If John is great because he did extraordinary things, then I must have missed knowing about them.

no doubt about it.

I can’t believe I am arguing with you about John the Baptist’s greatness. Something that has been a given for two thousand years.

 

[Benadam]

3:8 it says that God was walking in the garden. However, if God is immovable, how could He be walking around in a garden?

yeah, mythic literature contradicts theology 101

 

[ericc]

John’s purpose played a key role in salvation history.

So did many other prophets. Abraham, Moses, Elijah etc

I can’t believe I am arguing with you about John the Baptist’s greatness. Something that has been a given for two thousand years.

You are because someone else have a different opinion. You don’t have a monopoly.

 

[Benadam]

So did many other prophets. Abraham, Moses, Elijah etc

Benadam:

John’s role was greatest according to Jesus. And that’s all that really matters here because there was contradiction in what He said about John.

Jesus said John the Baptist was the greatest man born to woman.

You are because someone else have a different opinion. You don’t have a monopoly.

Your opinion so far has been to deny what Jesus said about John. As if it isn’t plainly written. No ericc, you haven’t had an opinion just a process of denial.

 

[arthra]

I’m aware of inconsistencies in scripture and while I accept that scripture is inspired do not believe it is without some variations as it was gathered and translated at various times and recombined. If we focus on the general picture and allow for inconsistencies then we can still get a Message.

 

[ericc]

Your opinion so far has been to deny what Jesus said about John. As if it isn’t plainly written. No ericc, you haven’t had an opinion just a process of denial.

And you are in a process of denial that other opinions exist other than your own. AKA you are right and others wrong.

And you keep on omitting the part Jesus said that John would be least. You basically cherry pick what Jesus said about John.

If you are incapable of accepting what I wrote which is plainly stated in Scriptures, you shouldn’t go around telling people that they in a process of denial, when you are in fact a prime example of what you accuse me of. If you want your readers to accept John is the greatest, you must equally be prepared to tell your readers why Jesus said he is the least. You have been very silent on that point. I am reading the Scriptures as a whole, that’s why the greatest and least qualities of John must be explained to do justice to what Jesus ACTUALLY said. You didn’t and you won’t. So who is really in a state of denial then?

My opinion is not important actually. Just wanting to point out that lopsided explanations need to be counterbalanced. When I attempt that counterbalance, I am labelled in a “state of denial”.

 

[Benadam]

you must equally be prepared to tell your readers why Jesus said he is the least.

Jesus called John the greatest man born of woman.

Jesus didn’t say who the least in heaven is.

. I am reading the Scriptures as a whole, that’s why the greatest and least qualities of John must be explained to do justice to what Jesus ACTUALLY said.

John’s least qualities weren’t even remotely spoken of by Jesus
you should read scriptures more carefully and read what I wrote above and verify it so you know you got it wrong.