5/25/2022
Religious
education
The use of paradox in the gospel
Zahra Hubert 11CH
MRS.JIGO
Definition of paradox
In the literal or dictionary definition a paradox is a logical statement which is selfcontradictory or a statement which is not in unison with one’s expectations. However, in the
sense of the scriptures a paradox can be seen as truth which is held in the tension of
contradiction. Paradoxes are ways in which we discover the truth about God through
constant questioning and evaluation of ourselves and those around us.
1. Matthew 18:7
2. John 12:47
John 9:39
3. Matthew 11:30
Matthew 7:14
4. Matthew 23:11
5. Mark 9:35
6. Luke 17:33
7. John 12:25
8. John 1:12
John 1:13
Eight paradoxes from the gospel
How terrible for the world that there are
things that make people lose their faith!
Such things will always happen — but how
terrible for the one who causes them!
“I did not come to judge the world.”
“I came into this world for judgment.”
“My yoke is easy.”
“How difficult the road that leads to life.”
The greatest one among you must be your
servant.
Jesus sat down, called the twelve disciples,
and said to them, “Whoever wants to be
first must place himself last of all and be
the servant of all.”
Whoever tries to save his own life will lose
it; whoever loses his life will save it
Those who love their own life will lose it;
those who hate their own life in this world
will keep it for life eternal.
Some, however, did receive him and
believed in him; so he gave them the right
to become God's children.
Some, however, did receive him and
believed in him; so he gave them the right
to become God's children.
Understanding paradoxes on a deeper level
-The greatest one among you must be your servant. Matthew 23:11
The first stage of understanding the scripture is on its literal level or it’s outside story. That
the greatest person among you is must be a servant.
The second stage is understanding the story in relation to the heart, or its heart story. This is
where in the scripture we understand and know that what is stated is that those who serve
not only God but others are truly the greatest people because of their regards for others
before themselves. They have it in their hearts to put others before them and serve them
and do not have the desire or praise for their actions.
The third stage of understanding the story is on its spiritual level. In order to be the greatest
servant, one must humble themselves to gods power and serve him because he is our
creator and must have an understanding that helping others with their interests before ours
in what God wants of us.
Reasons why Jesus and the gospel writers used paradox
Jesus was often intentionally paradoxical. He and other writers in the gospel used paradoxes
in order for us to look deeper into the meaning of his words by contradicting and
questioning them. Paradoxes were used as teaching tool to reveal righteous and eternal
principles. They contrast human values, influenced by the devil, with those upheld by God.