Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 20:23 – How Could Jesus Be Limited and Almighty? Unpacking the Incarnation

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 20:23 – How Could Jesus Be Limited and Almighty? Unpacking the Incarnation

From The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast by bibledifficultiesandanswers

June 2, 2026 · 14 min · Episode 253

About this episode

Lance Smith explores the contradiction of Jesus being both limited and almighty through the lens of the Incarnation and kenosis.

In this episode Lance Smith examines an apparent contradiction in Scripture: verses that portray Jesus as limited in his human life (unable to grant honors or do many miracles in Nazareth) versus verses that declare he now has all authority after the resurrection. The answer is the doctrine of the Incarnation and kenosis — Jesus is truly God and truly human, voluntarily accepting human limitations while remaining divine. By the end you'll have a clear, simple framework to explain these passages, strengthen your faith, and confidently respond to skeptics. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/power.html GotQuestions: https://www.gotquestions.org/kenosis.html Christ is the Cure: “Christ Emptied Himself – The Kenosis of Christ” https://christisthecure.org/christ-emptied-himself-the-kenosis-of-christ/ Evidence Unseen: “The Incarnation” https://evidenceunseen.com/theology/christ/the-incarnation…

People in this episode

Host: Lance Smith

Topics covered

  • Incarnation
  • kenosis
  • Jesus' limitations
  • authority of Jesus
  • Christian doctrine

Keywords

  • Jesus
  • Incarnation
  • kenosis
  • authority
  • Christianity
  • Scripture
  • faith
  • skeptics

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Skeptics Annotated Bible, GotQuestions, Christ is the Cure, Evidence Unseen

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