The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 20:20-21–Who Asked for the Best Seats in Heaven? Matthew vs. Mark Explained

Episode 250 examines Matthew 20:20–21 and Mark 10:35–37, addressing the apparent discrepancy over who asked Jesus for places of honor. The episode explains that both accounts describe the same event: the mother likely voiced the request while her sons stood beside her, reflecting different emphases by the Gospel writers.
The episode also explores the message behind the request—ambition and misunderstanding of Jesus' kingdom—and how Jesus teaches servant leadership, turning a moment of pride into a lesson on humility and sacrifice.
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/best_seats.html 
David Wright, “Contradictions: Mother Knows Best,” Answers in Genesis. https://answersingenesis.org/contradictions-in-the-bible/mother-knows-best/
Eric Lyons, “Who Made the Request to Sit at Jesus’ Side?,” Apologetics Press. https://apologeticspress.org/who-made-the-request-to-sit-at-jesus-side-4121/
“Bible Contradiction? Who asked for the best seats in heaven?,” Veritas Domain. https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2021/03/04/bible-contradiction-who-asked-for-the-best-seats-in-heaven/
Stephen J. Graham, “Does Matthew 20 contradict Mark 10?,” stephenjgraham.wordpress.com. https://stephenjgraham.wordpress.com/2016/12/12/does-matthew-20-contradict-mark-10/
Bible Hub community discussion: https://biblehub.com/q/why_does_matthew_mention_their_mother.htm
Phil Long, “The Mother of James and John Asks for a Favor – Matthew 20:20–21,” Reading Acts. https://readingacts.com/2022/03/02/the-mother-of-james-and-john-asks-for-a-favor-matthew-2020-21/

Sunday Series—Mere Christianity: Standing in the Hall with C.S. Lewis-The Preface

Episode 249 launches a Sunday series on C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity by unpacking the book’s preface. Lance Smith explains Lewis’s hall-and-rooms metaphor, why he keeps a clear definition of "Christian," and his advice to be kind and pray for those who choose different doors.
Next week: chapter one on the law of human nature.
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 
Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001. Available at: https://a.co/d/0eXcvERk 
 

Numbers 16:31-35 (Part 1) — Korah's Rebellion: Swallowed by Earth or Burned by Fire?

Episode 248 examines Korah's Rebellion in Numbers 16, focusing on the apparent contradiction about how Korah and his followers died. Lance Smith shows the chapter distinguishes two simultaneous judgments: the earth opened to swallow Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, while fire consumed the 250 men offering incense.
The episode cites later biblical passages and modern commentators to clarify the narrative and previews a follow-up on whether some of Korah's family survived the rebellion.
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 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
Adelman, Rachel. “The Mysterious Literary Life and Death of Korah.” TheTorah.com (2014). https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-mysterious-literary-life-and-death-of-korah
Guzik, David. Enduring Word Commentary on Numbers 16. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-16/
Garris, Zachary. “The Faithful Sons of the Rebel Korah (Numbers 16).” KnowingScripture.com. https://knowingscripture.com/articles/the-faithful-sons-of-the-rebel-korah-numbers-16
“What was the significance of the rebellion of Korah?” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/rebellion-of-Korah.html
Adelman, Rav Rachel. “When the Earth Opened her Mouth.” Hebrew College Blog. https://hebrewcollege.edu/blog/when-the-earth-opened-her-mouth/
Albright, Charlie. “Numbers 16:16-35 (Korah Meets His Maker).” SuperiorWord.org. https://superiorword.org/numbers-16-16-35-korah-meets-his-maker/

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 19:26 – When 'Impossible' Meets God: Why Nothing Is Too Hard

Episode 247 asks the tough question: can God really do anything? Lance Smith surveys Scripture (Matthew 19:26, Genesis 18, Numbers 11, Job, Luke 1:37 and more) to show God’s power is unlimited yet acted through his unchanging, holy character and promises.
The episode addresses apparent contradictions—iron chariots, Jesus’ limits in Nazareth, and the claim that God cannot lie—explaining these as human failure, relational restraint, or moral perfection rather than divine weakness.
Practical encouragement follows: trust God with your impossible situations, pray with confident dependence, and cling to the assurance that God’s promises are steadfast.
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/cando.html 
GotQuestions.org, “What does it mean that God is omnipotent?” https://www.gotquestions.org/God-omnipotent.html
John Rothra, “Biblical Omnipotence: 7 Things God Cannot Do” https://www.johnrothra.com/know/theology/biblical-omnipotence-7-things-god-cannot-do/
Mathew Gilbert, “God Is Omnipotent: What Does This Mean?” https://matgilbert.wordpress.com/2013/04/06/god-is-omnipotent-what-does-this-mean/
Veritas Domain, “Bible Contradiction? How much power did Jesus have?” https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2025/05/02/bible-contradiction-how-much-power-did-jesus-have/
Paul Ellis, Escape to Reality https://escapetoreality.org/2010/08/02/does-god-give-and-take-away/  
Randy DeVaul, BCWorldview.org, “GOD CANNOT LIE” https://bcworldview.org/god-cannot-lie/
Robert Ream, OPC.org, “The ‘Inability’ of God” https://opc.org/new_horizons/NH02/06b.html
Jovan Payes, Biblical Faith Online, “Titus 1:2: Does God Choose Not to Lie?” https://biblicalfaith.online/2022/12/28/titus-12-does-god-choose-not-to-lie/

Sunday Series—Mere Christianity: Standing in the Hall with C.S. Lewis-Introduction

Episode 246 introduces a new Sunday series walking through C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity. Host Lance Smith explains Lewis’s journey from atheism to faith, outlines the book's structure, and invites listeners to join a short, conversational exploration through the "hall" of shared Christian beliefs. Episodes will include readings, plain-language explanations, practical takeaways, and reflections.
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 
Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001. Available at: https://a.co/d/0eXcvERk

Numbers 15:24—Sin, Sacrifice, and the Missing Contradiction: Leviticus vs Numbers Explained

Episode 245 unpacks the apparent discrepancy between Leviticus 4 and Numbers 15, showing that Leviticus zooms in on the sin offering itself while Numbers presents the fuller communal response—burnt, grain, and drink offerings accompanying the single sin offering.
The episode clarifies how the texts complement one another, draws out the crucial distinction between unintentional and deliberate sin, and points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system.
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 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
Heereman, Vincenz. “Sacrificial Atonement in Numbers 15:22–31: Theological Implications of an Unforgivable Sin.” In Remember Their Sin No More? Forgiveness and the Hebrew Bible, edited by David J. Shepherd and Richard S. Briggs. Eugene, OR: Pickwick, 2022. 22–38.
Dunham, Kyle C. “The Sin Offering and the Guilt Offering of the Levitical Cult.” Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, September 6, 2023. Available at: https://dbts.edu/2023/09/06/the-sin-offering-and-the-guilt-offering-of-the-levitical-cult/ (full PDF at https://dbts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/The-Sin-Offering-and-the-Guilt-Offering-of-the-Levitical-Cult-by-Kyle-C-Dunham.pdf)
Rashi. Commentary on Numbers 15 (traditional Jewish view). Betemunah.org. Available at: https://www.betemunah.org/offering.html
Bible Hub. Commentaries on Numbers 15:24. BibleHub.com. Available at: https://biblehub.com/commentaries/numbers/15-24.htm
StudyLight.org. Verse-by-Verse Commentary on Numbers 15:24. Available at: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/numbers/15-24.html
Precept Austin. Numbers 15 Commentary. Available at: https://www.preceptaustin.org/numbers-15-commentary
Enduring Word. Bible Commentary on Leviticus 4. Available at: https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/leviticus-4/

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 19:23-24 – Wealth and Righteousness: Blessing or Trap?

Episode 244 explores whether wealth is a sign of righteousness or wickedness by examining Old and New Testament passages. Lance Smith argues the Bible presents a nuanced view: wealth can be a blessing or a spiritual danger, and it reveals the condition of the heart rather than serving as a moral scoreboard.
The episode highlights examples from Scripture, explains stewardship and dependence on God, and concludes that wealth is neutral—what matters is how we use it and whom we serve.
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/rich.html 
“Wealth and Righteousness,” Ron Blue Institute: https://ronblueinstitute.com/article/wealth-and-righteousness/
“A Biblical View of Wealth,” Costi Hinn, For the Gospel: https://www.forthegospel.org/read/a-biblical-view-of-wealth
“Are Riches and Righteousness At Odds?,” Institute for Faith, Work & Economics: https://institutefc.org/are-riches-and-righteousness-at-odds/
“Wealth and Stewardship: Key Biblical Principles,” Michael W. Austin, Christian Research Institute: https://www.equip.org/articles/wealth-stewardship-key-biblical-principles/
“The Danger of Wealth,” Christian Stewardship Network: https://www.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/blog/2022/7/7/the-danger-of-wealth
“What Does the Bible Say About Wealth and Provision?,” Theology of Work Project: https://www.theologyofwork.org/key-topics/provision-wealth/
“Reflections on Wealth and Poverty in the Hebrew Bible,” Joel Kaminsky: https://scholarworks.smith.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1026&context=rel_facpubs
“The Morality of Wealth,” Ismar Schorsch, Jewish Theological Seminary: https://www.jtsa.edu/torah/the-morality-of-wealth/

Numbers 14:29 — Where Are the Israelite Graves? Solving the Sinai Mystery

In this episode, Lance Smith examines Numbers 14:29 and the common question of why archaeologists haven’t found mass graves for the Israelites who died during the 40 years in the wilderness. He reviews biblical, cultural, and archaeological explanations including nomadic burial practices, shallow or exposed interments, secondary bone collection, harsh desert conditions, and limited excavation.
The episode argues the absence of durable graves fits the Bible’s description of a judged, transient generation and explains why lack of visible remains is not evidence against the Exodus account.
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 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
Franz, Gordon. “Where are the Israelite Burials From the Wilderness Wanderings?” Associates for Biblical Research. https://biblearchaeology.org/research/exodus-from-egypt/3811-where-are-the-israelite-burials-from-the-wilderness-wanderings
“Why haven’t we found the graves of the Israelites in the wilderness?” BibleAsk.org. https://bibleask.org/why-havent-we-found-the-graves-of-the-israelites-in-the-wilderness/
Christian Think Tank material on related archaeological questions: https://www.christian-thinktank.com/noai.html
“Ancient Israelite Tombs and Burial Practices,” Posen Library. https://www.posenlibrary.com/guide/ancient-israelite-tombs-and-burial-practices 
“Israel in the Wilderness: Evidence in the Right Place and at the Right Time?” Truth in Time. https://truthintime.org/israel-in-the-wilderness-evidence-in-the-right-place-and-at-the-right-time/
Maritis, Tony. “Is There Any Archaeological Proof At All For The Biblical Exodus?” Medium. https://tonymaritis.medium.com/is-there-any-archaeological-proof-at-all-for-the-biblical-exodus-3f770d0b6763