Jan
9
Harry Husted
Ever since the Da Vinci Code came out there has been a controversy regarding several aspects of Jesus including his divinity and his supposed marriage to Mary Magdalene. Many books and reports have been written about it but there are still questions in many peoples minds about whether it is true or not. This article will prove conclusively the validity of these claims and to show that Jesus was not and never claimed to be married to Mary Magdalene. For anyone to claim otherwise is a heretic against the Christian church.
The claims within the Da Vinci code are in fact fiction. There is no basis to it. Thee is one thing you do need to know about the claims the book Dan Brown wrote. These claims have been around for well over 200 hundred years. As far back as the first century, the religious leaders tried to stamp out Christianity by claiming Jesus never existed and that their worship was for naught.
Although the claim has increasingly dwindled over the years because of certain ancient evidence that was presented. In this day and age, the existence of Jesus is not in question. It is whether he was actually a divine being and was he actually married. The one thing you have to realize with Christianity is that it is not a religious movement predicated on a certain view of God. It is rather a uniquely historical religion that followed certain events that God was thought to have intervened in during history, and presented himself to his people.
In the scriptures, Jesus clearly described himself as the Son of God and of divine origin. For anyone else to deny this are liars and deceitful people who only want to do the work of the Devil and to shy people away from the reality. But there have been people on this planet who claimed to be the Creator of the universe. They so much as referred themselves as the Father, and wanted everyone to worship them. But where are such people found that claim this distinction. Most of them have been found in mental institutions or who were later diagnosed as mentally ill.
On the other hand, we understand Jesus as not having a psychotic mind. Instead, most people recognize him as a great teacher, if nothing else. But according to the Da Vinci Code, Jesus never existed at all. In the book Jesus did exist, but not as a divine being.
For those who read the Da Vinci Code or saw the movie were not stifled by it. The belief in Jesus is the built on firm foundations that cannot be wavered. For there in biblical text as well as historical documents the factual claims that Jesus was indeed the Son of God and the creator of the Christian church. So why are so many stumbled by this? Why was the book written? If we look in the Bible Jesus did give a warning to us that people would do everything they can to attack our faith. Why? Out of jealousy for one reason. The people who torment others, who are Christian, realize they have to hope and rely on men for answers. They have no foundation for truth and therefore walk around blind. They have been brainwashed so often to believe that Christianity was built on falsehoods and that Christians were haters of government and would overturn commit treason for their own purposes. Which is really far from the truth, as so many emperors discovered.
The Da Vinci Code has become popular not because people are in agreement with what it says, they just like the fact it has mystery, suspense, conspiracy theories, compelling characters, romance, chase scenes, and more. It is also liked because of its religious overtones. Because we are spiritual beings, we love any kind of entertainment that has a spiritual theme to it.
The question remains for many people is whether or not the claims Dan Brown made in the book are true? Even though we know from historical documents and biblical text that Jesus was in fact of divine nature, and not married at all, curiosity comes into play here and beckons the question – is it really true or in fact fiction?
If we look at the cover of Dan Brown’s book is clearly stated that it is a novel. What is a novel? A novel is a work of fiction. It is imaginary. It is not real. It is just a made up story to entertainment and enlighten, but not to be taken literally. This is why many people don’t understand why there is an uproar over what was written in the book or seen on the big screen. The real question remains, even though it is a fictional story, is the story based on true fact or not?
In the book Dan Brown continues to present the information in the book as true and accurate. But has this knowledge really persuaded people to believe the book or movie, or not. Many Christians who saw the movie were not phased by it and did not distrust their own beliefs. But non-Christians used it as a bases to try and prove themselves right all along.
The one thing the Da Vinci Code does more than anything else is help Christians, and those believing in Jesus, to help those who are not by answering questions that may arise from within their minds, concerning certain teachings that may have surfaced while reading either the book or saw the movie.
Evidence has been presented from many different sources showing in fact the proof that what is contained in Dan Brown’s book are in fact invalid. I could go into many details the use of the name Da Vinci itself, but that will be saved for another article. What I wish to present right now is concrete evidence to point in the direction of Jesus as a divine being and as the Son of God, not a man on earth who married and had a child.
One such area that people seem to talk about is Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting of the “Last Supper”. Dan Brown portrays Langdon and someone else saying that the person sitting alongside Jesus at the “Last Supper” was Mary Magdalene. They base this on the fact the figure appears to be effeminate. However, everyone knows that John the Disciple is depicted in many places as a beautiful or handsome man with features that would strike a resemblance to someone with an effeminate nature. Therefore the idea of the figure being Mary Magdalene does not hold water.
Now comes the biggest fraud the book can portray. And that is the marriage between Jesus and Mary Magdalene. For some reason Dan Brown gets off on the idea of Jesus being a married man. He is completely fixated over it. Why he is this way is being anyone’s comprehension. According to the book, the Catholics conspired to withhold this information from its members. But this is further from the truth. For one reason, the canonical Gospels gave no indication of any kind of romantic relationship Jesus had with Mary Magdalene or vice versa. As a matter of fact Luke 8: 2-3 states that Mary had gone along with two other women to help Jesus and his Apostles, but Jesus did not have any special relationship with her. Another reason the statement about Jesus being married to Mary is false is because even the non-canonical gospels made no claim. The only mention of Jesus have any kind of affection for Mary and kissing her is in the Gospel of Philip. But this book was nearly destroyed. Only a fragment of the text was found and this text was unreadable. But even the text that was decipherable, did not claim Jesus and Mary of being married.
The third claim was that Jesus was a rabbi (or a good Jew), as such he had to have been married. But this is not true because for one thing Jesus was no rabbi. Jesus even stated he was no rabbi. When Jesus performed miracles, he was always asked by what authority he did them. If he had authority over the Jews, they would not have asked him that. Jesus held no office of any kind that required someone to be married. Some claim that men of Jesus age had to be married because that was the custom. This also is not true. For there were many men in Jesus day and even before Jesus came on earth that were of his age that were not married.
The fourth claim is that Jesus marriage was covered up by the Catholic Church in order to prevent any difficulty with their policy requiring priests to be celibate. But this was total nonsense. The priests were given choices to marry if they chose to and they did not on their terms. Plus, the Catholic Church did not exist until formation of the N.T. canon.
The next claim that needs to be refuted is the denying that Jesus is of divine nature. In Brown’s book, one of his characters, Leigh Teabing, made the claim that until the Council of Nicea, 325 A.D. was formed, Jesus was viewed by his followers as a mortal prophet. Of course, this is unfounded and even the most liberal scholars acknowledged this. To claim that Jesus was not of divine origin, strikes against Christianity and the historical evidence to the contrary. The Da Vinci Code seems to ignore the established historical facts concerning Jesus divinity. As a matter of reference, if you read the book, you will notice one thing. The book never mentions the crucifixion. The crucifixion was not only central to the Gospels, but was confirmed by many other sources as well. Dan Brown ignored this fact because he could not handle the idea of Jesus being a divine being. And yet Dan Brown claimed to be a devout Catholic. Also Dan Brown claims in his book that the Council of Nicea voted on many issues for the church at the time, which also was not true. The Council of Nicea was originally established for the purpose of responding to claims of Jesus divinity, as told by an Alexandrian theologian named Arius. The important point to note here was that Arianism did not deny the divinity of Jesus. They accepted it. They understand that Jesus was divine but as the Son of God not as God himself, as some people wanted to believe. the Apostle Paul wrote many references to Jesus as being of divine nature.
What does all this evidence prove? It proves that Dan Brown did not research his subject. He merely wrote his book based on some surface research. Being that it is a book of fiction that does matter in this case, since many of the claims are based on fiction anyway. Some people think Dan Brown wrote the book to get back at certain people who made fun of him in the Catholic Church. Whether this is true or not is hard to say. One thing that can be said with accuracy is that Dan Brown was a deceiver and a liar when concocting this story.
The bottom line is that Jesus was not married and all evidence in the Bible and other historical documents prove this to be true. Also, Jesus was a divine being and the Gospels as well as other historical documents proved this true as well. For anyone to refute this or claim otherwise, is either satanic or an atheist in nature.
Ever since the Da Vinci Code came out there has been a controversy regarding several aspects of Jesus including his divinity and his supposed marriage to Mary Magdalene. Many books and reports have been written about it but there are still questions in many peoples minds about whether it is true or not. This article will prove conclusively the validity of these claims and to show that Jesus was not and never claimed to be married to Mary Magdalene. For anyone to claim otherwise is a heretic against the Christian church.
The claims within the Da Vinci code are in fact fiction. There is no basis to it. Thee is one thing you do need to know about the claims the book Dan Brown wrote. These claims have been around for well over 200 hundred years. As far back as the first century, the religious leaders tried to stamp out Christianity by claiming Jesus never existed and that their worship was for naught.
Although the claim has increasingly dwindled over the years because of certain ancient evidence that was presented. In this day and age, the existence of Jesus is not in question. It is whether he was actually a divine being and was he actually married. The one thing you have to realize with Christianity is that it is not a religious movement predicated on a certain view of God. It is rather a uniquely historical religion that followed certain events that God was thought to have intervened in during history, and presented himself to his people.
In the scriptures, Jesus clearly described himself as the Son of God and of divine origin. For anyone else to deny this are liars and deceitful people who only want to do the work of the Devil and to shy people away from the reality. But there have been people on this planet who claimed to be the Creator of the universe. They so much as referred themselves as the Father, and wanted everyone to worship them. But where are such people found that claim this distinction. Most of them have been found in mental institutions or who were later diagnosed as mentally ill.
On the other hand, we understand Jesus as not having a psychotic mind. Instead, most people recognize him as a great teacher, if nothing else. But according to the Da Vinci Code, Jesus never existed at all. In the book Jesus did exist, but not as a divine being.
For those who read the Da Vinci Code or saw the movie were not stifled by it. The belief in Jesus is the built on firm foundations that cannot be wavered. For there in biblical text as well as historical documents the factual claims that Jesus was indeed the Son of God and the creator of the Christian church. So why are so many stumbled by this? Why was the book written? If we look in the Bible Jesus did give a warning to us that people would do everything they can to attack our faith. Why? Out of jealousy for one reason. The people who torment others, who are Christian, realize they have to hope and rely on men for answers. They have no foundation for truth and therefore walk around blind. They have been brainwashed so often to believe that Christianity was built on falsehoods and that Christians were haters of government and would overturn commit treason for their own purposes. Which is really far from the truth, as so many emperors discovered.
The Da Vinci Code has become popular not because people are in agreement with what it says, they just like the fact it has mystery, suspense, conspiracy theories, compelling characters, romance, chase scenes, and more. It is also liked because of its religious overtones. Because we are spiritual beings, we love any kind of entertainment that has a spiritual theme to it.
The question remains for many people is whether or not the claims Dan Brown made in the book are true? Even though we know from historical documents and biblical text that Jesus was in fact of divine nature, and not married at all, curiosity comes into play here and beckons the question – is it really true or in fact fiction?
If we look at the cover of Dan Brown’s book is clearly stated that it is a novel. What is a novel? A novel is a work of fiction. It is imaginary. It is not real. It is just a made up story to entertainment and enlighten, but not to be taken literally. This is why many people don’t understand why there is an uproar over what was written in the book or seen on the big screen. The real question remains, even though it is a fictional story, is the story based on true fact or not?
In the book Dan Brown continues to present the information in the book as true and accurate. But has this knowledge really persuaded people to believe the book or movie, or not. Many Christians who saw the movie were not phased by it and did not distrust their own beliefs. But non-Christians used it as a bases to try and prove themselves right all along.
The one thing the Da Vinci Code does more than anything else is help Christians, and those believing in Jesus, to help those who are not by answering questions that may arise from within their minds, concerning certain teachings that may have surfaced while reading either the book or saw the movie.
Evidence has been presented from many different sources showing in fact the proof that what is contained in Dan Brown’s book are in fact invalid. I could go into many details the use of the name Da Vinci itself, but that will be saved for another article. What I wish to present right now is concrete evidence to point in the direction of Jesus as a divine being and as the Son of God, not a man on earth who married and had a child.
One such area that people seem to talk about is Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting of the “Last Supper”. Dan Brown portrays Langdon and someone else saying that the person sitting alongside Jesus at the “Last Supper” was Mary Magdalene. They base this on the fact the figure appears to be effeminate. However, everyone knows that John the Disciple is depicted in many places as a beautiful or handsome man with features that would strike a resemblance to someone with an effeminate nature. Therefore the idea of the figure being Mary Magdalene does not hold water.
Now comes the biggest fraud the book can portray. And that is the marriage between Jesus and Mary Magdalene. For some reason Dan Brown gets off on the idea of Jesus being a married man. He is completely fixated over it. Why he is this way is being anyone’s comprehension. According to the book, the Catholics conspired to withhold this information from its members. But this is further from the truth. For one reason, the canonical Gospels gave no indication of any kind of romantic relationship Jesus had with Mary Magdalene or vice versa. As a matter of fact Luke 8: 2-3 states that Mary had gone along with two other women to help Jesus and his Apostles, but Jesus did not have any special relationship with her. Another reason the statement about Jesus being married to Mary is false is because even the non-canonical gospels made no claim. The only mention of Jesus have any kind of affection for Mary and kissing her is in the Gospel of Philip. But this book was nearly destroyed. Only a fragment of the text was found and this text was unreadable. But even the text that was decipherable, did not claim Jesus and Mary of being married.
The third claim was that Jesus was a rabbi (or a good Jew), as such he had to have been married. But this is not true because for one thing Jesus was no rabbi. Jesus even stated he was no rabbi. When Jesus performed miracles, he was always asked by what authority he did them. If he had authority over the Jews, they would not have asked him that. Jesus held no office of any kind that required someone to be married. Some claim that men of Jesus age had to be married because that was the custom. This also is not true. For there were many men in Jesus day and even before Jesus came on earth that were of his age that were not married.
The fourth claim is that Jesus marriage was covered up by the Catholic Church in order to prevent any difficulty with their policy requiring priests to be celibate. But this was total nonsense. The priests were given choices to marry if they chose to and they did not on their terms. Plus, the Catholic Church did not exist until formation of the N.T. canon.
The next claim that needs to be refuted is the denying that Jesus is of divine nature. In Brown’s book, one of his characters, Leigh Teabing, made the claim that until the Council of Nicea, 325 A.D. was formed, Jesus was viewed by his followers as a mortal prophet. Of course, this is unfounded and even the most liberal scholars acknowledged this. To claim that Jesus was not of divine origin, strikes against Christianity and the historical evidence to the contrary. The Da Vinci Code seems to ignore the established historical facts concerning Jesus divinity. As a matter of reference, if you read the book, you will notice one thing. The book never mentions the crucifixion. The crucifixion was not only central to the Gospels, but was confirmed by many other sources as well. Dan Brown ignored this fact because he could not handle the idea of Jesus being a divine being. And yet Dan Brown claimed to be a devout Catholic. Also Dan Brown claims in his book that the Council of Nicea voted on many issues for the church at the time, which also was not true. The Council of Nicea was originally established for the purpose of responding to claims of Jesus divinity, as told by an Alexandrian theologian named Arius. The important point to note here was that Arianism did not deny the divinity of Jesus. They accepted it. They understand that Jesus was divine but as the Son of God not as God himself, as some people wanted to believe. the Apostle Paul wrote many references to Jesus as being of divine nature.
What does all this evidence prove? It proves that Dan Brown did not research his subject. He merely wrote his book based on some surface research. Being that it is a book of fiction that does matter in this case, since many of the claims are based on fiction anyway. Some people think Dan Brown wrote the book to get back at certain people who made fun of him in the Catholic Church. Whether this is true or not is hard to say. One thing that can be said with accuracy is that Dan Brown was a deceiver and a liar when concocting this story.
The bottom line is that Jesus was not married and all evidence in the Bible and other historical documents prove this to be true. Also, Jesus was a divine being and the Gospels as well as other historical documents proved this true as well. For anyone to refute this or claim otherwise, is either satanic or an atheist in nature.
Jan
8
Jesus: He Accomplished What No One Else Could
Filed Under David And Solomon's Missing Kingdom | Leave a Comment
anonymous
The name of Jesus is above all names (see Philippians 2:9). This commendation was given to Jesus because of what He succeeded in doing while He was here on earth. What did Jesus do?
1. He resisted sin.
Jesus was tempted in all points yet He was without sin (see Hebrews 4:15). Think about the phrase “all points” for a minute. This verse is telling us that that every temptation common to man including lying, stealing, bad thoughts, anger, etc. was thrown at Jesus. Yet He never fell for any of it.
“But Karin, Jesus is God. Of course He was able to stand against sin,” you might say. Yes, Jesus is God. But we must understand He walked this earth as a man. So that He could become a compassionate High Priest, Jesus came to feel what we feel (see Hebrews 2:16-18). Jesus stripped Himself of the **privileges** of being God. Because He was infused with and perfectly yielded to the Third Person in the Trinity, He performed great miracles.
2. Jesus manifested the perfect will of God everywhere He went.
He told the truth, healed,cast out demons, met financial needs, and more.
3. He suffered indignities befitting a criminal although He was perfect in every way.
He was severely beaten and called a liar yet He never retaliated. Finally, He was hung on a cross between two thieves. Still, He did not think of Himself. “Father, forgive them because they don’t know what they are doing,” He prayed. He entrusted the care of His mother to the disciple named John when He said: “Woman, behold thy son. Son, behold thy mother.”
4. He became sin who knew no sin.
Jesus, who never sinned, became sin itself so that all who believe in Him could have right standing with God. We have all seen pictures of Jesus hanging on a cross and He looks human. However, the scriptures say He was not recognizable (see Isaiah 52:14). This was the result of every sin and sickness known to man invading Jesus’ body.
5. He took our punishment in Hell.
I can’t imagine the torture Jesus went through at the hands of the devil and all his demons.
6. He rose in victory and power.
Jesus took the keys to Hell and Death and then made an open display of the devil as a defeated foe (see Ephesians 4:7-9).
Though His brief life on earth could not have been easy, Jesus remained focused on His mission and accomplished what no other had done: the redemption of all mankind.
The name of Jesus is above all names (see Philippians 2:9). This commendation was given to Jesus because of what He succeeded in doing while He was here on earth. What did Jesus do?
1. He resisted sin.
Jesus was tempted in all points yet He was without sin (see Hebrews 4:15). Think about the phrase “all points” for a minute. This verse is telling us that that every temptation common to man including lying, stealing, bad thoughts, anger, etc. was thrown at Jesus. Yet He never fell for any of it.
“But Karin, Jesus is God. Of course He was able to stand against sin,” you might say. Yes, Jesus is God. But we must understand He walked this earth as a man. So that He could become a compassionate High Priest, Jesus came to feel what we feel (see Hebrews 2:16-18). Jesus stripped Himself of the **privileges** of being God. Because He was infused with and perfectly yielded to the Third Person in the Trinity, He performed great miracles.
2. Jesus manifested the perfect will of God everywhere He went.
He told the truth, healed,cast out demons, met financial needs, and more.
3. He suffered indignities befitting a criminal although He was perfect in every way.
He was severely beaten and called a liar yet He never retaliated. Finally, He was hung on a cross between two thieves. Still, He did not think of Himself. “Father, forgive them because they don’t know what they are doing,” He prayed. He entrusted the care of His mother to the disciple named John when He said: “Woman, behold thy son. Son, behold thy mother.”
4. He became sin who knew no sin.
Jesus, who never sinned, became sin itself so that all who believe in Him could have right standing with God. We have all seen pictures of Jesus hanging on a cross and He looks human. However, the scriptures say He was not recognizable (see Isaiah 52:14). This was the result of every sin and sickness known to man invading Jesus’ body.
5. He took our punishment in Hell.
I can’t imagine the torture Jesus went through at the hands of the devil and all his demons.
6. He rose in victory and power.
Jesus took the keys to Hell and Death and then made an open display of the devil as a defeated foe (see Ephesians 4:7-9).
Though His brief life on earth could not have been easy, Jesus remained focused on His mission and accomplished what no other had done: the redemption of all mankind.
Jan
4
Erik Carter
One thing that Jesus was NOT – was flashy. When He cured someone, it was with a touch. When He spoke, the crowds came to Him. And when He resisted the Devil – it was through the simple mechanisms of fasting, prayer, and Scripture. These are things each of us can do daily or weekly, which fits completely with Jesus’s advice to not put on a public display. Your life – your resistance to temptation – will be all the display you need.
In the Gospels, the best known examples of Jesus facing and resisting temptation are the 3 tests in the desert at the very beginning of His ministry. Just after His baptism by John, Jesus was led into the desert by the Holy Spirit, where He fasted for 40 days. At the end of that time, the Devil came and tempted Him 3 times. The first was the request to turn stones into bread. For the second test, the Devil took Jesus to the top of the Temple and bade Him leap off, and be protected by the angels. The third test was the presentation to Jesus of all the world’s empires, in exchange for Jesus worshipping the Devil. What is notable about all three examples – and the most applicable to your life – is that Jesus had the strength to resist these powerful and almost overwhelming temptations by His fasting and praying for 40 days, and by quoting Scripture.
Another example is Jesus’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus never asked to be let out of His mission. He simply asked if there were an alternative. Jesus always recognized that God’s will must be done. Jesus berated the apostles who accompanied Him for falling asleep, explaining that the time could be better spent in prayer, the better to strengthen themselves against temptation.
Jesus faced several temptations during His trial before Pilate and Herod, including the mocking by the soldiers and the physical and emotional torture He faced by the whipping, crowning with thorns, and humiliating slaps from the guards. Jesus resisted the temptation to either quit His ministry or retaliate (remember, He had told Peter in the Garden at his arrest that He could summon legions of angels to His side). Jesus resisted the temptation by remaining true to His mission.
The final temptation of Jesus was when He was hanging on the cross, dying from blood loss and suffocation. The crowd and the thief to his side mocked Him, calling for Him to come down from the cross. Again, Jesus resisted the temptation by focusing on His mission, even granting eternal life to the thief who praised Him.
Jesus throughout the Gospels emphasized connecting with God, but nowhere was that more obvious than these incidents where He was tempted. He repeatedly explained that prayer and fasting were paramount in strengthening yourself to resist temptation, and quoted Scripture to answer the Devil.
One thing that Jesus was NOT – was flashy. When He cured someone, it was with a touch. When He spoke, the crowds came to Him. And when He resisted the Devil – it was through the simple mechanisms of fasting, prayer, and Scripture. These are things each of us can do daily or weekly, which fits completely with Jesus’s advice to not put on a public display. Your life – your resistance to temptation – will be all the display you need.
In the Gospels, the best known examples of Jesus facing and resisting temptation are the 3 tests in the desert at the very beginning of His ministry. Just after His baptism by John, Jesus was led into the desert by the Holy Spirit, where He fasted for 40 days. At the end of that time, the Devil came and tempted Him 3 times. The first was the request to turn stones into bread. For the second test, the Devil took Jesus to the top of the Temple and bade Him leap off, and be protected by the angels. The third test was the presentation to Jesus of all the world’s empires, in exchange for Jesus worshipping the Devil. What is notable about all three examples – and the most applicable to your life – is that Jesus had the strength to resist these powerful and almost overwhelming temptations by His fasting and praying for 40 days, and by quoting Scripture.
Another example is Jesus’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus never asked to be let out of His mission. He simply asked if there were an alternative. Jesus always recognized that God’s will must be done. Jesus berated the apostles who accompanied Him for falling asleep, explaining that the time could be better spent in prayer, the better to strengthen themselves against temptation.
Jesus faced several temptations during His trial before Pilate and Herod, including the mocking by the soldiers and the physical and emotional torture He faced by the whipping, crowning with thorns, and humiliating slaps from the guards. Jesus resisted the temptation to either quit His ministry or retaliate (remember, He had told Peter in the Garden at his arrest that He could summon legions of angels to His side). Jesus resisted the temptation by remaining true to His mission.
The final temptation of Jesus was when He was hanging on the cross, dying from blood loss and suffocation. The crowd and the thief to his side mocked Him, calling for Him to come down from the cross. Again, Jesus resisted the temptation by focusing on His mission, even granting eternal life to the thief who praised Him.
Jesus throughout the Gospels emphasized connecting with God, but nowhere was that more obvious than these incidents where He was tempted. He repeatedly explained that prayer and fasting were paramount in strengthening yourself to resist temptation, and quoted Scripture to answer the Devil.
Jan
2
Jesus Who?
Filed Under Defending Christianity | Leave a Comment
Thomas Jaytee
There are many people named Jesus out there claiming to be the Jesus of the scriptures. But to know who the real Jesus is, we have to research the scriptures to find out as much as we can. If you don’t believe the scriptures are the inerrant word of God then this article may not be of much help to you. But if you do, you’ll find this little research exercise quite helpful.
From Genesis to Revelation, there is one central character that is emphasized, the Messiah – the Son of God – Jesus. There are hundreds of scriptures that describe the character and nature of Jesus but in this article, we will only focus on just a few scriptures that really separate the real Jesus of scripture from the imposters. We will use the New International Version which is a good modern day translation.
His Divine Nature
Was Jesus just a good teacher or was he who he said he was, the Son of the living God. Well in order to be God’s only begotten Son; he would have to have the same nature as his father. That nature is deity. We all have the same nature as our fathers. We are humans. Jesus on the other hand did not have a human father. His father is God, making him equal in nature to his father. Mary was only the mother of the humanity of Jesus, because Jesus existed before Mary was even born. Let’s look at that a little closer.
In the gospel of John, chapter 1 verses 1 and 2 we read “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God”. Now who was this “Word”? Well all we have to do is read further into the same chapter to verse 14. “And the Word was made flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth”. There is no doubt that these scriptures are speaking of Jesus Christ. So from these scriptures we learn that Jesus was in the beginning with God and that he was God.
Creator of All Things
In that same chapter at verse 3 we read “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made”. In Colossians 1: 15-17 we read “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together”. The word “firstborn” here means “preeminent” or “coming before” as explained in verse 17. In Genesis 1:26 it says “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground””. Notice God said “Let us”. Now who was in the beginning with God? We have already learned it was Jesus. The Holy Spirit was there also, but that’s another subject.
His Virgin Birth
Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26-38 describe in great detail how the virgin Mary was impregnated by the Holy Spirit. So Jesus doesn’t have a human father. Joseph was his stepfather. Joseph and Mary came together only after Jesus was born. Matthew 12:46, Luke 8:19, Mark 3:31, Matthew 13:55, Matthew 13:56, John 7:1-10, Acts 1:14, and Galatians 1:19 all verify that after Jesus was born, he had brothers named James, Joseph, Simon, Judas and some sisters whose names and number are unknown. The virgin birth makes Jesus truly the unique Son of the living God.
His Death and Resurrection
It’s a historical fact that Jesus was crucified. It’s also a historical fact that the Romans were expects at crucifixion. They knew how to torture a person to the limits. They also knew when a crucified person was dead. If after a certain time, the crucified person was not dead, they broke the legs of that person so that they could no longer hold themselves up. By pushing up with their legs, crucified victims kept most of their weight off of their arms thus making it easier to breath. By having their legs broken, death was hastened due to suffocation.
When they came to Jesus, the soldiers saw that he was already dead. But just to make sure, one of the soldiers thrust a spear into the upper torso of Jesus. Blood and water came out which was a sure sign that death had indeed occurred. He was then buried in a rich man’s tomb and he rose from the dead after three days and three nights. His resurrection took place without the stone being removed because they had to remove the stone to discover that the body of Jesus was not there. Later on Jesus appeared to over 500 people; eye witnesses if you will. He talked and ate with them. He even let them handle him because some thought he was a ghost. Then after comforting them, he ascended into heaven. And we are told that just as he went up into heaven he will in the same manor return to earth to take his kingdom. Matthew 27-28, Mark 15-16, Luke 23-24 and John 19-21 go into great detail about the crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection of the real Jesus of scripture.
The Savior
Since God is the Father of Jesus, that makes Jesus co equal with the father and makes him a sinless man, without spot or wrinkle. That makes him the perfect Lamb of God to take upon himself the sin of the world. If he were just human, he would have a sin nature like ours and could not pay the price for our sins or his own sins. But since God is his father, that makes him sinless, fully God and fully man. Colossians 2:9 says “For in Christ all the fullness of Deity lives in bodily form”. Jesus is God’s gift to the world. Because God is just, he has to punish sins and because He loves us so much, he laid that punishment on His Only Begotten, One and Only unique Son so that we could escape that wrath. Even though this salvation is a free gift to us, God paid a terrible price. All we have to do is believe that Jesus paid the price for our sins and that God raised Him from the dead, defeating death, so that we also may rise to everlasting life to be with him forever. If you believe and receive him as your savior, he will then give you the power to turn away from your sins.
This has only been a brief examination into the uniqueness of the real Jesus. There are many exhaustive studies out there. If you need more help, ask God to help you and do more research. God says “Seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened”.
There are many people named Jesus out there claiming to be the Jesus of the scriptures. But to know who the real Jesus is, we have to research the scriptures to find out as much as we can. If you don’t believe the scriptures are the inerrant word of God then this article may not be of much help to you. But if you do, you’ll find this little research exercise quite helpful.
From Genesis to Revelation, there is one central character that is emphasized, the Messiah – the Son of God – Jesus. There are hundreds of scriptures that describe the character and nature of Jesus but in this article, we will only focus on just a few scriptures that really separate the real Jesus of scripture from the imposters. We will use the New International Version which is a good modern day translation.
His Divine Nature
Was Jesus just a good teacher or was he who he said he was, the Son of the living God. Well in order to be God’s only begotten Son; he would have to have the same nature as his father. That nature is deity. We all have the same nature as our fathers. We are humans. Jesus on the other hand did not have a human father. His father is God, making him equal in nature to his father. Mary was only the mother of the humanity of Jesus, because Jesus existed before Mary was even born. Let’s look at that a little closer.
In the gospel of John, chapter 1 verses 1 and 2 we read “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God”. Now who was this “Word”? Well all we have to do is read further into the same chapter to verse 14. “And the Word was made flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth”. There is no doubt that these scriptures are speaking of Jesus Christ. So from these scriptures we learn that Jesus was in the beginning with God and that he was God.
Creator of All Things
In that same chapter at verse 3 we read “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made”. In Colossians 1: 15-17 we read “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together”. The word “firstborn” here means “preeminent” or “coming before” as explained in verse 17. In Genesis 1:26 it says “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground””. Notice God said “Let us”. Now who was in the beginning with God? We have already learned it was Jesus. The Holy Spirit was there also, but that’s another subject.
His Virgin Birth
Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26-38 describe in great detail how the virgin Mary was impregnated by the Holy Spirit. So Jesus doesn’t have a human father. Joseph was his stepfather. Joseph and Mary came together only after Jesus was born. Matthew 12:46, Luke 8:19, Mark 3:31, Matthew 13:55, Matthew 13:56, John 7:1-10, Acts 1:14, and Galatians 1:19 all verify that after Jesus was born, he had brothers named James, Joseph, Simon, Judas and some sisters whose names and number are unknown. The virgin birth makes Jesus truly the unique Son of the living God.
His Death and Resurrection
It’s a historical fact that Jesus was crucified. It’s also a historical fact that the Romans were expects at crucifixion. They knew how to torture a person to the limits. They also knew when a crucified person was dead. If after a certain time, the crucified person was not dead, they broke the legs of that person so that they could no longer hold themselves up. By pushing up with their legs, crucified victims kept most of their weight off of their arms thus making it easier to breath. By having their legs broken, death was hastened due to suffocation.
When they came to Jesus, the soldiers saw that he was already dead. But just to make sure, one of the soldiers thrust a spear into the upper torso of Jesus. Blood and water came out which was a sure sign that death had indeed occurred. He was then buried in a rich man’s tomb and he rose from the dead after three days and three nights. His resurrection took place without the stone being removed because they had to remove the stone to discover that the body of Jesus was not there. Later on Jesus appeared to over 500 people; eye witnesses if you will. He talked and ate with them. He even let them handle him because some thought he was a ghost. Then after comforting them, he ascended into heaven. And we are told that just as he went up into heaven he will in the same manor return to earth to take his kingdom. Matthew 27-28, Mark 15-16, Luke 23-24 and John 19-21 go into great detail about the crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection of the real Jesus of scripture.
The Savior
Since God is the Father of Jesus, that makes Jesus co equal with the father and makes him a sinless man, without spot or wrinkle. That makes him the perfect Lamb of God to take upon himself the sin of the world. If he were just human, he would have a sin nature like ours and could not pay the price for our sins or his own sins. But since God is his father, that makes him sinless, fully God and fully man. Colossians 2:9 says “For in Christ all the fullness of Deity lives in bodily form”. Jesus is God’s gift to the world. Because God is just, he has to punish sins and because He loves us so much, he laid that punishment on His Only Begotten, One and Only unique Son so that we could escape that wrath. Even though this salvation is a free gift to us, God paid a terrible price. All we have to do is believe that Jesus paid the price for our sins and that God raised Him from the dead, defeating death, so that we also may rise to everlasting life to be with him forever. If you believe and receive him as your savior, he will then give you the power to turn away from your sins.
This has only been a brief examination into the uniqueness of the real Jesus. There are many exhaustive studies out there. If you need more help, ask God to help you and do more research. God says “Seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened”.
Jan
1
Jesus as a Philosopher
Filed Under News And Society | Leave a Comment
Lance Winslow
Why does every one believe that Jesus is the son of God? That sounds completely silly indeed. The Bible has some interesting literary concepts and ideas worthy of mention and Jesus is said to have said some really philosophical things on the Sermon on the Mound. Why can’t we just leave it at that? Jesus makes for a great historical philosopher in mankind’s recent history only 2000 years ago. Not very long ago seeing as modern man from fossil records appears to over 160,000 years old, maybe older, although we do not have proof yet.
The Bible much like the works of Shakespeare is a wonderful literary work, which one living in nearly any period could use as an “Information Manual” to help guide them during their life experience. It is a bit confusing and very ambiguous, yet seems to have some darn good advice in some places. A person who wishes to spend their life experience deciphering such works as Shakespeare or the Bible should do so in an academic setting and probably not as part of any Organized Religion. Organized Religion seems to interpret such a work in a way which best suits there motives and not necessarily in your best interest; this is obvious on simple observation. My question to you is why do you bother to participate.
It seems rather silly to take all the good ideas and concepts in the Bible and argue over it and divide into sects or various religions, as it leads us to fight over the means. The whole of Christianity has become embroiled in controversy and divided. Why would humans do that? Why destroy the excellent concepts, which have been handed down thru the ages in this work? It is unfortunate to ruin all we have been given in that regard by the great character in history; Jesus the philosopher. Why can’t we just leave it at that and work on the forward progression of mankind?
Why does every one believe that Jesus is the son of God? That sounds completely silly indeed. The Bible has some interesting literary concepts and ideas worthy of mention and Jesus is said to have said some really philosophical things on the Sermon on the Mound. Why can’t we just leave it at that? Jesus makes for a great historical philosopher in mankind’s recent history only 2000 years ago. Not very long ago seeing as modern man from fossil records appears to over 160,000 years old, maybe older, although we do not have proof yet.
The Bible much like the works of Shakespeare is a wonderful literary work, which one living in nearly any period could use as an “Information Manual” to help guide them during their life experience. It is a bit confusing and very ambiguous, yet seems to have some darn good advice in some places. A person who wishes to spend their life experience deciphering such works as Shakespeare or the Bible should do so in an academic setting and probably not as part of any Organized Religion. Organized Religion seems to interpret such a work in a way which best suits there motives and not necessarily in your best interest; this is obvious on simple observation. My question to you is why do you bother to participate.
It seems rather silly to take all the good ideas and concepts in the Bible and argue over it and divide into sects or various religions, as it leads us to fight over the means. The whole of Christianity has become embroiled in controversy and divided. Why would humans do that? Why destroy the excellent concepts, which have been handed down thru the ages in this work? It is unfortunate to ruin all we have been given in that regard by the great character in history; Jesus the philosopher. Why can’t we just leave it at that and work on the forward progression of mankind?
Dec
30
Waseem R
Many do not know that Muslims honor Jesus and Mary as part of their religious beliefs. The following highlights some of the facts regarding Muslim’s beliefs about Jesus and Mary.
* Muslims believe in Jesus as a prophet. They believe that God (Allah) sent many prophets to mankind and Jesus was one of them
* As the Muslim religion’s foundation is to believe in one God and not to associate anyone with God and His powers and attributes, Jesus was only a human being that was raised by God and will return him to this earth in this life. Jesus will then die as a regular human being.
* Muslims believe that Bible was revealed on Prophet Jesus. However, with time, as that book was changed, God (Allah) revealed His last book, the Quran on the last prophet, Prophet Muhammad.
* Quran was revealed over a period of 23 years
* Muslims believe in Mary as the Virgin mother of Prophet Jesus
* There is an entire chapter in the Quran that explains in detail the birth of Jesus, his family, etc. The chapter is called “Chapter of Mary”
* Muslims believe that Jesus although was put on the cross was never crucified. Instead, he was raised to the heavens by God (Allah) and another person instead was crucified in his place. These teachings and the fully story are narrated in the Quran.
* Muslims also believe that Jesus will come back to earth, unit the Christians and the Muslims and will kill the anti-Christ.
* The Quran teaches Muslims that Jesus though was a normal human being but had special powers from God (Allah) including raising the dead and curing diseases.
Many do not know that Muslims honor Jesus and Mary as part of their religious beliefs. The following highlights some of the facts regarding Muslim’s beliefs about Jesus and Mary.
* Muslims believe in Jesus as a prophet. They believe that God (Allah) sent many prophets to mankind and Jesus was one of them
* As the Muslim religion’s foundation is to believe in one God and not to associate anyone with God and His powers and attributes, Jesus was only a human being that was raised by God and will return him to this earth in this life. Jesus will then die as a regular human being.
* Muslims believe that Bible was revealed on Prophet Jesus. However, with time, as that book was changed, God (Allah) revealed His last book, the Quran on the last prophet, Prophet Muhammad.
* Quran was revealed over a period of 23 years
* Muslims believe in Mary as the Virgin mother of Prophet Jesus
* There is an entire chapter in the Quran that explains in detail the birth of Jesus, his family, etc. The chapter is called “Chapter of Mary”
* Muslims believe that Jesus although was put on the cross was never crucified. Instead, he was raised to the heavens by God (Allah) and another person instead was crucified in his place. These teachings and the fully story are narrated in the Quran.
* Muslims also believe that Jesus will come back to earth, unit the Christians and the Muslims and will kill the anti-Christ.
* The Quran teaches Muslims that Jesus though was a normal human being but had special powers from God (Allah) including raising the dead and curing diseases.
Dec
27
Gregory Vanden Berge
I just got through watching a video on YouTube and the guy said that it doesn’t really matter, what we call Jesus or what his real name actually is. If that’s true, this could be advantageous to other religions.
Think about this for a second, if it doesn’t matter what we call Jesus, does it really matter what we call God, father or Lord. Some other religions use Lord and God, but if it really doesn’t matter, could everyone be worshiping the same ultimate source of universal power.
For those of you who don’t know what Jesus’ his real name is, let me throw some out to you, how about Joshua, Yeshua, Yahshua and Emmanuelle. I don’t know if anyone really knows how to spell or pronounce his real name. I have seen its spelled and pronounce so many different ways, that I won’t even attempt to ****** it up anymore.
Back to my point, exactly, how important is it to know what Jesus’ real name actually want us? Does it matter if we use the name Jesus or Yeshua when we worship or pray? If it does, could you imagine how much damage you have already done to your religion, by worshiping a false idol. I can’t even begin to imagine all of the people that will be going to Purgatory, simply because they have been praying to the wrong person, for so many years.
If it doesn’t matter, then I would imagine that every religion that has an imaginary god, who created the universe, could actually be praying to the same God. People have been making a big deal out of other religions for years, only to find out that everyone’s on the same page.
I just got through watching a video on YouTube and the guy said that it doesn’t really matter, what we call Jesus or what his real name actually is. If that’s true, this could be advantageous to other religions.
Think about this for a second, if it doesn’t matter what we call Jesus, does it really matter what we call God, father or Lord. Some other religions use Lord and God, but if it really doesn’t matter, could everyone be worshiping the same ultimate source of universal power.
For those of you who don’t know what Jesus’ his real name is, let me throw some out to you, how about Joshua, Yeshua, Yahshua and Emmanuelle. I don’t know if anyone really knows how to spell or pronounce his real name. I have seen its spelled and pronounce so many different ways, that I won’t even attempt to ****** it up anymore.
Back to my point, exactly, how important is it to know what Jesus’ real name actually want us? Does it matter if we use the name Jesus or Yeshua when we worship or pray? If it does, could you imagine how much damage you have already done to your religion, by worshiping a false idol. I can’t even begin to imagine all of the people that will be going to Purgatory, simply because they have been praying to the wrong person, for so many years.
If it doesn’t matter, then I would imagine that every religion that has an imaginary god, who created the universe, could actually be praying to the same God. People have been making a big deal out of other religions for years, only to find out that everyone’s on the same page.
Dec
26
Jesus, a Muslim, was Neither Killed, nor Crucified
Filed Under "Proof That Islam Is The Truth''[1] : Proof Of Islam | Leave a Comment
The Islam Show
We have seen that Jesus (pbuh) greeted his disciples like a Muslim, by saying: “Peace be unto you”, when he appeared before them after his so-called ‘resurrection’ (John 20:19). Muslims use the same words to greet, (but in Arabic): Assalaamu Alaikum.
We have also seen that the utterances of Jesus have been supportive of and predicting about the rise of Muhammad (pbuh), and through him the belief Islam and the believing nation of Muslims, to which his followers are required to join.
In John 16: 12 & 13, Jesus says:
“I have yet many things to say unto you,
but you cannot bear them now.
Howbeit when he, the spirit of truth, is come,
He will guide you into all truth; “
In an earlier article, we have seen that this prophecy by Prophet Jesus (pbuh) refers to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), whose arrival his followers were directed to await. The many things that Jesus would have liked to tell his followers have not been told to them, not because Jesus did not know them, but only because his followers were not ready to bear them at that time: “….. but you cannot bear them now.”
When Jesus (pbuh) states “you cannot bear them now”, it only refers to his followers and does not include himself, because he did not say: “WE cannot bear them now”.
Since Jesus didn’t count himself among them in this matter, it means he was ready to bear them: the guidance that the expected prophet will bring. He was aware of them and he was ready to bear them. But did he follow in action what he knew and was ready for? Yes. He did much of what a Muslim would do and is expected to do. In fact, this begins to happen even while he anticipates arrest by the Roman rulers.
He comes to know that he will be betrayed by one of his disciples, Judas, into the hands of the Jews, who intended to kill him. Apart from this, the other thing that makes him sorrowful is that he was expecting to do many things that a Muslim does. He was looking forward to the joy of doing all those things; but now his end is staring on the face. He tells his disciples:
“My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.” (Mark 14:34)
The one thing that he can surely do, before he is arrested, is to pray to the Lord as a Muslim prays. So he prays like a Muslim and does prostration (Sajda), touching his forehead to the ground:
“And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed….” (Matthew 26:39) What is his prayer to the Lord? The verse (Matthew 26:39) continues: “…saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as you will.”
Mark 14:36 says about his prayer: “And he said, Abba, Father, all things [are] possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what you will.“
Luke 22:42 says about Jesus’ prayer: “Saying, Father, if you be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but your, be done.”
The common thing observed from the above verses is: Jesus (peace be upon him) prays to the Lord to save him from the anticipated persecution at the hands of the Jews; yet not as Jesus wishes but as the Lord wills. Do you realize what Jesus is stating at this moment? He subdues his wishes and submits himself to the will of Allah. In other words, Jesus declares his Islam, submission, at that moment.
As already explained in Article 1 in this series: A Muslim is one who has submitted to the will of Allah. Islam means submission (to the will of Allah), while it also means Peace. Thus, by declaring his submission to the will of Allah, Jesus declared himself to be a Muslim.
It was also mentioned in Chapter 2 that Jesus (pbuh), as also the other prophets before him, called themselves ‘Muslims’.
But, then, why their followers were not named as ‘Muslims’, too?
If the followers of the different other prophets were also to be called as ‘Muslims’, then there would have been confusion in distinguishing between the true Muslims (who believe in all the prophets) and the followers of other prophets (who believe in some prophets and disbelieve in the rest). Belief in all the messengers of Allah is a basic requirement to be called a Muslim. Allah tells the Muslims in Qur’an:
” Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the Prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered. ” (2:136)
Thus, Jesus (pbuh) practiced Islam, i.e., Submission and he got Islam, i.e., Peace. How?
The Bible tells us in Luke 22:43
” And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.”
This is in appreciation of his act of Submission and as an answer to his prayers. The strength at that moment but what he needed most desperately was solace and assurance from the Lord that he would be saved from the arrest and wanted the freedom to perform the things he wanted to do as a Muslim.
So, Jesus the Muslim (peace be upon him) had prayed in ARABIC: “Yaa Ilaahi, Yaa Ilaahi, Lima Sabaqtanee? “. Does the phrase sound familiar? Yes, this is what he asked the Lord at that moment. “O my Lord, O my Lord, Why have you advanced me (in my end)? “
Since he wished to do important things which a Muslim must do while he is still alive, the threatened end troubles him. So his prayer: ” O my Lord, O my Lord, Why have you ADVANCED ME? “
Having not understood what he said, but actually having misunderstood what he said, the writers of the Gospel shifted these words into a situation where it fitted according to their understanding and scheme. The prayer has thus been misunderstood and then quoted out of context.
He did not utter such words at the cross, where he was never taken. They say that Jesus said: “Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachtani? That is to say: My God, My God, why have youforsaken me? “(Matthew 27:46)
The above statement attributed to Jesus is totally wrong, because:
1. God will never forsake His messenger.
2. Jesus, who submits himself to the will of the Lord, will never utter such a
Word.
(Please refer to the three verses quoted above: Matthew 26:39, Mark 14:36 and Luke 22:42)
The prayer of Jesus (pbuh) did not go unanswered, but was answered through the angel, which appeared, in order to strengthen him. Luke 22:43: ” And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.”
What message did the angel carry from the Lord, in reply to Jesus’ question: ” O my Lord, O my Lord, Why have you advanced me? “
Let us turn to Qur’an, 3:55:
“When Allah said: O Jesus! I will complete you(r term)
and cause you to ascend unto Me
and cleanse you of those who disbelieve…”
Allah assures that Jesus will be saved from the Jews and that his term and what is destined for him is guaranteed for him and that Allah will cause Jesus to ascend unto Him. The Bible agrees that Jesus ascended unto heaven (Luke 24:51), but the main dispute is about what happened in between: the alleged crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus (pbuh).
Allah says in Qur’an that they neither killed him nor crucified him, but it was made to appear so unto them. In many places in Qur’an, it has been mentioned that Jews used to kill the prophets unjustly. But in the case of Jesus (pbuh) it vehemently denies that they killed him or that they crucified him. This is because Qur’an will not contain anything except truth.
Surah 4, Verses 157 & 158:
“and their saying : we killed Christ Jesus, son of Mary, The messenger of Allah – but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but it was made to appear to them so; and those who disagree concerning it are full of doubts; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture; For surely they killed him not; but Allah took him up unto Himself; and Allah is ever mighty, wise.”
From the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), we get a more detailed account. The Muslim belief is that Allah changed the face of the person who betrayed Jesus, showing to the rulers the place where he was hiding, into a face resembling Jesus. So, they crucified that betrayer instead of Jesus.
Let us now do a deeper study of the above verses of Qur’an, so that we may be rightly guided into the truth. Allah says in Qur’an not only that Jesus was not killed, but also that he was not crucified, either. Those who do not accept the truth or those who accept only a part of the truth will never get at the truth.
As a result,
1. those who wish to prove that Jesus was crucified, but did not die at the cross; and
2. those who believe that Jesus was crucified and killed at the cross,
have equally failed to convince and provide clear-cut answers to the many points that beg a solution. Allah has said: “……and those who disagree concerning it are full of doubts.”
Those who disagree that he was neither killed nor crucified, are full of doubts.
So, before proceeding with our study, let us not disagree and let us not be in doubt any more. But let us fully believe in what Allah, The Exalted, says, so that we may be correctly guided. Allah says to Muhammad (pbuh), about Qur’an: “And We sent down the Book to you for the express purpose, that you should make clear to them those things in which they differ, and that it should be a guide and a mercy to those who believe.” (Qur’an 16:64)
Allah has said three things about the alleged crucifixion of Jesus:
1. They didn’t kill him.
2. They didn’t crucify him.
3. But it was made to appear to them so.
In the case of an affirmative sentence, like: “They killed him” , there is no doubt. Everything is clear. 1. The Offender 2. The Offence 3. The Offended. But once the word “NOT” comes in and makes it a negative sentence, like: “They DID NOT kill him”, there is a possibility to vary the meaning in three ways by shifting the stress alternatingly on the rest of the three words:
1. “They did not kill him” would mean that somebody else killed him.
2. “They did not kill him” in this context would mean that they just tortured him but did not kill him.
3. “They did not kill him” would mean that they killed somebody else.
We should remember that Qur’an is not denying the events wholesale by saying: “No. Nothing happened. Nobody did anything to anybody.” It is not saying so. Therefore, let us study further and consider for elimination, two out of the three possible variations of the sentence “They did not kill him” mentioned above.
There is no doubt as to The Offender. The Jews themselves claim to have done the deed and we all know of their complicity. Now the doubt remains about Two Things:The Offence and The Offended. About the second possibility that “They did not kill him” would mean that they crucified him but he escaped death, Allah denies that too. The next part of the verse eliminates that possibility by saying: They did not crucify him. Having eliminated the first two possibilities, only the third one survives: “They did not kill him.” Yes, it was not him that they crucified and killed, but someone else. So, let us write that part of the verse, by putting the stress on the right word:
they did not kill him;
they did not crucify him;
but it was made to appear to them so.
It was made to appear to them that they crucified Jesus and killed him. They did not kill nor crucified Jesus (pbuh).
Having fully believed in Allah’s words, let us now move on to find evidence of the truth in The Bible in support of it.
1. First of all, while Jesus was awaiting arrest by the soldiers, what he tells his disciples is that
a) “sleep on now, and take rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the son of man is betrayed into the hands of the sinners.” (Mark 14:41)
b) “the son of man is betrayed to be crucified” (Matthew 26:2)
Jesus never said he will be crucified, but only reveals the intention with which he will be betrayed: “betrayed to be crucified”.
2. Jesus says in Matthew 26:24: “The son of man goes as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born“.
a) About himself, Jesus (pbuh) says: “The son of man goes as it is written of him ” ; goes and not dies.
b) About the betrayer he says: “it had been good for that man if he had not been born“, a nice way of wishing death for the betrayer.
Even after this curse by the messenger of Allah, is there a way that the betrayer will continue to live ? Thus, in the above verse, it has been determined as to who is destined to go and who is destined to die.
3. The betrayer Judas comes in to identify Jesus, when it is dark, along with a large number of soldiers , carrying lanterns, torches and weapons. The stage is perfect for the change of form of the betrayer and the betrayed, as more confusion follows: From Mark 14:44, Matthew 26:48 and Luke 22:47, which are quoted below, it is proved that Judas drew near unto Jesus to kiss him, so as to identify him.
Mark 14:44 : And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead [him] away safely.
Matt 26:48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
Luke 22:47: And while he yet spoke, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
From John 18:3 to 18:6 which is mentioned below, we come to know of another enabling factor:
18:3. Judas, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests, comes inside with lanterns and torches and weapons.
18:4. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should happen to him, went forth, and said unto them, whom do you seek?
18:5. They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus says unto them, I am [he]. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
18:6. As soon as he had said unto them, I am [he], they went backward, and fell to the ground.
From verse 6 above, we notice one strange thing: as soon as Jesus identifies himself, “I am (he)”, the great crowd that had come in falls to the ground. As Judas stood near Jesus (after kissing him) and as the crowd fell to the ground along with the lanterns they brought, the situation was perfect for the exchange of faces, so that those who came to arrest him do not notice it. Then the soldiers, who came to arrest Jesus, take away Judas instead, while Jesus escapes along with his other disciples, who all fled the scene.
Mark 14:50: And they all forsook him, and fled.
(The readers of Bible normally take it to mean that the disciples forsook Jesus and fled. It is shameful to think that all the disciples of Jesus forsook him at the most crucial hour of his life. Qur’an testifies that the disciples expressed their belief and loyalty:
” But when Jesus sensed disbelief from them, he said: Who will be my helpers in the cause of Allah? The disciples said: We will be Allah’s helpers. We believe in Allah, and bear you witness that we have surrendered (unto Him). ” (3:52)
Therefore, it was Judas whom the disciples rightly forsook and all of them fled with Jesus.)
4. Now Judas is caught in an unbelievable situation, which nobody else would have experienced. Even if he tells the truth, nobody will believe it, but only think him to be Jesus trying to escape death. So it is better for him that he endures whatever happens. Some verses from the Bible are quoted below, to show how Judas behaves at the trials at the high priest’s place. Whenever you encounter below the name Jesus, in the biblical verses, you have to take it as Judas, so that you may understand what the people on the scene and people in the past 2000 years have failed to comprehend.
John 18:19 to 18:23
18:19 ” The high priest therefore asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his teaching.
18:20 Jesus answered him, I spoke openly to the world; I always taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, where the Jews always meet; and in secret have I said nothing.
18:21 Why ask you me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.
18:22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand (or with a rod), saying, Answer you the high priest so?
18:23 Jesus answered him, if I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smite you me? “
Thus the betrayer-in-a-dilemma Judas speaks evasively. He cannot preach what Jesus used to preach in the temple and in the synagogue. He neither has the authority nor the ability to repeat what Jesus used to preach. Anyway, he certainly cannot answer them if they question him further in religious matters. Had it really been Jesus, he would not have missed the opportunity to tell the priests of his teachings. But here, Judas evades the issue by saying: “I always spoke openly; I said nothing in secret; Ask them which heard me; they know what I said; If I spoke well, why you smite me.” etc.
Matthew 26:
26:62 “And the high priest stood up, and said unto him, Answer you nothing? What is it, which these witness against you?
26:63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest said unto him, I adjure you by the living God, that you tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God.”
When some false witnesses testify against Jesus (Judas), the high priest begs Judas for an answer. But Judas remains quite. Then what the priest presses Judas to answer is not whether he is guilty or not but “I adjure you by the living God, that you tell us whether you are the Christ”.
So the main question raking their brains is whether this person really is Jesus.
26:64 “Jesus said unto him, You have said: nevertheless I say unto you, Henceforth you shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Judas does not say “I am Jesus”, but lets the priest take as true what he thinks, by saying: “You have said” and then continues “Henceforth you shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of Power” instead of speaking in the first person “henceforth I shall sit at the right hand of Power.”
Then they condemn him to death by holding him guilty of blasphemy. One more thing you must note now is that in this session, the process of disfiguring Judas’ face has slowly begun.
26:67 Then did they spit in his face and buffet him: and some smote him with the palms of their hands (or rods). This is quoted also in Luke 22:64.
5. Peter, who apparently witnessed what happened at the time of arrest, follows Judas to the priest’s hall, so as to see what happens to Judas. The priest’s servants come and question Peter three times whether he is a disciple of that person, (deeming Judas to be Jesus), but he, naturally, denies all the three times, as predicted by Jesus. Peter who was very loyal to Jesus and had told Jesus (in Matthew 26:35) “Even if I must die with you, [yet] will I not deny thee.” had to deny the person thrice because he cannot affirm to be the disciple of Judas, whom they deem to be Jesus.
6. Another account of the second session with the priests that took place on the day after the arrest, is given in Luke 22:66 to 68 :
22:66 : And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
22:67 Are you the Christ? Tell us. And he said unto them, if I tell you, you will not believe:
22:68 And if I also ask [you], you will not answer me, nor let [me] go.
Again, they want to know if he is Jesus. And he tells them: If I tell you (that I am Judas), you will not believe. And if I ask you (what happened to Jesus), you will not answer me, nor let me go.
7. In the trial that takes place before the governor Pilate, again the dominant question is: Are you the Christ? And most of the time Judas says: YOU say it. (That is YOUR statement, NOT MINE.) On other occasions, he remains silent like a stone. Please refer Luke 23:3, Mark 15:2, Mark 15:5, Matthew 27:11, Matthew 27:12. Matthew 27:14.
8. Jesus is brought for trial before another official Herod:
Luke 23:8 and Luke 23:9:
23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.
23:9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
Poor Herod, he has been longing to witness some of the miracles that he had heard Jesus performing. But can Judas perform those miracles? On the other hand, he avoids talking straight to even somebody who is sympathetic and glad to see him, because he is not what Herod deems him to be: he is not Jesus.
9. By talking evasively and at times refusing to talk, Judas somehow managed to avoid being found guilty by the Governor and other officials. But the Jews do not wish to lose face by retreating from the actions already taken to have Jesus killed. Hence, upon their stubborn insistence, he is condemned to be crucified. Before they take him to the cross, more injury is done to him:
Mark 15:19: And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him.
Matthew 27:30: And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
Please note that after first injuring his FACE, now it is the turn of his HEAD to be injured. Judas is killed at the cross and later on buried. John does not add dramatic words to this scene of crucifixion, but quotes what could be reasonable words from the betrayer, while he dies:
1. ” I thirst! ” (John 19:28)
2. ” It is finished! ” … and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. (John 19:30)
(not the “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit ” kind of stuff! See Luke 23:46).
10. The Bible records that Mary (pbuh), Jesus’ (pbuh) mother, was a witness to the crucifixion.
John 19:25 “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother…. “
While the Bible records the reaction of every bystander and passer-by, it fails to mention the reaction of Mary (pbuh) the mother of Jesus, because there was no reaction from her worth mentioning. Since she knew that the person on the cross was not Jesus, she stood by the cross and just watched the punishment meted out to the betrayer of Jesus. Had the person on the cross really been Jesus, she would have reacted hysterically. Because it was she who bore Jesus with difficulty and delivered him with pains. No mother will be a mute spectator to such an event.
Qur’an records the labour pains of Mary, while she delivered Jesus:
” And the pangs of childbirth drove her unto the trunk of the palm tree. She said: Oh, would that I had died before this and had become a thing forgotten.” (19:23)
11. The Bible says that Jesus addressed his mother from the cross as ” Woman! ” (John 19:26). No mean person will address his mother as “Woman! “. It is only because the person on the cross was Judas and not Jesus (pbuh) that he addresses Mary as ” Women! ” Qur’an testifies that Jesus was kind to his mother and said from his cradle: ” And (God has made me) dutiful toward her who bore me, and has not made me arrogant, unblest. ” (19: 32)
12. And where is Jesus (pbuh) when all this happens. Jesus had predicted, in Matthew 12:40
“for as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
Do you know which is the heart of the earth? Before thinking further, let us consider what is the function of a heart.
It draws blood from other parts of the body for purification and again sends it back to all the parts. Right? Can you think of a place on the earth, which draws people from all parts of the earth and sends them back, too, after purifying them? And that too at a regular interval, just like the heart?
Yes, you guessed it right: it is Mecca.
It is the belief of Muslims that all the prophets wished to be a follower of Muhammad, in preference to be born as a prophet. Only Jesus was granted the wish. Jesus is expected to descend on the earth again, supported by two angels, during the reign of the expected guided leader Mahdee. Jesus (pbuh) will live as one of the followers of Muhammad (pbuh) and follow the Shariah (laws) brought by Muhammad. Jesus (peace be upon him) knew that he would live as a Muslim when he comes back to the earth. But he could not wait, as we now know, not less than twenty centuries to relish this. So, when he knows that his days in the earth are not many, he formally submits himself to the Lord, starts to pray in Arabic, does prostration and now goes on a pilgrimage to Mecca. (This may not be the first time Jesus is praying like a Muslim. Qur’an records what Jesus spoke from his cradle: “And (God) has made me blessed wheresoever I may be, and has enjoined upon me prayer and almsgiving so long as I remain alive.” (19: 31).
(Earlier, he had prayed to the Lord for the Muslims, in the following manner:
John: 17:20 & 21: 21.
17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me).
And as predicted, he was in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights.
13. THE JEWS IN A DILEMMA:
Now let us imagine the restlessness of the Jews after the soldiers brought Judas, thinking him to be Jesus. While, according to them, Jesus is in their custody, what happened to their man, Judas? Why did he not turn up to win accolades from them, for the great betrayal he committed, in order to please them. This must have greatly disturbed them. Anyway, where is Judas?
The answer to this was provided to them by the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, and made possible the entry of Peter into the palace.
“John 18:15 : And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and [so did] another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.
John 18:16 But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.”
That other disciple sounded the high priest of what happened at the time of arrest, but since it is an unbelievable event for everyone, they wanted to elicit information from Judas and, hence, kept on enquiring Judas, whether he is really Christ. On the basis of the information provided by the other disciple, the high priest’s people tried thrice to rope in Peter for enquiry, by sending female servants to talk to him, but he craftily refused to yield. The Jews were in a terrible dilemma.
1. Now they have to kill a person who co-operated with them against Jesus. The fellow is not even trying to save himself, being unable to overcome the humiliation wrought on him by the Lord.
2. If they disclose the truth and spare Judas, they have to bear the shame of having failed to kill Jesus. So they decided to kill Judas and claimed to have killed Jesus.
Now, they face another problem: How to account for the missing Judas. So, their soldiers removed Judas’ body from the grave, while everybody was observing the Sabbath – (the compulsory religious holiday on Saturdays.) Then they disfigure the face more, because that is the only thing that has the resemblance of Jesus. After this is done, he is now perfectly Judas. To account for the injury to the face and the head, they spread the news that is reported in Acts 1:18:
“Acts 1:18 Now this man obtained a field with the reward of his iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.”
Is it not enough that they have disfigured his head and face? What is the necessity to cut open his stomach and spread the news that: ” he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.”
· So that, because of the nasty stench it would produce, nobody can come near the body and notice or find out the minor injuries that Judas suffered at the cross.
· The cause of death should be very apparent from a distance, in order to avoid a close scrutiny by curious people.
The fact that all this was done by the Jews, by bribing the watchmen or the soldiers, is recorded in Matthew 28:11 to 28:15
“Matthew 28:11: Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and informed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
28:12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
28:13 Saying, Say you, His disciples came by night, and stole him [away] while we slept.
28:14 And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you
28:15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.”
And to make it appear that it was really Jesus whom they arrested and to make the people believe that Judas was roaming freely after the arrest took place, they spread the lie that he came to the temple and threw back the silver coins he received as bribe from them: “Matthew 27:5: And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.” That this verse is a total lie is borne by the fact that the other accounts talk of Judas falling headlong and his bowels gushing out. (Acts 1:18)
14. In respect of the later events:
a. at the grave where they buried Judas and
b. where Jesus meets his disciples, etc.
we find a lot of difference in the narration of Luke, John, Matthew and Mark, just as in respect of the earlier events. It is a waste of time counting and comparing the different and conflicting details. Hence, only those details that are important in view of the truth revealed above are mentioned.
15. a) When Mary Magdalene goes to the grave; she finds that the stone covering the grave of Judas is already removed.
“Mark 16:3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
16:4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.”
Points to be noted in the above verses: 1. The heavy stone was already rolled away by the soldiers of the governor. 2. People perform the pilgrimage rites in Mecca wearing white clothing.
b) Mary Magdalene sees two angels in white sitting. (John 20:12) Just as the Muslims believe that The Almighty will provide two angels for Jesus’ descent from heaven, when he comes again, similarly these two angels have made possible his pilgrimage to Mecca.
c) Luke 24:4 & 24:5
24:4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
24:5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down [their] faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
The two men in shining garments are angels, who refer Jesus as the living, and not as the resurrected.
d) John 20:14: “And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
20:15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him,” etc.
Points to be noted: She saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus, because she supposed him to be the gardener. She could not recognize Jesus, because of the changed face and deemed him to be the gardener because of the simple cloths worn while performing pilgrimage rites. Moreover, he would have had a shaven head, another rite of the pilgrimage.
e) John 20:17 “Jesus saith unto her, touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and [to] my God, and your God.”
Things to be noted:
1. Jesus tells her “Touch me not”.
However, when Jesus meets his disciples later, he asks them to touch him and handle him, but here he forbids her. The reason: As a good Muslim, he avoids being touched by the lady.
2. Jesus says: ” I am not yet ascended to my Father: “
That means he knew that he was supposed to ascend only, as the Almighty had already informed him through the angel. His statement shows that he did not expect himself to die, nor resurrect, but only ascend.
f) The same day evening, Jesus appears before his disciples and says: “Peace be unto you”, (i.e., Assalaamu Alaikum,) as a Muslim. .
g) Luke 24:13 to 24:24 is quoted below. In this event, two disciples walking together while going to a village, are joined by Jesus. Jesus enquires them as to what they are talking and why they are sad. They narrate the whole story from being condemned to death to the vision of angels at the sepulchre. If it were Jesus who suffered all that, then he would not pretend ignorance and listen again to all that which he himself has suffered, as they think. Only because he was absent and went on the pilgrimage to Mecca, he did not know of what happened in his absence and, hence, he is enquiring and listening to the whole story.
Luke 24:13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem [about] threescore furlongs.
24:14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
24:15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed [together] and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
24:16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
24:17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications [are] these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
24:18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
24:19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: 24:20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
24:21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
24:22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulcher;
24:23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
24:24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulcher, and found [it] even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.”
This is another proof that it was Judas who suffered death at the cross.
h) Back in Jerusalem, Jesus has another session with the eleven disciples:
1. “Luke 24:36: And as they thus spoke, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and says unto them, Peace [be] unto you.
24:37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.” Having seen the dead body of Judas, they were now 100 % sure of his death. Hence, when Jesus appears there with Judas’ face, they are terrified and affrighted and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
2. Luke 24:38: “And he said unto them, Why are you troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
24:40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them [his] hands and [his] feet.”
John repeats similarly in 20:20 :
John 20:20: “And when he had so said, he shewed unto them [his] hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.”
From the above, we can understand fully well, that Jesus’ face is not the identity of the person, at that moment, because it looked like Judas’. Hence, “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself” and “when they saw his hands and his sides they were glad they saw the Lord “
3. Luke 24:41 ” And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
24:42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.”
Fish is the only thing that a Muslim can obtain from anyone and eat. The meat of other (permitted) animals and birds should be properly slaughtered in the manner taught by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and by mentioning the name of Allah over it, while slaughtering. Hence, the other meat cannot be obtained from everybody.
4. John 20:30 “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book.“
Most important of which should be: restoration of his face, as it looked before.
The Bible does provide a clue that Jesus’ face was restored to its original appearance, before his ascension unto heaven.
In the verse of John 21:12, which is in the context of the events just before his ascension, it is written:
” Jesus saith unto them, Come [and] dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.” This time, there is no need to see his hands and his feet to know that it is Jesus.
Now, it is time to thank the Almighty for opening our eyes to the truth, by accepting Islam. We now know for certain that:
1. There is no God except Allah; and
2. Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a slave and a messenger of Allah and the last of the prophets, whom all the people have to follow. This has been foretold in The Bible.
3. Idols and graven images are forbidden.
4. Allah sent messengers to all nations.
5. Jesus (peace be upon him) too is a slave and a messenger of Allah, but sent only for (the lost sheep of) the house of Israel.
6. Jesus is a creation of Allah; he is not His son and has no portion whatsoever in His Sovereignty.
7. Jesus was not killed, nor crucified. It was his betrayer who was killed on the cross.
The next time you see a cross, you would know that it is not a sign that relates to Jesus, but something that denotes the punishment his betrayer deserved and got.
But…, should we have a memorial to commemorate the betrayer of a mighty messenger of Allah ?
Qur’an: 5: 83 to 86.
83. When they listen to that which has been revealed unto the messenger, you see their eyes overflow with tears because of their recognition of the truth. They say: Our Lord, we believe; write us down as among the witnesses.
84. How should we not believe in Allah and that which has come unto us of the truth and we hope that our Lord will admit us to the company of the righteous folk.
85. Allah has rewarded them for what they said: Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That is the reward of the good people.
86. But those who disbelieve and deny Our signs, they shall be companions of hell-fire.
We have seen that Jesus (pbuh) greeted his disciples like a Muslim, by saying: “Peace be unto you”, when he appeared before them after his so-called ‘resurrection’ (John 20:19). Muslims use the same words to greet, (but in Arabic): Assalaamu Alaikum.
We have also seen that the utterances of Jesus have been supportive of and predicting about the rise of Muhammad (pbuh), and through him the belief Islam and the believing nation of Muslims, to which his followers are required to join.
In John 16: 12 & 13, Jesus says:
“I have yet many things to say unto you,
but you cannot bear them now.
Howbeit when he, the spirit of truth, is come,
He will guide you into all truth; “
In an earlier article, we have seen that this prophecy by Prophet Jesus (pbuh) refers to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), whose arrival his followers were directed to await. The many things that Jesus would have liked to tell his followers have not been told to them, not because Jesus did not know them, but only because his followers were not ready to bear them at that time: “….. but you cannot bear them now.”
When Jesus (pbuh) states “you cannot bear them now”, it only refers to his followers and does not include himself, because he did not say: “WE cannot bear them now”.
Since Jesus didn’t count himself among them in this matter, it means he was ready to bear them: the guidance that the expected prophet will bring. He was aware of them and he was ready to bear them. But did he follow in action what he knew and was ready for? Yes. He did much of what a Muslim would do and is expected to do. In fact, this begins to happen even while he anticipates arrest by the Roman rulers.
He comes to know that he will be betrayed by one of his disciples, Judas, into the hands of the Jews, who intended to kill him. Apart from this, the other thing that makes him sorrowful is that he was expecting to do many things that a Muslim does. He was looking forward to the joy of doing all those things; but now his end is staring on the face. He tells his disciples:
“My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.” (Mark 14:34)
The one thing that he can surely do, before he is arrested, is to pray to the Lord as a Muslim prays. So he prays like a Muslim and does prostration (Sajda), touching his forehead to the ground:
“And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed….” (Matthew 26:39) What is his prayer to the Lord? The verse (Matthew 26:39) continues: “…saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as you will.”
Mark 14:36 says about his prayer: “And he said, Abba, Father, all things [are] possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what you will.“
Luke 22:42 says about Jesus’ prayer: “Saying, Father, if you be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but your, be done.”
The common thing observed from the above verses is: Jesus (peace be upon him) prays to the Lord to save him from the anticipated persecution at the hands of the Jews; yet not as Jesus wishes but as the Lord wills. Do you realize what Jesus is stating at this moment? He subdues his wishes and submits himself to the will of Allah. In other words, Jesus declares his Islam, submission, at that moment.
As already explained in Article 1 in this series: A Muslim is one who has submitted to the will of Allah. Islam means submission (to the will of Allah), while it also means Peace. Thus, by declaring his submission to the will of Allah, Jesus declared himself to be a Muslim.
It was also mentioned in Chapter 2 that Jesus (pbuh), as also the other prophets before him, called themselves ‘Muslims’.
But, then, why their followers were not named as ‘Muslims’, too?
If the followers of the different other prophets were also to be called as ‘Muslims’, then there would have been confusion in distinguishing between the true Muslims (who believe in all the prophets) and the followers of other prophets (who believe in some prophets and disbelieve in the rest). Belief in all the messengers of Allah is a basic requirement to be called a Muslim. Allah tells the Muslims in Qur’an:
” Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the Prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered. ” (2:136)
Thus, Jesus (pbuh) practiced Islam, i.e., Submission and he got Islam, i.e., Peace. How?
The Bible tells us in Luke 22:43
” And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.”
This is in appreciation of his act of Submission and as an answer to his prayers. The strength at that moment but what he needed most desperately was solace and assurance from the Lord that he would be saved from the arrest and wanted the freedom to perform the things he wanted to do as a Muslim.
So, Jesus the Muslim (peace be upon him) had prayed in ARABIC: “Yaa Ilaahi, Yaa Ilaahi, Lima Sabaqtanee? “. Does the phrase sound familiar? Yes, this is what he asked the Lord at that moment. “O my Lord, O my Lord, Why have you advanced me (in my end)? “
Since he wished to do important things which a Muslim must do while he is still alive, the threatened end troubles him. So his prayer: ” O my Lord, O my Lord, Why have you ADVANCED ME? “
Having not understood what he said, but actually having misunderstood what he said, the writers of the Gospel shifted these words into a situation where it fitted according to their understanding and scheme. The prayer has thus been misunderstood and then quoted out of context.
He did not utter such words at the cross, where he was never taken. They say that Jesus said: “Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachtani? That is to say: My God, My God, why have youforsaken me? “(Matthew 27:46)
The above statement attributed to Jesus is totally wrong, because:
1. God will never forsake His messenger.
2. Jesus, who submits himself to the will of the Lord, will never utter such a
Word.
(Please refer to the three verses quoted above: Matthew 26:39, Mark 14:36 and Luke 22:42)
The prayer of Jesus (pbuh) did not go unanswered, but was answered through the angel, which appeared, in order to strengthen him. Luke 22:43: ” And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.”
What message did the angel carry from the Lord, in reply to Jesus’ question: ” O my Lord, O my Lord, Why have you advanced me? “
Let us turn to Qur’an, 3:55:
“When Allah said: O Jesus! I will complete you(r term)
and cause you to ascend unto Me
and cleanse you of those who disbelieve…”
Allah assures that Jesus will be saved from the Jews and that his term and what is destined for him is guaranteed for him and that Allah will cause Jesus to ascend unto Him. The Bible agrees that Jesus ascended unto heaven (Luke 24:51), but the main dispute is about what happened in between: the alleged crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus (pbuh).
Allah says in Qur’an that they neither killed him nor crucified him, but it was made to appear so unto them. In many places in Qur’an, it has been mentioned that Jews used to kill the prophets unjustly. But in the case of Jesus (pbuh) it vehemently denies that they killed him or that they crucified him. This is because Qur’an will not contain anything except truth.
Surah 4, Verses 157 & 158:
“and their saying : we killed Christ Jesus, son of Mary, The messenger of Allah – but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but it was made to appear to them so; and those who disagree concerning it are full of doubts; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture; For surely they killed him not; but Allah took him up unto Himself; and Allah is ever mighty, wise.”
From the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), we get a more detailed account. The Muslim belief is that Allah changed the face of the person who betrayed Jesus, showing to the rulers the place where he was hiding, into a face resembling Jesus. So, they crucified that betrayer instead of Jesus.
Let us now do a deeper study of the above verses of Qur’an, so that we may be rightly guided into the truth. Allah says in Qur’an not only that Jesus was not killed, but also that he was not crucified, either. Those who do not accept the truth or those who accept only a part of the truth will never get at the truth.
As a result,
1. those who wish to prove that Jesus was crucified, but did not die at the cross; and
2. those who believe that Jesus was crucified and killed at the cross,
have equally failed to convince and provide clear-cut answers to the many points that beg a solution. Allah has said: “……and those who disagree concerning it are full of doubts.”
Those who disagree that he was neither killed nor crucified, are full of doubts.
So, before proceeding with our study, let us not disagree and let us not be in doubt any more. But let us fully believe in what Allah, The Exalted, says, so that we may be correctly guided. Allah says to Muhammad (pbuh), about Qur’an: “And We sent down the Book to you for the express purpose, that you should make clear to them those things in which they differ, and that it should be a guide and a mercy to those who believe.” (Qur’an 16:64)
Allah has said three things about the alleged crucifixion of Jesus:
1. They didn’t kill him.
2. They didn’t crucify him.
3. But it was made to appear to them so.
In the case of an affirmative sentence, like: “They killed him” , there is no doubt. Everything is clear. 1. The Offender 2. The Offence 3. The Offended. But once the word “NOT” comes in and makes it a negative sentence, like: “They DID NOT kill him”, there is a possibility to vary the meaning in three ways by shifting the stress alternatingly on the rest of the three words:
1. “They did not kill him” would mean that somebody else killed him.
2. “They did not kill him” in this context would mean that they just tortured him but did not kill him.
3. “They did not kill him” would mean that they killed somebody else.
We should remember that Qur’an is not denying the events wholesale by saying: “No. Nothing happened. Nobody did anything to anybody.” It is not saying so. Therefore, let us study further and consider for elimination, two out of the three possible variations of the sentence “They did not kill him” mentioned above.
There is no doubt as to The Offender. The Jews themselves claim to have done the deed and we all know of their complicity. Now the doubt remains about Two Things:The Offence and The Offended. About the second possibility that “They did not kill him” would mean that they crucified him but he escaped death, Allah denies that too. The next part of the verse eliminates that possibility by saying: They did not crucify him. Having eliminated the first two possibilities, only the third one survives: “They did not kill him.” Yes, it was not him that they crucified and killed, but someone else. So, let us write that part of the verse, by putting the stress on the right word:
they did not kill him;
they did not crucify him;
but it was made to appear to them so.
It was made to appear to them that they crucified Jesus and killed him. They did not kill nor crucified Jesus (pbuh).
Having fully believed in Allah’s words, let us now move on to find evidence of the truth in The Bible in support of it.
1. First of all, while Jesus was awaiting arrest by the soldiers, what he tells his disciples is that
a) “sleep on now, and take rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the son of man is betrayed into the hands of the sinners.” (Mark 14:41)
b) “the son of man is betrayed to be crucified” (Matthew 26:2)
Jesus never said he will be crucified, but only reveals the intention with which he will be betrayed: “betrayed to be crucified”.
2. Jesus says in Matthew 26:24: “The son of man goes as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born“.
a) About himself, Jesus (pbuh) says: “The son of man goes as it is written of him ” ; goes and not dies.
b) About the betrayer he says: “it had been good for that man if he had not been born“, a nice way of wishing death for the betrayer.
Even after this curse by the messenger of Allah, is there a way that the betrayer will continue to live ? Thus, in the above verse, it has been determined as to who is destined to go and who is destined to die.
3. The betrayer Judas comes in to identify Jesus, when it is dark, along with a large number of soldiers , carrying lanterns, torches and weapons. The stage is perfect for the change of form of the betrayer and the betrayed, as more confusion follows: From Mark 14:44, Matthew 26:48 and Luke 22:47, which are quoted below, it is proved that Judas drew near unto Jesus to kiss him, so as to identify him.
Mark 14:44 : And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead [him] away safely.
Matt 26:48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
Luke 22:47: And while he yet spoke, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
From John 18:3 to 18:6 which is mentioned below, we come to know of another enabling factor:
18:3. Judas, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests, comes inside with lanterns and torches and weapons.
18:4. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should happen to him, went forth, and said unto them, whom do you seek?
18:5. They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus says unto them, I am [he]. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
18:6. As soon as he had said unto them, I am [he], they went backward, and fell to the ground.
From verse 6 above, we notice one strange thing: as soon as Jesus identifies himself, “I am (he)”, the great crowd that had come in falls to the ground. As Judas stood near Jesus (after kissing him) and as the crowd fell to the ground along with the lanterns they brought, the situation was perfect for the exchange of faces, so that those who came to arrest him do not notice it. Then the soldiers, who came to arrest Jesus, take away Judas instead, while Jesus escapes along with his other disciples, who all fled the scene.
Mark 14:50: And they all forsook him, and fled.
(The readers of Bible normally take it to mean that the disciples forsook Jesus and fled. It is shameful to think that all the disciples of Jesus forsook him at the most crucial hour of his life. Qur’an testifies that the disciples expressed their belief and loyalty:
” But when Jesus sensed disbelief from them, he said: Who will be my helpers in the cause of Allah? The disciples said: We will be Allah’s helpers. We believe in Allah, and bear you witness that we have surrendered (unto Him). ” (3:52)
Therefore, it was Judas whom the disciples rightly forsook and all of them fled with Jesus.)
4. Now Judas is caught in an unbelievable situation, which nobody else would have experienced. Even if he tells the truth, nobody will believe it, but only think him to be Jesus trying to escape death. So it is better for him that he endures whatever happens. Some verses from the Bible are quoted below, to show how Judas behaves at the trials at the high priest’s place. Whenever you encounter below the name Jesus, in the biblical verses, you have to take it as Judas, so that you may understand what the people on the scene and people in the past 2000 years have failed to comprehend.
John 18:19 to 18:23
18:19 ” The high priest therefore asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his teaching.
18:20 Jesus answered him, I spoke openly to the world; I always taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, where the Jews always meet; and in secret have I said nothing.
18:21 Why ask you me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.
18:22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand (or with a rod), saying, Answer you the high priest so?
18:23 Jesus answered him, if I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smite you me? “
Thus the betrayer-in-a-dilemma Judas speaks evasively. He cannot preach what Jesus used to preach in the temple and in the synagogue. He neither has the authority nor the ability to repeat what Jesus used to preach. Anyway, he certainly cannot answer them if they question him further in religious matters. Had it really been Jesus, he would not have missed the opportunity to tell the priests of his teachings. But here, Judas evades the issue by saying: “I always spoke openly; I said nothing in secret; Ask them which heard me; they know what I said; If I spoke well, why you smite me.” etc.
Matthew 26:
26:62 “And the high priest stood up, and said unto him, Answer you nothing? What is it, which these witness against you?
26:63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest said unto him, I adjure you by the living God, that you tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God.”
When some false witnesses testify against Jesus (Judas), the high priest begs Judas for an answer. But Judas remains quite. Then what the priest presses Judas to answer is not whether he is guilty or not but “I adjure you by the living God, that you tell us whether you are the Christ”.
So the main question raking their brains is whether this person really is Jesus.
26:64 “Jesus said unto him, You have said: nevertheless I say unto you, Henceforth you shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Judas does not say “I am Jesus”, but lets the priest take as true what he thinks, by saying: “You have said” and then continues “Henceforth you shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of Power” instead of speaking in the first person “henceforth I shall sit at the right hand of Power.”
Then they condemn him to death by holding him guilty of blasphemy. One more thing you must note now is that in this session, the process of disfiguring Judas’ face has slowly begun.
26:67 Then did they spit in his face and buffet him: and some smote him with the palms of their hands (or rods). This is quoted also in Luke 22:64.
5. Peter, who apparently witnessed what happened at the time of arrest, follows Judas to the priest’s hall, so as to see what happens to Judas. The priest’s servants come and question Peter three times whether he is a disciple of that person, (deeming Judas to be Jesus), but he, naturally, denies all the three times, as predicted by Jesus. Peter who was very loyal to Jesus and had told Jesus (in Matthew 26:35) “Even if I must die with you, [yet] will I not deny thee.” had to deny the person thrice because he cannot affirm to be the disciple of Judas, whom they deem to be Jesus.
6. Another account of the second session with the priests that took place on the day after the arrest, is given in Luke 22:66 to 68 :
22:66 : And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
22:67 Are you the Christ? Tell us. And he said unto them, if I tell you, you will not believe:
22:68 And if I also ask [you], you will not answer me, nor let [me] go.
Again, they want to know if he is Jesus. And he tells them: If I tell you (that I am Judas), you will not believe. And if I ask you (what happened to Jesus), you will not answer me, nor let me go.
7. In the trial that takes place before the governor Pilate, again the dominant question is: Are you the Christ? And most of the time Judas says: YOU say it. (That is YOUR statement, NOT MINE.) On other occasions, he remains silent like a stone. Please refer Luke 23:3, Mark 15:2, Mark 15:5, Matthew 27:11, Matthew 27:12. Matthew 27:14.
8. Jesus is brought for trial before another official Herod:
Luke 23:8 and Luke 23:9:
23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.
23:9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
Poor Herod, he has been longing to witness some of the miracles that he had heard Jesus performing. But can Judas perform those miracles? On the other hand, he avoids talking straight to even somebody who is sympathetic and glad to see him, because he is not what Herod deems him to be: he is not Jesus.
9. By talking evasively and at times refusing to talk, Judas somehow managed to avoid being found guilty by the Governor and other officials. But the Jews do not wish to lose face by retreating from the actions already taken to have Jesus killed. Hence, upon their stubborn insistence, he is condemned to be crucified. Before they take him to the cross, more injury is done to him:
Mark 15:19: And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him.
Matthew 27:30: And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
Please note that after first injuring his FACE, now it is the turn of his HEAD to be injured. Judas is killed at the cross and later on buried. John does not add dramatic words to this scene of crucifixion, but quotes what could be reasonable words from the betrayer, while he dies:
1. ” I thirst! ” (John 19:28)
2. ” It is finished! ” … and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. (John 19:30)
(not the “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit ” kind of stuff! See Luke 23:46).
10. The Bible records that Mary (pbuh), Jesus’ (pbuh) mother, was a witness to the crucifixion.
John 19:25 “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother…. “
While the Bible records the reaction of every bystander and passer-by, it fails to mention the reaction of Mary (pbuh) the mother of Jesus, because there was no reaction from her worth mentioning. Since she knew that the person on the cross was not Jesus, she stood by the cross and just watched the punishment meted out to the betrayer of Jesus. Had the person on the cross really been Jesus, she would have reacted hysterically. Because it was she who bore Jesus with difficulty and delivered him with pains. No mother will be a mute spectator to such an event.
Qur’an records the labour pains of Mary, while she delivered Jesus:
” And the pangs of childbirth drove her unto the trunk of the palm tree. She said: Oh, would that I had died before this and had become a thing forgotten.” (19:23)
11. The Bible says that Jesus addressed his mother from the cross as ” Woman! ” (John 19:26). No mean person will address his mother as “Woman! “. It is only because the person on the cross was Judas and not Jesus (pbuh) that he addresses Mary as ” Women! ” Qur’an testifies that Jesus was kind to his mother and said from his cradle: ” And (God has made me) dutiful toward her who bore me, and has not made me arrogant, unblest. ” (19: 32)
12. And where is Jesus (pbuh) when all this happens. Jesus had predicted, in Matthew 12:40
“for as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
Do you know which is the heart of the earth? Before thinking further, let us consider what is the function of a heart.
It draws blood from other parts of the body for purification and again sends it back to all the parts. Right? Can you think of a place on the earth, which draws people from all parts of the earth and sends them back, too, after purifying them? And that too at a regular interval, just like the heart?
Yes, you guessed it right: it is Mecca.
It is the belief of Muslims that all the prophets wished to be a follower of Muhammad, in preference to be born as a prophet. Only Jesus was granted the wish. Jesus is expected to descend on the earth again, supported by two angels, during the reign of the expected guided leader Mahdee. Jesus (pbuh) will live as one of the followers of Muhammad (pbuh) and follow the Shariah (laws) brought by Muhammad. Jesus (peace be upon him) knew that he would live as a Muslim when he comes back to the earth. But he could not wait, as we now know, not less than twenty centuries to relish this. So, when he knows that his days in the earth are not many, he formally submits himself to the Lord, starts to pray in Arabic, does prostration and now goes on a pilgrimage to Mecca. (This may not be the first time Jesus is praying like a Muslim. Qur’an records what Jesus spoke from his cradle: “And (God) has made me blessed wheresoever I may be, and has enjoined upon me prayer and almsgiving so long as I remain alive.” (19: 31).
(Earlier, he had prayed to the Lord for the Muslims, in the following manner:
John: 17:20 & 21: 21.
17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me).
And as predicted, he was in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights.
13. THE JEWS IN A DILEMMA:
Now let us imagine the restlessness of the Jews after the soldiers brought Judas, thinking him to be Jesus. While, according to them, Jesus is in their custody, what happened to their man, Judas? Why did he not turn up to win accolades from them, for the great betrayal he committed, in order to please them. This must have greatly disturbed them. Anyway, where is Judas?
The answer to this was provided to them by the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, and made possible the entry of Peter into the palace.
“John 18:15 : And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and [so did] another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.
John 18:16 But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.”
That other disciple sounded the high priest of what happened at the time of arrest, but since it is an unbelievable event for everyone, they wanted to elicit information from Judas and, hence, kept on enquiring Judas, whether he is really Christ. On the basis of the information provided by the other disciple, the high priest’s people tried thrice to rope in Peter for enquiry, by sending female servants to talk to him, but he craftily refused to yield. The Jews were in a terrible dilemma.
1. Now they have to kill a person who co-operated with them against Jesus. The fellow is not even trying to save himself, being unable to overcome the humiliation wrought on him by the Lord.
2. If they disclose the truth and spare Judas, they have to bear the shame of having failed to kill Jesus. So they decided to kill Judas and claimed to have killed Jesus.
Now, they face another problem: How to account for the missing Judas. So, their soldiers removed Judas’ body from the grave, while everybody was observing the Sabbath – (the compulsory religious holiday on Saturdays.) Then they disfigure the face more, because that is the only thing that has the resemblance of Jesus. After this is done, he is now perfectly Judas. To account for the injury to the face and the head, they spread the news that is reported in Acts 1:18:
“Acts 1:18 Now this man obtained a field with the reward of his iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.”
Is it not enough that they have disfigured his head and face? What is the necessity to cut open his stomach and spread the news that: ” he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.”
· So that, because of the nasty stench it would produce, nobody can come near the body and notice or find out the minor injuries that Judas suffered at the cross.
· The cause of death should be very apparent from a distance, in order to avoid a close scrutiny by curious people.
The fact that all this was done by the Jews, by bribing the watchmen or the soldiers, is recorded in Matthew 28:11 to 28:15
“Matthew 28:11: Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and informed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
28:12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
28:13 Saying, Say you, His disciples came by night, and stole him [away] while we slept.
28:14 And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you
28:15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.”
And to make it appear that it was really Jesus whom they arrested and to make the people believe that Judas was roaming freely after the arrest took place, they spread the lie that he came to the temple and threw back the silver coins he received as bribe from them: “Matthew 27:5: And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.” That this verse is a total lie is borne by the fact that the other accounts talk of Judas falling headlong and his bowels gushing out. (Acts 1:18)
14. In respect of the later events:
a. at the grave where they buried Judas and
b. where Jesus meets his disciples, etc.
we find a lot of difference in the narration of Luke, John, Matthew and Mark, just as in respect of the earlier events. It is a waste of time counting and comparing the different and conflicting details. Hence, only those details that are important in view of the truth revealed above are mentioned.
15. a) When Mary Magdalene goes to the grave; she finds that the stone covering the grave of Judas is already removed.
“Mark 16:3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
16:4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.”
Points to be noted in the above verses: 1. The heavy stone was already rolled away by the soldiers of the governor. 2. People perform the pilgrimage rites in Mecca wearing white clothing.
b) Mary Magdalene sees two angels in white sitting. (John 20:12) Just as the Muslims believe that The Almighty will provide two angels for Jesus’ descent from heaven, when he comes again, similarly these two angels have made possible his pilgrimage to Mecca.
c) Luke 24:4 & 24:5
24:4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
24:5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down [their] faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
The two men in shining garments are angels, who refer Jesus as the living, and not as the resurrected.
d) John 20:14: “And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
20:15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him,” etc.
Points to be noted: She saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus, because she supposed him to be the gardener. She could not recognize Jesus, because of the changed face and deemed him to be the gardener because of the simple cloths worn while performing pilgrimage rites. Moreover, he would have had a shaven head, another rite of the pilgrimage.
e) John 20:17 “Jesus saith unto her, touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and [to] my God, and your God.”
Things to be noted:
1. Jesus tells her “Touch me not”.
However, when Jesus meets his disciples later, he asks them to touch him and handle him, but here he forbids her. The reason: As a good Muslim, he avoids being touched by the lady.
2. Jesus says: ” I am not yet ascended to my Father: “
That means he knew that he was supposed to ascend only, as the Almighty had already informed him through the angel. His statement shows that he did not expect himself to die, nor resurrect, but only ascend.
f) The same day evening, Jesus appears before his disciples and says: “Peace be unto you”, (i.e., Assalaamu Alaikum,) as a Muslim. .
g) Luke 24:13 to 24:24 is quoted below. In this event, two disciples walking together while going to a village, are joined by Jesus. Jesus enquires them as to what they are talking and why they are sad. They narrate the whole story from being condemned to death to the vision of angels at the sepulchre. If it were Jesus who suffered all that, then he would not pretend ignorance and listen again to all that which he himself has suffered, as they think. Only because he was absent and went on the pilgrimage to Mecca, he did not know of what happened in his absence and, hence, he is enquiring and listening to the whole story.
Luke 24:13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem [about] threescore furlongs.
24:14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
24:15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed [together] and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
24:16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
24:17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications [are] these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
24:18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
24:19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: 24:20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
24:21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
24:22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulcher;
24:23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
24:24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulcher, and found [it] even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.”
This is another proof that it was Judas who suffered death at the cross.
h) Back in Jerusalem, Jesus has another session with the eleven disciples:
1. “Luke 24:36: And as they thus spoke, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and says unto them, Peace [be] unto you.
24:37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.” Having seen the dead body of Judas, they were now 100 % sure of his death. Hence, when Jesus appears there with Judas’ face, they are terrified and affrighted and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
2. Luke 24:38: “And he said unto them, Why are you troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
24:40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them [his] hands and [his] feet.”
John repeats similarly in 20:20 :
John 20:20: “And when he had so said, he shewed unto them [his] hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.”
From the above, we can understand fully well, that Jesus’ face is not the identity of the person, at that moment, because it looked like Judas’. Hence, “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself” and “when they saw his hands and his sides they were glad they saw the Lord “
3. Luke 24:41 ” And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
24:42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.”
Fish is the only thing that a Muslim can obtain from anyone and eat. The meat of other (permitted) animals and birds should be properly slaughtered in the manner taught by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and by mentioning the name of Allah over it, while slaughtering. Hence, the other meat cannot be obtained from everybody.
4. John 20:30 “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book.“
Most important of which should be: restoration of his face, as it looked before.
The Bible does provide a clue that Jesus’ face was restored to its original appearance, before his ascension unto heaven.
In the verse of John 21:12, which is in the context of the events just before his ascension, it is written:
” Jesus saith unto them, Come [and] dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.” This time, there is no need to see his hands and his feet to know that it is Jesus.
Now, it is time to thank the Almighty for opening our eyes to the truth, by accepting Islam. We now know for certain that:
1. There is no God except Allah; and
2. Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a slave and a messenger of Allah and the last of the prophets, whom all the people have to follow. This has been foretold in The Bible.
3. Idols and graven images are forbidden.
4. Allah sent messengers to all nations.
5. Jesus (peace be upon him) too is a slave and a messenger of Allah, but sent only for (the lost sheep of) the house of Israel.
6. Jesus is a creation of Allah; he is not His son and has no portion whatsoever in His Sovereignty.
7. Jesus was not killed, nor crucified. It was his betrayer who was killed on the cross.
The next time you see a cross, you would know that it is not a sign that relates to Jesus, but something that denotes the punishment his betrayer deserved and got.
But…, should we have a memorial to commemorate the betrayer of a mighty messenger of Allah ?
Qur’an: 5: 83 to 86.
83. When they listen to that which has been revealed unto the messenger, you see their eyes overflow with tears because of their recognition of the truth. They say: Our Lord, we believe; write us down as among the witnesses.
84. How should we not believe in Allah and that which has come unto us of the truth and we hope that our Lord will admit us to the company of the righteous folk.
85. Allah has rewarded them for what they said: Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That is the reward of the good people.
86. But those who disbelieve and deny Our signs, they shall be companions of hell-fire.
Dec
21
The Jesus Christ
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JJump22
-= This article is not meant to intrude on any ones beliefs, if you are easily influenced and offended please navigate away from this page immediately. =-
The being known as “Jesus” has many different names in various cultures. Could this be that there was not just one Jesus Messiah, or avatar? Spiritual Messiahs have the ability to perform great works in the physical world, due to their advanced mind/body/spirit state. In the Christian Religion, Jesus Messiah is said to be the one true sun, or should I say “son” of god . Without Jesus Messiah in the eyes of a Christian, we would not be incarnate upon the earth plane right now. Jesus is said to have been born of a immaculate conception where a angel came to his mother and this angels very presence impregnated her. In the last days of his life he was treated with great hatred and Jesus Messiah was crucified. He then rose from the dead in his physical body and ascended to heaven where he sits in his “physical” body at the side of his father God in heaven. Think about that for a moment…..
We will come back to the topic of Jesus Messiah and dwell upon the theme of spiritual masters, what “Jesus Messiah” has been portrayed to be, though in a supernatural form. A spiritual master is a being who has become spiritually enlightened. This beings service is to the good of all mankind, though there are some spiritual masters who serve the self but this number is very few for in serving the self you must do this at a 95% capacity or you will fail to graduate. Spiritual masters lead the same lifestyles as you and I, you would be surprised at that fact that even in living in “sin”, one can transmute that karmic energy into dharma. The association of the supernatural placed on the figure known as Jesus Messiah is the main mental barrier in deterring individuals of our current day from believing that they too can perform great service and deeds and transcend this reality, just as “Jesus Messiah” did.
The being known as Jesus has many names, for there have been many spiritual masters who incarnated upon this earth plane for the greater good of humanity. This fact has been suppressed and silenced by the “powers that be” in our current world. We are all children from the source who have the ability to perform whatever we put our mind/body/spirit to. The truth is that yes, there is a very real “ Human Jesus” though that may not be his true name. This being has been present in our world for thousands of years, in the form of light body and is aiding us in our human plight. Now that you have a clearer understanding of the nature of this reality. We will explain the true “sun” of God.
It is said that “Jesus Messiah” died, and was resurrected in three days. This is true, for the sun of our solar system, or “Christ”, is at it’s lowest point and literally disappears from our view, metaphorically dieing on the 22nd of December. Then it is revived in three days as it makes its journey back to the top of the cross on the 25th of December. The cross in non-religious terms, represents the equinoxes and solstices relevant to the seasons and our sun. Without the sun life simply would not exist on earth, this is the true “Christ” and supplier of life in our world and existence.
As stated in our “About Us” section, we only seek to provide the foundational knowledge required for truth seekers and initiates alike to trigger specific encodings and nodes in the mind/body/spirit complex we are blessed with. In doing this, the seeker and initiate may engage in a journey of self-awareness and discovery. In doing so, you will be able to seek the knowledge and wisdom of truth that is uniquely important to you, not to the individual presenting this information. If you ever require or seek additional information and insight from the author of these articles, feel free to contact us be email or phone. Good luck, and may peace be with you.
-= This article is not meant to intrude on any ones beliefs, if you are easily influenced and offended please navigate away from this page immediately. =-
The being known as “Jesus” has many different names in various cultures. Could this be that there was not just one Jesus Messiah, or avatar? Spiritual Messiahs have the ability to perform great works in the physical world, due to their advanced mind/body/spirit state. In the Christian Religion, Jesus Messiah is said to be the one true sun, or should I say “son” of god . Without Jesus Messiah in the eyes of a Christian, we would not be incarnate upon the earth plane right now. Jesus is said to have been born of a immaculate conception where a angel came to his mother and this angels very presence impregnated her. In the last days of his life he was treated with great hatred and Jesus Messiah was crucified. He then rose from the dead in his physical body and ascended to heaven where he sits in his “physical” body at the side of his father God in heaven. Think about that for a moment…..
We will come back to the topic of Jesus Messiah and dwell upon the theme of spiritual masters, what “Jesus Messiah” has been portrayed to be, though in a supernatural form. A spiritual master is a being who has become spiritually enlightened. This beings service is to the good of all mankind, though there are some spiritual masters who serve the self but this number is very few for in serving the self you must do this at a 95% capacity or you will fail to graduate. Spiritual masters lead the same lifestyles as you and I, you would be surprised at that fact that even in living in “sin”, one can transmute that karmic energy into dharma. The association of the supernatural placed on the figure known as Jesus Messiah is the main mental barrier in deterring individuals of our current day from believing that they too can perform great service and deeds and transcend this reality, just as “Jesus Messiah” did.
The being known as Jesus has many names, for there have been many spiritual masters who incarnated upon this earth plane for the greater good of humanity. This fact has been suppressed and silenced by the “powers that be” in our current world. We are all children from the source who have the ability to perform whatever we put our mind/body/spirit to. The truth is that yes, there is a very real “ Human Jesus” though that may not be his true name. This being has been present in our world for thousands of years, in the form of light body and is aiding us in our human plight. Now that you have a clearer understanding of the nature of this reality. We will explain the true “sun” of God.
It is said that “Jesus Messiah” died, and was resurrected in three days. This is true, for the sun of our solar system, or “Christ”, is at it’s lowest point and literally disappears from our view, metaphorically dieing on the 22nd of December. Then it is revived in three days as it makes its journey back to the top of the cross on the 25th of December. The cross in non-religious terms, represents the equinoxes and solstices relevant to the seasons and our sun. Without the sun life simply would not exist on earth, this is the true “Christ” and supplier of life in our world and existence.
As stated in our “About Us” section, we only seek to provide the foundational knowledge required for truth seekers and initiates alike to trigger specific encodings and nodes in the mind/body/spirit complex we are blessed with. In doing this, the seeker and initiate may engage in a journey of self-awareness and discovery. In doing so, you will be able to seek the knowledge and wisdom of truth that is uniquely important to you, not to the individual presenting this information. If you ever require or seek additional information and insight from the author of these articles, feel free to contact us be email or phone. Good luck, and may peace be with you.
Dec
21
Jesus’ Word for Raising Kids
Filed Under Rodney Howard Brown Was In East London South Africa Now | Leave a Comment
Phillip Hale
Children are a blessing from God. Many people treat them as if they are anything except a blessing. They’ll be more of a blessing if you apply God’s Word in the way you raise them. Stand on God’s Word for your folks. Believe His promises.
For He has reinforced the bars of your gates; he has blessed your kids inside you. Psalms 147:13 NKJ
Behold, youngsters are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a soldier, so are the youngsters of one’s youth. Five Satisfied is the man who has his quiver packed with them ; they shall not be abashed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate. Psalms 127:3-5 NKJ
The righteous man walks in his integrity; his kids are blessed after him. Proverbs 20:7 NKJ
Your other half shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your youngsters like olive plants all around your table. Psalms 128:3 NKJ
A smart kid is a fantastic blessing, but a silly child will bring years of pain and grief. Foolish, undisciplined children disrespect their parents. Your youngsters will give you the respect due you as a parent if you discipline, correct, teach and train them as the Word of God teaches. Look after your children and be careful over their chums and whom they associate with.
A smart child makes a pop satisfied, but a foolish son is a grief to his mum. Proverbs 10:1 NAS
A sensible boy makes a pleased dad, but a self-confident and silly man despises his ma and puts her to embarrass. Proverbs 15:20 AMP
A dumb son is a grief to his pa, and resentment to her who bore him. Proverbs 17:25 NKJ
Whoever keeps the law [of God and man] is a sensible boy, but he who is a companion of gluttons and the carousing, hedonistic, and indulgent shames his pa. Proverbs 28:7 AMP
The dad of the righteous will significantly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will pleasure in him. Twenty-five Let your pop and your ma be happy, and let her who bore you rejoice. Proverbs 23:24-25 NKJ
Take accountability for the raising of your own youngsters. You shape their future! Eli got in trouble with God because he allowed his sons to do whatever they wanted to do. Undisciplined, untrained youngsters luck out on their inheritance -spiritual and material.
Train up a kid in the way he should go and in accordance his individual present or bent, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 AMP
A servant who acts cleverly will rule over a son who acts shamefully, and will share in the inheritance among siblings. Proverbs 17:2 NAS
Don’t be startled when your kid does dumb stuff. They are kids! You’ll need patience and you’ll need to be consistent in your discipline and coaching -not just for a day -for at least eighteen years!
Rodney Howard Browne points out to us that foolishness is tied up in the guts of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it some distance from him. Proverbs 22:15 AMP
The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a kid left undisciplined brings his mum to embarrass. Proverbs 29:15 AMP
Correct your boy, and he is going to give you rest ; yes, he will give pleasure to your heart. Proverbs 29:17 AMP
Pastor Rodney Howard Browne shows us to withhold not discipline from the child; for if you strike and punish him with the reedlike rod, he won’t die. Fourteen You shall whip him with the rod and deliver his life from Sheol Hades, the place of the dead. Proverbs 23:13-14 AMP
Children are a blessing from God. Many people treat them as if they are anything except a blessing. They’ll be more of a blessing if you apply God’s Word in the way you raise them. Stand on God’s Word for your folks. Believe His promises.
For He has reinforced the bars of your gates; he has blessed your kids inside you. Psalms 147:13 NKJ
Behold, youngsters are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a soldier, so are the youngsters of one’s youth. Five Satisfied is the man who has his quiver packed with them ; they shall not be abashed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate. Psalms 127:3-5 NKJ
The righteous man walks in his integrity; his kids are blessed after him. Proverbs 20:7 NKJ
Your other half shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your youngsters like olive plants all around your table. Psalms 128:3 NKJ
A smart kid is a fantastic blessing, but a silly child will bring years of pain and grief. Foolish, undisciplined children disrespect their parents. Your youngsters will give you the respect due you as a parent if you discipline, correct, teach and train them as the Word of God teaches. Look after your children and be careful over their chums and whom they associate with.
A smart child makes a pop satisfied, but a foolish son is a grief to his mum. Proverbs 10:1 NAS
A sensible boy makes a pleased dad, but a self-confident and silly man despises his ma and puts her to embarrass. Proverbs 15:20 AMP
A dumb son is a grief to his pa, and resentment to her who bore him. Proverbs 17:25 NKJ
Whoever keeps the law [of God and man] is a sensible boy, but he who is a companion of gluttons and the carousing, hedonistic, and indulgent shames his pa. Proverbs 28:7 AMP
The dad of the righteous will significantly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will pleasure in him. Twenty-five Let your pop and your ma be happy, and let her who bore you rejoice. Proverbs 23:24-25 NKJ
Take accountability for the raising of your own youngsters. You shape their future! Eli got in trouble with God because he allowed his sons to do whatever they wanted to do. Undisciplined, untrained youngsters luck out on their inheritance -spiritual and material.
Train up a kid in the way he should go and in accordance his individual present or bent, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 AMP
A servant who acts cleverly will rule over a son who acts shamefully, and will share in the inheritance among siblings. Proverbs 17:2 NAS
Don’t be startled when your kid does dumb stuff. They are kids! You’ll need patience and you’ll need to be consistent in your discipline and coaching -not just for a day -for at least eighteen years!
Rodney Howard Browne points out to us that foolishness is tied up in the guts of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it some distance from him. Proverbs 22:15 AMP
The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a kid left undisciplined brings his mum to embarrass. Proverbs 29:15 AMP
Correct your boy, and he is going to give you rest ; yes, he will give pleasure to your heart. Proverbs 29:17 AMP
Pastor Rodney Howard Browne shows us to withhold not discipline from the child; for if you strike and punish him with the reedlike rod, he won’t die. Fourteen You shall whip him with the rod and deliver his life from Sheol Hades, the place of the dead. Proverbs 23:13-14 AMP