Epigraph

Say, ‘O People of the Book! come to a word common between us and you — that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partner with Him, and that some of us take not others for Lords beside Allah.’ But if they turn away, then say, ‘Bear witness that we have submitted to God.’ (Al Quran 3:64)

Written and collected by Zia H Shah MD, Chief Editor of the Muslim Times

The nature of Jesus Christ has been a subject of theological debate for centuries. While mainstream Christianity regards Jesus as divine, various religious traditions and interpretations present him as a prophet rather than God. This article explores arguments supporting the view of Jesus as a prophet, drawing from scriptural sources and theological perspectives.

Scriptural Evidence

1. Jesus Prayed to God: The Gospels depict Jesus engaging in prayer, addressing God as a separate entity. For instance, in the Garden of Gethsemane, he prays, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me” (Matthew 26:39). This act of prayer suggests a distinction between Jesus and God, aligning with the role of a prophet who seeks guidance from the Divine.
2. Jesus Referred to as a Prophet: In several passages, Jesus is identified explicitly as a prophet. In the Gospel of Matthew, the crowds proclaim, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee” (Matthew 21:11). Such references highlight his role as a messenger conveying God’s word.
3. Jesus Denied Omniscience: Jesus acknowledges limitations in his knowledge, stating, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mark 13:32). This admission indicates a distinction between his understanding and God’s omniscience.

Theological Perspectives

1. Judaism’s View: Within Judaism, Jesus is not recognized as the Messiah or a divine figure. Jewish teachings emphasize the oneness of God and reject any division of His essence. The worship of Jesus as God is seen as inconsistent with Jewish monotheism.
2. Islamic Perspective: Islam honors Jesus (Isa) as one of the prophets who preceded Muhammad. The Quran describes Jesus as a servant and messenger of God, emphasizing his human nature and prophetic mission.

Conclusion

The portrayal of Jesus as a prophet is supported by scriptural narratives and theological interpretations across various faith traditions. While beliefs about his nature differ among religions, the perspective of Jesus as a prophet underscores his role as a messenger who conveyed divine guidance to humanity.