Throughout our series, “Arguing With Jesus,” we have looked at some key topics regarding what the Bible says compared to what the world says. Today, however, is the
biggest question that we can possibly discuss: Which Jesus is the right one? There are a lot of different answers for this, but one thing cannot be neglected - whatever you
believe, you have to say something about Jesus as well.
“But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?” Matthew 16:15 (NIV)
For the believer, the answer is simple. Jesus is the Messiah. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is our Savior. He is the Son of God and He is God. We believe that
Jesus is exactly Who He says He is. But the world disagrees. They cannot deny that He lived, and they cannot deny that He died. There is even a universal recognition of
His deeds and teachings. But the buck stops with the acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord and Savior. Let’s look at what some other religions have to say about Jesus of
Nazareth.
What do they say about Jesus?
According to the Toledot Yeshu, the Sanhedrin writings, and the Shabbat, the Jewish faith believes that Jesus was Mary’s son through Joseph, not the Holy Spirit. They
believe that He was a rabbi or teacher. They believe that He worked miracles, although some say that His deeds were empowered by the devil or demons and not by God. In
the first and second century, there was hardly any ill will regarding Jesus; He was respected by the Jews of the time. Jewish people will acknowledge that Jesus claimed to
be the Messiah, but they deny that He actually is. It is universally accepted in the Jewish faith that Jesus was killed by crucifixion, and they acknowledge that Jesus’ disciples
claimed that He resurrected, but they deny that the resurrection took place. They believe that the gardener took His body, and then later that the body was discovered
and brought before Queen Helene - but no body was ever discovered in historical truth.
According to the teachings of the Quran, Muslims believe that Jesus was born of a virgin named Mary. They believe that Jesus was a prophet of high caliber and is worthy of
respect. His name is often said and recorded as “Eesa alai-hiss-salaam” or “Jesus, peace be upon Him.” They believe that Jesus was a wise teacher and a miracle worker.
The Quran includes descriptions of Jesus healing the blind and leprous, speaking as an infant, and even raising the dead to life. They believe that Jesus ascended into
heaven and is with Allah, but they deny His death on the cross. They believe instead that it was Judas who was crucified and he was disguised as Jesus. They believe that
Jesus will come again on the day of judgment and that He will be seated beside Allah. But they deny fervently that Jesus is one with God and that He is the Messiah.
A majority of those belonging to the Hindu faith believe a collection of truths about Jesus, but due to its own diversity of belief, there is not a unified accord of the person of
Jesus. Some common beliefs are that Jesus was a holy man, even being qualified as a Hindu Saint. They believe He was a wise and good teacher - even Gandhi acknowledged
that His teachings were good, but not that He was the True and Living God. And many of the HIndu faith believe Jesus is a god but not the only God.
Buddhists believe that Jesus was an enlightened man and a wise teacher. They respect His teachings of love and service. The current Dalai Lama holds Jesus in the same
level of respect as Buddha himself, claiming that He was a holy man. He even met recently with the Pope and expressed respect for the teachings and person of Jesus -
but they do not believe that Jesus is the One True God.
To summarize, and to include some other world religions:
“Jews believe Jesus was Mary’s son, was a teacher (Rabbi), had many disciples, was respected, performed miracles, claimed to be the Messiah and was crucified on the
cross. They also acknowledge His followers reported Jesus was raised from the dead.
Muslims believe Jesus was born of a virgin, is to be revered and respected, was a prophet, a wise teacher who worked miracles, ascended to heaven, and will come again.
Ahmadiyya Muslims believe Jesus may have been born of a virgin, was a prophet and wise teacher, worked miracles, and was crucified on a cross.
Bahá’í believe Jesus came from God, was a wise teacher who had a divine and human nature, worked miracles, and was crucified and resurrected as an atonement for
humanity.
Hindus believe Jesus was a holy man, a wise teacher, and is a ‘god’.
Buddhists believe Jesus was an enlightened man and a wise teacher.
New Age believers maintain Jesus was a wise moral teacher.” J. Warner Wallace
What does Jesus say about Himself?
Jesus claims plainly and repeatedly to be one with God. He claims to be the Messiah. He claims to be the Son of God. He predicts His own crucifixion as a sacrifice for sins
and His own resurrection as the way to the Father for eternal life. His teachings and miracles all support His claims about Himself. He leaves no room in His teachings,
deeds, and claims about Himself to be anything short of Who He says He is. The Messiah, the Son of God, the only way to the Father, Lord and Savior. Jesus.
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” Matthew 11:19 (NIV)
