What happened to Jesus?

Crucifixion: what do the Qur'an and the Bible say?

« Did Jesus die at all?

Jesus’ ministry on earth was controversial; we can all agree on that. The Bible and the Qur’an both tell us Jesus’ opponents schemed to put him to death. Clearly, something about Jesus’ claims, or his miraculous deeds, offended the religious authorities.

But the question remains: why did Jesus’ enemies seek to crucify him? And what happened next?

We have established that:

  • The Bible specifically identifies the charge against Jesus as one of blasphemy. Jesus had offended the Jewish religious authorities because he ‘claim[ed] to be God’.{117}
  • The first accounts of Jesus’ death by crucifixion are early and many. The gospel accounts give a detailed, accurate version of events, backed-up by historians of the first and early second century. Most scholars today recognise Jesus’ crucifixion as a factual event.{118}
  • The first counter-theory about what happened to Jesus was advanced by the second-century Basilidians, who denied that Jesus had a mortal body.{119} Their bias, lateness, and lack of evidence cast serious doubt on their credibility.
  • The Qur’an’s sole reference to the crucifixion follows the Basilidians in stating that Jesus only ‘appeared’ to have been crucified. This claim finds no support among the first eyewitnesses.
  • Theories that Jesus was substituted at the cross (Substitution Theory) or that he survived its agonies (Swoon Theory) interpret the event theologically as part of Allah’s plan against Jesus’ Jewish opponents.{120} No reason is given as to why this was necessary.
  • The gospel accounts say Jesus’ crucifixion was no accident of history but part of God’s plan, to bring those who trust in Jesus into his Paradise. This was anticipated centuries before, by God’s prophets, the Torah (Tawrat) and Psalms (Zabur).{121}

Biblical claims about Jesus – especially his divinity and crucifixion – have always sparked controversy. Maybe you’re offended by these claims too. But feelings can be deceiving. If you are uncomfortable with the Bible’s description of Jesus, or the strangeness of crucifixion, or the shamefulness of crucifixion, this is not reason enough to deny that Jesus was crucified.

Consider Peter, Jesus’ close disciple. After Jesus predicted his crucifixion, Peter was horrified at the idea, declaring ‘this will never happen to you!’ But Peter had to follow the evidence where it led him. He later became one of the most vocal witnesses of ‘Christ crucified.’{122}

The Bible teaches that Jesus’ crucifixion was not a defeat, but a victory. It was not a mark of God’s negligence, but of his amazing compassion for humanity. Like every one of us, Jesus would die. But unlike the rest of us, Peter pointed out, ‘it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him’.{123}

Jesus rose again, conquering death and the curse of sin that brings death to us all.{124} He invites all of us who trust him to share in his victory:

“For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”{125} For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.{126}

Your decision

[The risen Jesus] said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.{127}

Christians and Muslims agree that no one can go to Paradise unless their sins are forgiven. Jesus claims to forgive sin. He has taken our place in death, ‘to give his life as a ransom for many’.{128}

Jesus paid the debt of our sins in full. If we trust in him, we will be with him in Paradise. This is good news!

And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.{129}

Will you believe in this Jesus?

It is an important decision. One with consequences.

The decision is yours.