Exploring Biblical Prophecies: Jesus vs. Muhammad
Summary
### Summary
Good evening, everyone. Tonight, we delved into a topic that often arises in interfaith dialogues: Is Muhammad mentioned in the Bible? This question is frequently posed by our Muslim friends, who believe that certain Old Testament and New Testament passages refer to Muhammad. We examined two specific prophecies: one from Deuteronomy 18:15-18 and another from John 14:16, where Jesus speaks of the Comforter.
In Deuteronomy, Moses speaks of a prophet like himself who will come from among the Israelites. Some Muslim scholars argue that this refers to Muhammad, but a closer examination reveals that the context and specific criteria—such as performing miracles and having direct communication with God—align more closely with Jesus. Jesus not only performed miracles but also had a unique, direct relationship with God, fulfilling the prophecy in ways Muhammad did not.
We also looked at the New Testament, particularly the passages in John where Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, referred to as the Comforter or Advocate. Some Muslims interpret this as a prophecy about Muhammad. However, the context and the original Greek term "Paraclete" clearly refer to the Holy Spirit, who would dwell within believers forever, something that cannot be said of Muhammad.
The Quran itself acknowledges Jesus as a significant figure, even calling Him the Word of God, which presents a theological dilemma for Muslims who also believe the Quran is the eternal Word of God. If Jesus is the Word of God and God is eternal, then Jesus must also be eternal. This is a point of contention that we must address with love and clarity when engaging in interfaith dialogues.
In conclusion, the prophecies in Deuteronomy and John do not refer to Muhammad but to Jesus. Understanding these scriptures in their full context helps us to see the continuity and fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Prophet Like Moses: The prophecy in Deuteronomy 18:15-18 speaks of a prophet like Moses who would come from among the Israelites. This prophet would have direct communication with God and perform miracles. Jesus fulfills these criteria, having a unique relationship with God and performing numerous miracles, unlike Muhammad, who did not perform any miracles. [13:22]
2. The Comforter in John: In John 14:16, Jesus promises the coming of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who would dwell within believers forever. This cannot refer to Muhammad, who lived for only 62-63 years. The original Greek term "Paraclete" clearly refers to the Holy Spirit, not a human prophet. [36:55]
3. Jesus as the Word of God: The Quran acknowledges Jesus as the Word of God, which presents a theological dilemma for Muslims. If Jesus is the Word of God and God is eternal, then Jesus must also be eternal. This challenges the Muslim belief that the Quran is the eternal Word of God. [27:41]
4. Fulfillment of Prophecies: The prophecies in Deuteronomy and John are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He not only performed miracles and had direct communication with God but also established a new covenant between God and His people, fulfilling the role of the mediator as described in the scriptures. [34:46]
5. Interfaith Dialogue: When engaging in interfaith dialogues, it is crucial to understand and explain the context of these prophecies. We must approach these conversations with love and clarity, helping our Muslim friends see the continuity and fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ. [46:27]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[05:49] - Introduction to the Topic
[07:39] - Recap of Last Week
[09:01] - Prophethood in the New Testament
[10:21] - Jesus as the Judge and King
[11:48] - Quranic Claims about Muhammad
[13:22] - Deuteronomy 18:15-18 Explained
[18:58] - Muslim Scholar's Argument
[20:48] - Comparing Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad
[22:37] - Context of "Brothers" in Deuteronomy
[24:13] - Further Analysis of Deuteronomy
[26:03] - Criteria for the Prophet Like Moses
[27:41] - Jesus as the Word of God
[29:14] - Jesus' Miracles and Mission
[31:13] - Transfiguration and Divine Confirmation
[32:48] - Jesus' Direct Communication with God
[33:50] - Mediator Role of Jesus
[34:46] - Jesus as the Mediator of the New Covenant
[36:22] - Conclusion on Deuteronomy Prophecy
[36:55] - Holy Spirit in John's Gospel
[37:29] - Muslim Interpretation Issues
[41:02] - Manuscript Evidence
[42:54] - Arabic Translation Issues
[44:35] - Jesus as the Advocate
[46:27] - Role of the Holy Spirit
[48:43] - Fulfillment of the Promise
[50:34] - Context of Prophecies
[53:11] - Importance of the Holy Spirit
[55:08] - Muhammad's Knowledge of the New Testament
[58:40] - Jesus' Ascension in the Quran
[01:00:23] - Antichrist in Islamic Tradition
[01:01:07] - Conclusion and Next Week's Topic
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Deuteronomy 18:15-18: "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him. For this is what you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, 'Let us not hear the voice of the Lord our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die.' The Lord said to me: 'What they say is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him.'"
2. John 14:16: "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—"
3. John 14:26: "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Deuteronomy 18:15-18, what are the criteria for the prophet like Moses? How does Jesus fulfill these criteria? [13:22]
2. In John 14:16, who does Jesus promise will come after Him, and what is the role of this figure? [36:55]
3. How does the Quran's acknowledgment of Jesus as the Word of God create a theological dilemma for Muslims, according to the sermon? [27:41]
4. What is the significance of the term "Paraclete" in the context of John 14:16, and why does it not refer to Muhammad? [36:55]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to understand the context of Deuteronomy 18:15-18 when discussing the identity of the prophet like Moses? How does this context clarify the prophecy? [22:37]
2. How does the role of the Holy Spirit as described in John 14:16-26 differ from the role of a human prophet like Muhammad? [36:55]
3. What are the implications of Jesus being referred to as the Word of God in both the Bible and the Quran? How does this affect interfaith dialogues? [27:41]
4. How does the fulfillment of prophecies in Jesus Christ strengthen the continuity and reliability of the Bible's message? [34:46]
### Application Questions
1. When engaging in interfaith dialogues, how can you lovingly and clearly explain the context of the prophecies in Deuteronomy and John to your Muslim friends? [46:27]
2. Reflect on a time when you had to defend your faith. How did you prepare for that conversation, and what would you do differently now based on the sermon? [05:49]
3. How can understanding the role of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter and Advocate impact your daily walk with Christ? What specific actions can you take to be more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in your life? [36:55]
4. The sermon mentioned that Jesus performed miracles and had direct communication with God. How does this understanding of Jesus' unique relationship with God influence your faith and trust in Him? [26:03]
5. The Quran acknowledges Jesus as the Word of God, which presents a theological dilemma for Muslims. How can you use this point to initiate a meaningful conversation about the divinity of Jesus with a Muslim friend? [27:41]
6. How can you better prepare yourself to answer questions about your faith, especially those that come up repeatedly in interfaith dialogues? What resources or practices can help you be more equipped? [05:49]
7. Reflect on the importance of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, and what changes might you need to make to allow the Holy Spirit to guide you more fully? [53:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus, the Prophet Like Moses
The prophecy in Deuteronomy 18:15-18 speaks of a prophet like Moses who would come from among the Israelites. This prophet would have direct communication with God and perform miracles. Jesus fulfills these criteria, having a unique relationship with God and performing numerous miracles, unlike Muhammad, who did not perform any miracles. [13:22]
Deuteronomy 18:15-18 (ESV): "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen—just as you desired of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God or see this great fire any more, lest I die.’ And the Lord said to me, ‘They are right in what they have spoken. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.'"
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt God's direct guidance in your life. How did you respond, and how can you be more attentive to His voice today?
Day 2: The Comforter, the Holy Spirit
In John 14:16, Jesus promises the coming of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who would dwell within believers forever. This cannot refer to Muhammad, who lived for only 62-63 years. The original Greek term "Paraclete" clearly refers to the Holy Spirit, not a human prophet. [36:55]
John 14:16-17 (ESV): "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."
Reflection: How do you experience the presence of the Holy Spirit in your daily life? What steps can you take to become more aware of His guidance and comfort?
Day 3: Jesus as the Word of God
The Quran acknowledges Jesus as the Word of God, which presents a theological dilemma for Muslims. If Jesus is the Word of God and God is eternal, then Jesus must also be eternal. This challenges the Muslim belief that the Quran is the eternal Word of God. [27:41]
John 1:1-3 (ESV): "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made."
Reflection: Reflect on the significance of Jesus being the eternal Word of God. How does this understanding impact your relationship with Him and your view of His divinity?
Day 4: Fulfillment of Prophecies in Jesus
The prophecies in Deuteronomy and John are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He not only performed miracles and had direct communication with God but also established a new covenant between God and His people, fulfilling the role of the mediator as described in the scriptures. [34:46]
Hebrews 9:15 (ESV): "Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant."
Reflection: Consider the new covenant that Jesus established. How does this covenant shape your understanding of God's promises and your role in His plan?
Day 5: Engaging in Interfaith Dialogue with Love
When engaging in interfaith dialogues, it is crucial to understand and explain the context of these prophecies. We must approach these conversations with love and clarity, helping our Muslim friends see the continuity and fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ. [46:27]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Think of a friend or acquaintance from a different faith background. How can you approach a conversation with them about Jesus with both love and clarity? What steps can you take to prepare for such a dialogue?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "But then again, under the Great Commission, we are told that we should go not only preach and teach, but also to help others to become the disciples of Jesus. And then Peter also mentioned, yes, sanctify Jesus in your heart. And then he said, but at the same time, then he says, and always be ready to give the answer about the hope you have in Christ when people ask you. But of course, do it gently." [05:49] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I know that according to scripture he's not coming as a lamb of God anymore he's coming as the judge of the world and of course he's already king and so the establishment of the kingdom is there but their understanding is a little bit different on that and that little bit makes a big difference actually." [10:21] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "See how easily it is that when you take the whole scripture in its stride, then it is safe. You are in safe premises there. And so that's what we see here. The Israelites pleaded that God speak to them through a mediator. A mediator only. Remember, when they saw at the mountain, Mount Sinai. When they saw all this fire and everything. They started thinking, oh no, no, no. This is not us. Moses, you take care of it. You are our mediator between God and us. And you will be. And so now, he's told them that a mediator will arrive like him as well." [34:46] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Because in these last days he has spoken to us through his son and God wants us that yes there will be a lot of upsetness there will be a lot of confusion around us but if we have our GPS in our hand and understand it and accept it and ask not only that GPS but also the Holy Spirit of God and tells you know many churches they talk about the Father they talk about Jesus but they don't talk about the Holy Spirit because the promise was not just with the Apostles the promise is with you and me too." [53:11] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The Qarnon refers to the biblical prophets and rewrites their stories to suit Muhammad's mission and also to show that the climax is not Jesus but Muhammad see it becomes a big problem in the letter to the Hebrews it clearly says that although God spoke to our forefathers through all these prophets but in these last days he has spoken to us through his word he has spoken to us through his word his son period that's the whole message there." [07:39] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The word brothers in the book of Deuteronomy does not refer to another nation or people the word brothers in the book of Deuteronomy does not refer to another nation or people the word brothers in the book of Deuteronomy does not refer to another nation or people or children of Ishmael or or anybody else or like person like Esau but only to the sons of Israel the descent of the Dani of twelve tribes off Israel that makes it brought it two together in one place it does not go outside of the tribes of Israel." [22:37] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus himself claimed that Moses wrote about him. He rebuked some unbelieving Jews of his time and said to them, if you believe Moses, you would believe me for he wrote about me. Much clearer than that prophecy in Deuteronomy. What would you like to read? You can find more than that. Okay, let's go a little bit further. Jesus further said to the people, if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins." [29:14] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus, before his ascension, told his disciples to do what? Stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit comes. And then you will be doing these things. So some days later, as the disciples were gathered, praying, it happened. Because the promise was not with people 600 years later. It was for the apostles as well. And to the apostles, he already said, and the Spirit of God was already in you. Because the Spirit of God's full work had not yet started. And with that special bank, that day on Pentecost Day, it happens. So easy to understand." [47:31] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The conclusion is that the prophecy in Deuteronomy does not refer to Muhammad. But to Jesus only. And of course if you have taken this book. Perhaps in the package was given. Those fourteen leaflets. And among those fourteen leaflets. This leaflet. A prophet like Moses is there for you as well. So read it. And if not. Just ask Karen. And if she cannot find it. Just send me an email. I will send you a PDF file of it." [36:22] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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