An invitation to explore what the Christian Bible says

A large billboard beside a busy road in Roselands, Sydney, portrays a person prostrate in prayer and cites Matthew 26:39 from the Christian Bible that indicates Jesus praying in a prostrate position. The image raises some very real and important questions for all of us. Who is Jesus, why did he pray, who did he pray to and what happened next?

Many Muslims are familiar with Jesus, known in the Qur’an as Isa. His name appears 25 times, and the Qur’an speaks of his virgin birth, his sinless life, and the many miracles he performed. Yet some may never have heard the full story of Jesus’ life and teachings in their mother tongue.

Hear the full story of Jesus in your own language: 5fish.mobi

Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane

Jesus knew that he would soon be betrayed, arrested, beaten, condemned to death by crucifixion and killed. On the night before his arrest, he prayed:

Going a little further, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”‘ (Matthew 26:30)

Jesus spoke honestly to his Father about the suffering before him and then submitted himself to the Father’s will. In other words: “Not what I want, Father, but what you want.” Obedience is not always easy, but God’s way is best.

Why did Jesus die?

Through his death, he willingly paid the penalty that sinful humanity deserves—this is Mercy. Through his resurrection, he offers us the gift of eternal life that we do not deserve—this is Grace. In this way, the cross and resurrection reveal both God’s love for every one of us and Christ’s victory over sin and death.

‘But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ (Romans 5:8)

The Heart of the Christian Message

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’ (John 3:16)

Jesus’ own claim

‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ (John 14:6)

How will you respond to Jesus?

Can you honestly say, “Thank you, Jesus, for taking the punishment I deserve. I am willing to turn from my way and follow yours”? Or will you decline his invitation and continue in your own way?

Explore further

For more detailed information could I encourage you to check out this very informative interview with Vishal Mangawaldi:

Or purchase his book “Healing the Open Wounds of Islam” from Amazon.

Compiled by Graham McDonald