Explaining Jesus to Muslims
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6. Jesus, the man of Peace

The prophet Isaiah made a prophecy about Jesus 740 years before Jesus was born. He said:

For to us a child is borm, to us a son is given, And the government will be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Jesus' Example

When Jesus was arrested to be judged and crucified, some of his disciples wanted to fight, but Jesus would not allow it. One of Jesus' disciples drew his sword and cut off the ear of the High Priest's servant. Then Jesus touched the man's ear and healed it. Jesus said to his disciples: "All who draw the sword will die by the sword." God's weapons aren't physical force and warfare. That is incompatible with Jesus' teaching on loving your neighbour and even your enemies. Violence only breeds violence. The Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. Jesus never possessed a weapon of violence.

Jesus said he would bring division to the world, and wherever people become Christians this division has happened. But it is significant that this division is because those who reject Jesus are opposed to those who believe in him, not because those who believe in Jesus are opposed to those who don't. Those who obey God's will walk in the light, while those who reject it walk in darkness and darkness and light are always in opposition to each other.

Jesus Teaching

Jesus said: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."

Jesus condemns anger and encourages reconciliation. He said that men must make peace with each other before approaching God in worship. You can't worship God with feelings of hate, anger or revenge in your heart.

Jesus also said:
"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Jesus' teaching is deeper than that given in the law of Moses, because his followers receive the Holy Spirit who enables them to overcome their weaknesses and sinful reactions and do what would seem impossible to the natural man. Just as some people have a relationship with a spirit who comes and lives in their bodies, so Christians have a relationship with God and his Spirit comes and lives in their bodies. Because of this they call God "Father" and God calls them his "sons". The apostle Paul inspired by the Holy Spirit wrote:

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: It is mine to avenge, I will repay, says the Lord. On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."      (Romans 12:17-21)

Growth of the Church

32.5 percent of the world's population is Christian, over 2 billion people. How has Christianity spread? The Church is not perfect, because it is made up of human beings and at times unchristian methods have been used. In the book of the Acts of the Apostles we see how the Church grew in the first century. God gave the apostles power to do miracles, so that people would know that their message was from God. Even where miracles were not performed, the power of God's word, the Bible and the power of the Holy Spirit have caused people to become Christians. The good news of the Gospel message is that Jesus died on the cross for the sins of mankind, so that those who believe in him can have their sins forgiven and the assurance that they will live in paradise for eternity. Where this message is preached, the Church grows. People don't have to be driven by force or persuaded with gifts. God's promises are mainly spiritual and include the assurance that believers will be saved from the terrors of Judgment Day.

Since 1960 the Church has grown enormously in the non-white countries of the world. In 1960 70% Christians were white and Christianity used to be called the white man's religion. But in 2000 only 40% Christians were white. In 1900 African Christians were 8 million and 10% of the population. In 2000 this had risen to 350 million and 48% of the population.

The Jewish (Israelite) religion was a state religion supported by the kingdom of Israel. They had to fight when attacked by their enemies. Islam is also a state religion and in countries where Muslims form the majority, Islamic religion and Sharia law are mandatory upon the whole population. The Quran say that there is no compulsion in religion, but Islamic history and tradition contradict this. Christianity is different. It is not a state religion, although it became so in many European countries under the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages. Today even in the United States of America there is strict separation between the State and religion. Jesus said that his kingdom was not of this world. So it should not be mixed with politics. Jesus is presently calling people out of the world system into his eternal kingdom. He will establish his kingdom on earth as a political system when he returns to earth. So Christians do not strive for political dominance. They are the salt of the world and the light of the world and in this way are to have a good influence on the society in which they live.

The Christians weapons of warfare

Christians ARE fighting a battle. They fight against evil in the world by spreading the truth. They desire that everyone may hear the good news about Jesus Christ and be saved. The battle they fight is not against their fellow human beings, but against the wicked spiritual forces in the invisible realm. Satan is the king in this kingdom of darkness. Demons, evil spirits, possessing spirits, territorial spirits, jinn or whatever you like to call them are his followers. These spirits who are worshipped through sacrifice and offerings and invocations are the real cause of ignorance, hatred, idolatry and immorality in the world. They are the false gods.

How do you fight against demonic forces? Only Christians can do so, because their leader Jesus defeated these evil powers when he died on the cross. By his blood he redeemed mankind from the power of Satan and gave Christians authority to cast out demons. The weapons of warfare are the Word of God, prayer and the power of Jesus' name and his blood. With these weapons, Christian warriors go forth in love to save men and women from every tribe, language, people and nation to the glory of God.

Jesus' peace

Jesus was a pacifist, but he was more concerned with giving people inner peace. The world talks about peace, but Jesus' peace is infinitely more satisfying. Man will always be restless until he finds peace with God. When we are put right with God through faith, we have peace with God through Jesus Christ. Jesus said to his disciples: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Jesus breaks down the barriers between races. Those who trust in him are the true brotherhood, because they all become God's children.

By his death on the cross Jesus destroyed enmity between races, he united them into one body and brought them back to God. John the Baptist (Yahaya) was sent by God to prepare the way for Jesus. John's father Zechariah made this prophecy concerning his son:

"And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Rising Sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace." (Luke 1:76-79)

Jesus is the Rising Sun. He came to save people and lead them into the path of peace - peace with God and peace with their fellow men, which results in peace in the heart.