Defending the Christian Faith in Conversation with Islam — Sehemu ya 4: Yesu ni Nani? Isa katika Kurani na Kristo katika InjiliDefending the Christian Faith in Conversation with Islam — Unit 4: Who Is Jesus? Isa in the Qur'an and Christ in the Gospels

Mstari MkuuKey Verse

"Akawaambia, Lakini ninyi mwasema ya kuwa mimi ni nani? Simoni Petro akajibu, akasema, Wewe ndiwe Kristo, Mwana wa Mungu aliye hai." (Mathayo 16:15-16, SUV)"He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter answered and said, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'" (Matthew 16:15-16, NKJV)

Malengo ya KujifunzaLearning Objectives

Utakapomaliza sehemu hii, unapaswa kuweza:When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

1. Kueleza Kurani inafundisha nini kuhusu Yesu, anayeitwa Isa na Waislamu, kwa njia ambayo Mwislamu mwenye ufahamu angeitambua.1. Describe what the Qur'an teaches about Jesus, whom Muslims call Isa, in a way an informed Muslim would recognize.

2. Kutaja yale ambayo Kurani inayathibitisha kuhusu Yesu na yale inayoyakana.2. List what the Qur'an affirms about Jesus and what it denies.

3. Kueleza jinsi majina yale yale ya heshima, kama Masihi na Neno, yanavyobeba maana tofauti katika Kurani na katika Biblia.3. Explain how the same titles, such as Messiah and Word, carry different meanings in the Qur'an and in the Bible.

4. Kuwasilisha ushahidi wa Injili kwamba Yesu ni Mungu, ukitumia matendo yake, madai yake, na ibada aliyopokea.4. Present the Gospel evidence that Jesus is God, using His actions, His claims, and the worship He received.

5. Kueleza Wakristo wanamaanisha nini, na hawamaanishi nini, wanapomwita Yesu "Mwana wa Mungu."5. Explain what Christians mean, and do not mean, when they call Jesus "the Son of God."

Utangulizi: Swali Muhimu Kuliko YoteIntroduction: The Most Important Question

Yesu aliwauliza wanafunzi wake wakati mmoja, "Lakini ninyi mwasema ya kuwa mimi ni nani?" (Mathayo 16:15). Swali hilo bado ndilo swali muhimu kuliko yote katika mazungumzo yoyote kati ya Mkristo na Mwislamu. Utatu, msalaba, ufufuo na kuaminika kwa Biblia vyote vinarudi kwenye swali hilo. Ikiwa Yesu ni nabii tu, basi Uislamu unaweza kuwa sahihi kumwita mjumbe mkuu na si zaidi. Ikiwa Yesu ni Mwana wa Mungu wa milele aliyefanyika mwanadamu, basi yeye ni zaidi sana ya nabii, na kila mtu lazima apige magoti mbele zake.Jesus once asked His disciples, "But who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15). That question is still the most important question in any conversation between a Christian and a Muslim. The Trinity, the cross, the resurrection and the reliability of the Bible all lead back to it. If Jesus is only a prophet, then Islam may be right to call Him a great messenger and nothing more. If Jesus is the eternal Son of God who became man, then He is far more than a prophet, and every person must bow before Him.

Wakristo wengi hushangaa kujua kwamba Waislamu wanampenda na kumheshimu Yesu. Jirani yako Mwislamu anaweza kumsema Yesu kwa heshima ya kweli. Anaweza kusema kwamba yeye pia anamwamini Yesu, na kuuliza kwa nini Wakristo wanadhani Waislamu wanamkataa. Huu ni mlango wa mazungumzo. Lakini pia unaficha tofauti kubwa. Yesu wa Kurani na Yesu wa Injili wanashiriki jina na baadhi ya mambo, lakini si sawa katika mambo muhimu kuliko yote.Many Christians are surprised to learn that Muslims love and honour Jesus. A Muslim neighbour may speak of Jesus with real respect. He may say that he believes in Jesus too, and may ask why Christians think Muslims reject Him. This is a door for conversation. But it also hides a deep difference. The Jesus of the Qur'an and the Jesus of the Gospels share a name and some facts, yet they are not the same in the most important ways.

Katika sehemu hii kwanza tutasikiliza kwa makini Uislamu unafundisha nini kuhusu Yesu. Mchungaji mwenye hekima hueleza imani nyingine kwa haki kabla ya kuijibu. Kisha tutaangalia ushahidi katika Injili kwamba Yesu ni Mungu katika mwili. Mwisho, tutafikiri jinsi ya kusema mambo haya na rafiki Mwislamu kwa moyo wa 1 Petro 3:15, "kwa upole na hofu."In this unit we will first listen carefully to what Islam teaches about Jesus. A wise pastor describes another faith fairly before he answers it. Then we will look at the evidence in the Gospels that Jesus is God in the flesh. Finally, we will think about how to speak of these things with a Muslim friend in the spirit of 1 Peter 3:15, "with meekness and fear."

Yesu katika Uislamu: Waislamu Wanaamini Nini Kuhusu IsaJesus in Islam: What Muslims Believe About Isa

Jina Lake na Heshima YakeHis Name and His Honour

Kwa Kiarabu, Kurani humwita Yesu Isa. Mara nyingi huitwa Isa ibn Maryam, yaani "Yesu, mwana wa Mariamu." Jina lake linaonekana katika Kurani takriban mara ishirini na tano, na anatajwa katika aya nyingine nyingi kwa majina yake ya heshima. Sura ni sura ya Kurani, na aya ni mstari. Kwa hiyo "Kurani 3:45" ina maana sura ya 3, aya ya 45. Mariamu, mama yake, ndiye mwanamke pekee anayetajwa kwa jina katika Kurani, na sura ya 19 inabeba jina lake.In Arabic, the Qur'an calls Jesus Isa. He is often called Isa ibn Maryam, which means "Jesus, son of Mary." His name appears in the Qur'an about twenty-five times, and He is mentioned in many more verses by His titles. A sura is a chapter of the Qur'an, and an ayah is a verse. So "Qur'an 3:45" means sura 3, ayah 45. Mary, His mother, is the only woman named in the Qur'an, and sura 19 carries her name.

Waislamu wanamhesabu Yesu miongoni mwa manabii wakuu kuliko wote, pamoja na Nuhu, Ibrahimu, Musa na Muhammad. Waislamu wacha Mungu wanapotaja jina lake, mara nyingi huongeza "amani iwe juu yake," kama wafanyavyo kwa manabii wengine. Mwislamu anaamini kwamba kumkataa Yesu kuwa nabii ni kuiacha Uislamu. Kwa hiyo hatupaswi kamwe kumwambia Mwislamu kwamba anamchukia Yesu. Anamheshimu Yesu kama anavyomwelewa. Kazi yetu ni kumwonyesha Yesu ni nani hasa.Muslims count Jesus among the greatest prophets, together with Noah, Abraham, Moses and Muhammad. When devout Muslims say His name, they often add "peace be upon him," as they do for other prophets. A Muslim believes that to reject Jesus as a prophet would be to leave Islam. So we should never tell a Muslim that he hates Jesus. He honours Jesus as he understands Him. Our task is to show him who Jesus truly is.

Kurani Inathibitisha Nini Kuhusu YesuWhat the Qur'an Affirms About Jesus

Kurani inasema mambo mengi kuhusu Yesu ambayo Wakristo pia wanayaamini. Msingi huu wa pamoja ni wa kweli, na tunaweza kuutumia kwa furaha.The Qur'an says many things about Jesus that Christians also believe. This common ground is real, and we may use it gladly.

• Kuzaliwa kwake na bikira. Kurani inafundisha kwamba Mariamu alichukua mimba ya Yesu bila mwanamume. Malaika alipoleta habari, aliuliza angewezaje kupata mwana wakati hakuna mwanamume aliyemgusa (Kurani 3:47; 19:20).• His virgin birth. The Qur'an teaches that Mary conceived Jesus without a man. When the angel brought the news, she asked how she could have a son when no man had touched her (Qur'an 3:47; 19:20).

• Usafi wake. Katika Kurani 19:19 malaika anamwambia Mariamu kwamba amekuja kumpa "mwana asiye na kosa" (Pickthall); tafsiri nyingine zinasema "safi". Kurani inasema juu ya dhambi za manabii wengine lakini haitaji dhambi ya Yesu. Waislamu wanaamini kwamba Mungu huwalinda manabii wote dhidi ya dhambi nzito, kwa hiyo huenda hawamaanishi hasa kile Wakristo tunachomaanisha tunapomwita Yesu asiye na dhambi.• His purity. In Qur'an 19:19 the angel tells Mary he has come to give her "a faultless son" (Pickthall); other translations say "pure". The Qur'an speaks of the sins of other prophets but records no sin of Jesus. Muslims believe God protects all prophets from serious sin, so they may not mean exactly what Christians mean when we call Jesus sinless.

• Miujiza yake. Kurani inasema kwamba Yesu aliponya vipofu na wenye ukoma na kufufua wafu "kwa idhini ya Allah" (Kurani 3:49; 5:110). Pia inasimulia kuhusu yeye kusema akiwa mtoto mchanga kwenye kitanda cha kulalia, na kutengeneza ndege wa udongo aliyepata uhai. Hadithi hizi mbili za mwisho hazimo katika Biblia.• His miracles. The Qur'an says that Jesus healed the blind and the leper and raised the dead "by Allah's leave" (Qur'an 3:49; 5:110). It also tells of Him speaking as a baby in the cradle and making a bird of clay that came to life. These last two stories are not in the Bible.

• Jina lake Masihi. Kurani inamwita al-Masih, yaani Masihi, mara nyingi (kwa mfano Kurani 3:45; 4:171). Hakuna mtu mwingine katika Kurani mwenye jina hili la heshima.• His title Messiah. The Qur'an calls Him al-Masih, the Messiah, many times (for example Qur'an 3:45; 4:171). No other person in the Qur'an has this title.

• Majina yake Neno na Roho. Kurani 4:171 inamwita "mjumbe wa Allah, na neno lake alilompelekea Mariamu, na roho itokayo kwake."• His titles Word and Spirit. Qur'an 4:171 calls Him "a messenger of Allah, and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him."

• Kitabu chake. Kurani inasema Mungu alimpa Yesu Injil, yaani Injili (Kurani 5:46).• His book. The Qur'an says God gave Jesus the Injil, the Gospel (Qur'an 5:46).

• Kupaa kwake na kurudi kwake. Kurani inasema Mungu alimwinua Yesu kwake (Kurani 4:158). Waislamu wengi wanaamini, kutokana na hadithi (mafundisho na matendo ya Muhammad yaliyosimuliwa), kwamba Yesu atarudi karibu na mwisho wa dunia.• His ascension and return. The Qur'an says God raised Jesus up to Himself (Qur'an 4:158). Most Muslims believe, from the hadith (the reported sayings and actions of Muhammad), that Jesus will return near the end of the world.

Kurani Inakana Nini Kuhusu YesuWhat the Qur'an Denies About Jesus

Kurani pia inakana kweli zile zilizo katikati ya imani ya Kikristo.The Qur'an also denies the very truths that stand at the centre of the Christian faith.

• Inakana uungu wake. "Hakika wamekufuru wale wanaosema: Hakika Allah ni Masihi, mwana wa Mariamu" (Kurani 5:72; tazama pia 5:17).• It denies His deity. "They surely disbelieve who say: Lo! Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary" (Qur'an 5:72; see also 5:17).

• Inakana kwamba yeye ni Mwana wa Mungu. Kurani inasema kwamba Mungu "hazai wala hakuzaliwa" (Kurani 112:3), na kwamba haifai Mungu kuchukua mwana (Kurani 19:35). Inawalaumu Wakristo kwa kusema kwamba Masihi ni mwana wa Mungu (Kurani 9:30).• It denies that He is the Son of God. The Qur'an says that God "begetteth not nor was begotten" (Qur'an 112:3), and that it is not fitting for God to take a son (Qur'an 19:35). It criticizes the Christians for saying that the Messiah is the son of God (Qur'an 9:30).

• Inafundisha kwamba alikuwa mjumbe aliyeumbwa tu. "Masihi, mwana wa Mariamu, hakuwa ila mjumbe tu" (Kurani 5:75). Kurani inamlinganisha na Adamu, ambaye Mungu alimuumba kwa udongo kwa kusema "Kuwa" (Kurani 3:59).• It teaches that He was only a created messenger. "The Messiah, son of Mary, was no other than a messenger" (Qur'an 5:75). The Qur'an compares Him to Adam, whom God created from dust by saying "Be" (Qur'an 3:59).

• Inakana kusulubiwa kwake. Kurani 4:157 inasema kwamba Wayahudi "hawakumuua wala hawakumsulubisha, bali alifananishwa kwao." Tutajifunza aya hii katika Sehemu ya 6.• It denies His crucifixion. Qur'an 4:157 says that the Jews "slew him not nor crucified him, but it appeared so unto them." We will study this verse in Unit 6.

• Inakana Utatu. Kurani 4:171 inawaambia Wakristo, "msiseme 'Watatu'." Tutajifunza hili katika Sehemu ya 5.• It denies the Trinity. Qur'an 4:171 tells Christians, "say not 'Three'." We will study this in Unit 5.

Zingatia maana yake. Kurani inamheshimu Yesu, lakini inakana uungu wake na Umwana wake wa kimungu, na usomaji wa kawaida wa Kurani 4:157 unakana kusulubiwa kwake. Kwa mtazamo wa Kikristo, kukana huku kunaondoa hasa kile kinachomfanya Yesu kuwa Mwokozi. Yesu asiyekufa hawezi kulipa deni la dhambi, na bila kifo chake cha wokovu hakuna ufufuo kama injili inavyousimulia. Yesu aliye kiumbe tu hawezi kumfunua Mungu kama Baba kikamilifu. Hili ni hitimisho la kitheolojia la Kikristo, si nukuu kutoka katika Kurani. Kurani inasema kwamba Mungu alimpandisha Yesu kwake (Kurani 4:158), na Waislamu wanaelewa wakati wake ujao kwa njia yao wenyewe. Lakini maelezo ya injili kuhusu wokovu yanasimama au kuanguka pamoja na kifo chake na ufufuo wake. Ndiyo maana swali "Yesu ni nani?" lina uzito mkubwa hivyo.Notice what this means. The Qur'an honours Jesus, but it denies His deity and His divine Sonship, and the usual reading of Qur'an 4:157 denies His crucifixion. From the Christian point of view, these denials remove exactly what makes Jesus a Saviour. A Jesus who did not die cannot pay for sin, and without His saving death there is no resurrection as the gospel tells it. A Jesus who is only a creature cannot fully reveal God as the Father. This is a Christian theological conclusion, not a quotation from the Qur'an. The Qur'an does speak of God raising Jesus up to Himself (Qur'an 4:158), and Muslims understand His future in their own way. But the gospel's account of salvation stands or falls with His death and resurrection. This is why the question "Who is Jesus?" matters so much.

Ikiwa Yesu Alikuwa Nabii, Je, Hatupaswi Kumsikia?If Jesus Was a Prophet, Should We Not Hear Him?

Hili ni swali linalostahili kuulizwa kabla ya mjadala wowote kuhusu Utatu au msalaba: ikiwa Yesu ni nabii wa kweli aliyetumwa na Mungu, je, maneno yake hayastahili usikivu wetu makini? Uislamu unamheshimu Yesu kama nabii (Kurani 19:30). Kurani hata inamwonyesha akiwaambia watu wamche Mungu na kumtii (Kurani 3:50; 43:63). Inasema kwamba Mungu alimpa Injili, yenye uongozi na nuru, na inawaambia watu wa Injili wahukumu kwa yale Mungu aliyofunua ndani yake (Kurani 5:46-47). Kwa hiyo Mkristo haleti mahali pa kuanzia pa kigeni anapomwomba rafiki Mwislamu amchukulie Yesu kwa uzito.Here is a question worth asking before any argument about the Trinity or the cross: if Jesus is a true prophet sent by God, do His words not deserve our careful attention? Islam honours Jesus as a prophet (Qur'an 19:30). The Qur'an even shows Him telling people to keep their duty to God and obey Him (Qur'an 3:50; 43:63). It says that God gave Him the Injil, with guidance and light, and it tells the people of the Gospel to judge by what God revealed in it (Qur'an 5:46-47). So a Christian is not bringing in a foreign starting point when he asks a Muslim friend to take Jesus seriously.

Swali linalofuata linahitaji jibu la unyofu: tunaweza kusoma wapi yale Yesu aliyosema? Waislamu wengi wanaamini kwamba Mungu alimpa Yesu Injili ya asili, lakini kwamba Injili nne za Agano Jipya ni masimulizi ya baadaye ya kibinadamu ambayo huenda hayazitunzi kauli zake kwa uaminifu. Kwa hiyo hatuwezi kudhani tu kwamba kila Mwislamu anakubali mamlaka ya Agano Jipya. Mwaliko wetu unaweza kuwa: "Sote tunamheshimu Yesu kama nabii wa Mungu. Je, ungekuwa tayari kuangalia masimulizi ya kwanza kabisa tuliyo nayo ya maneno yake, na kuuliza alidai nini?" Hilo linaalika kuangalia historia, badala ya kuanza na dai ambalo mtu mwingine analikataa.The next question needs an honest answer: where can we read what Jesus said? Many Muslims believe that God gave Jesus an original Injil, but that the four Gospels in the New Testament are later human accounts that may not keep His words faithfully. So we cannot simply assume that every Muslim accepts the authority of the New Testament. Our invitation can be: "We both honour Jesus as a prophet of God. Would you be willing to look at the earliest accounts of His words that we have, and ask what He claimed?" That invites a look at the history, rather than beginning with a claim the other person rejects.

Sasa msikilize Yesu katika masimulizi hayo. Anasamehe dhambi (Marko 2:5-12). Anasema juu ya Mwana wa Adamu akija na mamlaka ya mbinguni (Marko 14:61-64). Anadai uhusiano wa pekee na Baba (Yohana 10:30; Yohana 14). Anafundisha kwamba yeye ndiye njia ya kumwendea Baba (Yohana 14:6). Kila kifungu kina mazingira yake na hakipaswi kutumiwa kama kauli mbiu. Hata hivyo kwa pamoja vinaibua swali kuu: je, Yesu alikuwa mjumbe mmoja tu miongoni mwa wengi, au alijua yeye ni nani na kwa nini alikuja kwa njia iliyo kuu zaidi sana?Now listen to Jesus in those accounts. He forgives sins (Mark 2:5-12). He speaks of the Son of Man coming with heavenly authority (Mark 14:61-64). He claims a unique relationship with the Father (John 10:30; John 14). He teaches that He is the way to the Father (John 14:6). Each passage has its own setting and should not be used as a slogan. Yet together they raise the central question: was Jesus only one messenger among many, or did He understand who He was and why He came in a far greater way?

Mazungumzo yanaweza kuwa hivi: "Ninaheshimu jinsi unavyomheshimu Yesu. Kwa kuwa tunakubaliana kwamba nabii wa kweli anapaswa kusikilizwa, je, tusome maneno yake pamoja? Na je, tuulize ushahidi wa kwanza kabisa unatuambia nini kuhusu kama maneno hayo yametunzwa kwa uaminifu?" Swali la upole linaweza kufanya yale ambayo shambulio lenye hasira mara chache hufanya.A conversation might go like this: "I respect the way you honour Jesus. Since we agree that a true prophet should be heard, may we read His words together? And may we ask what the earliest evidence tells us about whether those words have been kept faithfully?" A gentle question can do what an angry attack rarely does.

Msingi wa Pamoja na Tofauti za KweliCommon Ground and Real Differences

Majina Yale Yale, Maana TofautiThe Same Titles, Different Meanings

Mwislamu na Mkristo wanapomwita Yesu "Masihi" wote wawili, wanaweza kudhani wanakubaliana. Lakini neno hilo lina maana tofauti kwa kila mmoja. Katika Kurani, al-Masih ni jina la heshima, lakini Kurani haliweleza. Katika Biblia, "Masihi" (kwa Kigiriki, "Kristo") ina maana "Mpakwa Mafuta." Linaelekeza kwa Mfalme aliyeahidiwa kutoka katika ukoo wa Daudi, ambaye ufalme wake hauna mwisho (2 Samweli 7:12-16). Manabii walisema Mfalme huyu angeitwa "Mungu Mwenye Nguvu" (Isaya 9:6). Danieli alimwona "mmoja mfano wa mwanadamu" aliyepewa mamlaka ya milele, na watu wote walipaswa kumtumikia (Danieli 7:13-14). Kwa hiyo Masihi wa Biblia si nabii tu. Yeye ni Mfalme wa kimungu.When a Muslim and a Christian both call Jesus "Messiah," they may think they agree. But the word means different things to each. In the Qur'an, al-Masih is a title of honour, but the Qur'an does not explain it. In the Bible, "Messiah" (in Greek, "Christ") means "the Anointed One." It points to the promised King from the line of David, whose kingdom has no end (2 Samuel 7:12-16). The prophets said this King would be called "Mighty God" (Isaiah 9:6). Daniel saw "One like the Son of Man" who received everlasting dominion, and all peoples were to serve Him (Daniel 7:13-14). So the biblical Messiah is not only a prophet. He is a divine King.

Swali la kirafiki linaweza kusaidia hapa. Mkristo anaweza kuuliza, "Kurani inamwita Yesu Masihi. Neno hilo lina maana gani? Kwa nini yeye pekee ndiye mwenye jina hili?" Waislamu wengi hawajawahi kulifikiria hili. Swali hili linawaalika kusoma kile ambacho vitabu vya zamani, Taurati na Manabii, vinafundisha kuhusu Masihi.A friendly question can help here. A Christian may ask, "The Qur'an calls Jesus the Messiah. What does that word mean? Why is He the only one with this title?" Many Muslims have never thought about this. The question invites them to read what the earlier books, the Torah and the Prophets, teach about the Messiah.

Vivyo hivyo ni kweli kuhusu jina "Neno." Kurani inamwita Yesu "neno lake" (Kurani 4:171). Walimu wengi Waislamu wanaeleza hili kwa maana kwamba Yesu aliumbwa kwa amri ya Mungu, "Kuwa," kama Adamu alivyoumbwa (Kurani 3:59). Huo ndio ufahamu wa Kiislamu, na tunapaswa kuueleza kwa haki. Hata hivyo Biblia inafundisha jambo kuu zaidi: "Hapo mwanzo kulikuwako Neno, naye Neno alikuwako kwa Mungu, naye Neno alikuwa Mungu" (Yohana 1:1). Neno huyu hakuanza Bethlehemu. Alikuwa pamoja na Mungu kabla ya uumbaji, na vitu vyote vilifanyika kwa yeye (Yohana 1:3). Kisha "Neno alifanyika mwili, akakaa kwetu" (Yohana 1:14). Katika Injili ya Yohana, Neno si kiumbe kilichofanywa kwa amri ya Mungu. Yeye ndiye Muumba aliyevaa utu wa kibinadamu.The same is true of the title "Word." The Qur'an calls Jesus "His word" (Qur'an 4:171). Many Muslim teachers explain this to mean that Jesus was created by God's word of command, "Be," just as Adam was (Qur'an 3:59). That is the Muslim understanding, and we should state it fairly. The Bible, however, teaches something greater: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). This Word did not begin at Bethlehem. He was with God before creation, and through Him all things were made (John 1:3). Then "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). In John's Gospel, the Word is not a creature made by God's command. He is the Creator who took on human nature.

Kwa hiyo tunapaswa kusikiliza kwa makini. Mwislamu anaposema, "Mimi pia nimwamini Yesu," tunaweza kufurahia msingi wa pamoja. Kisha tunaweza kuuliza kwa upole, "Yesu yupi? Yule anayeelezwa na Kurani, au yule ambaye wafuasi wake wa kwanza waliandika habari zake?" Hii si hila. Ni swali la unyofu kuhusu ushahidi.So we must listen carefully. When a Muslim says, "I also believe in Jesus," we can rejoice in the common ground. We can then ask gently, "Which Jesus? The one the Qur'an describes, or the one His first followers wrote about?" This is not a trick. It is an honest question about evidence.

Jibu la Utafiti na Jibu la UfunuoThe Researched Answer and the Revealed Answer

Huko Kaisaria ya Filipi, Yesu aliwauliza wanafunzi wake watu wanasema nini juu yake (Mathayo 16:13-17). Walitoa majibu yenye fadhili lakini pungufu: Yohana Mbatizaji, Eliya, Yeremia au mmoja wa manabii. Haya yalikuwa majibu ya utafiti, hitimisho ambazo watu walifikia baada ya kusikia taarifa au kuiona huduma yake. Kisha Yesu akageuza swali kutoka maoni ya watu wote hadi ungamo la mtu binafsi: "Lakini ninyi mwasema ya kuwa mimi ni nani?" (Mathayo 16:15). Petro akajibu, "Wewe ndiwe Kristo, Mwana wa Mungu aliye hai" (Mathayo 16:16, SUV). Yesu hakukubali tu sifa. Alimwita Petro mwenye heri, "kwa maana mwili na damu havikukufunulia hili, bali Baba yangu aliye mbinguni" (Mathayo 16:17, SUV).At Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked His disciples what people were saying about Him (Matthew 16:13-17). They gave answers that were kind but incomplete: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the prophets. These were the researched answers, the conclusions people reached after hearing reports or watching His ministry. Then Jesus turned the question from public opinion to personal confession: "But who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15). Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16, NKJV). Jesus did not simply accept a compliment. He called Peter blessed, "for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 16:17).

Katika mahubiri yake juu ya Mathayo 16, Dr. Cook anatumia tofauti hii kati ya jibu la utafiti na jibu la ufunuo ili kuunda mazungumzo mazima na rafiki Mwislamu. Kumheshimu Yesu kama nabii ni bora kuliko kumwona kuwa si wa maana, lakini Injili inauliza kama hilo linatosha. Ukiri wa mstari wa 16 ni ushuhuda wa Petro mwenyewe, na kibali cha Yesu kinafuata katika mstari wa 17. Mathayo anaweka ukiri huo na kibali cha Mungu juu yake kando kwa kando, na hilo ndilo linalokipa kifungu hiki nguvu yake.In his preaching on Matthew 16, Dr. Cook uses this difference between the researched answer and the revealed answer to shape a whole conversation with a Muslim friend. To honour Jesus as a prophet is better than to treat Him as unimportant, but the Gospel asks whether it is enough. The confession in verse 16 is Peter's own testimony, and Jesus' approval follows in verse 17. Matthew places the confession and God's approval of it side by side, and that is what gives the passage its power.

Kifungu hiki pia kinaelekeza kwenye utume wa kanisa. Yesu anaahidi, "Nitalijenga kanisa langu; wala milango ya kuzimu haitalishinda" (Mathayo 16:18, SUV). Malango ni kwa ajili ya ulinzi, kwa hiyo picha ni ya kanisa linalosonga mbele, si linalojificha nyuma ya kuta. Lakini lazima tuseme wazi kwamba kusonga mbele huko ni kwa kiroho: kwa kuhubiri, sala, mafundisho, huduma, dhabihu na nguvu ya injili. Kanisa halipaswi kamwe kutumia nguvu dhidi ya majirani zake.The passage also leads to the church's mission. Jesus promises, "I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). Gates are for defence, so the picture is of the church advancing, not hiding behind walls. But we must say plainly that the advance is spiritual: through preaching, prayer, teaching, service, sacrifice and the power of the gospel. The church must never use force against its neighbours.

Kristo katika Injili: Ushahidi wa Uungu WakeChrist in the Gospels: The Evidence for His Deity

Waislamu wakati mwingine husema kwamba Yesu hakudai kamwe kuwa Mungu, na kwamba kanisa lilibuni wazo hili baadaye. Sehemu ya 10 itajibu pingamizi la kawaida "Yesu hakusema kamwe 'Mimi ni Mungu.'" Hapa tunaweka msingi. Injili zinaonyesha uungu wa Yesu kwa njia tatu kuu: kwa alichofanya, kwa alichodai, na kwa alichopokea.Muslims sometimes say that Jesus never claimed to be God, and that the church invented this idea later. Unit 10 will answer the common objection "Jesus never said 'I am God.'" Here we lay the foundation. The Gospels show Jesus' deity in three main ways: by what He did, by what He claimed, and by what He received.

Yesu Anafanya Yale Afanyayo Mungu Peke YakeJesus Does What Only God Does

Anasamehe dhambi. Katika Marko 2:1-12, Yesu alimwambia mtu aliyepooza, "Mwanangu, umesamehewa dhambi zako." Waandishi walielewa mara moja maana yake. Waliuliza, "Ni nani awezaye kusamehe dhambi, ila Mungu peke yake?" (Marko 2:7). Mtu anaweza kusamehe kosa lililofanywa dhidi yake mwenyewe. Lakini ni Mungu peke yake awezaye kusamehe dhambi zilizofanywa dhidi ya Mungu. Yesu hakuwasahihisha. Badala yake alimponya mtu huyo ili kuthibitisha "ya kuwa Mwana wa Adamu anayo mamlaka duniani ya kusamehe dhambi" (Marko 2:10).He forgives sins. In Mark 2:1-12, Jesus told a paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are forgiven you." The religious teachers understood at once what this meant. They asked, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" (Mark 2:7). A man may forgive a wrong done to himself. But only God can forgive sins against God. Jesus did not correct them. Instead He healed the man to prove "that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins" (Mark 2:10).

Anatawala asili. Yesu alipotuliza dhoruba, wanafunzi wake waliuliza kwa hofu, "Ni nani huyu, hata upepo na bahari vinamtii?" (Marko 4:41). Katika Agano la Kale, ni Bwana anayetuliza bahari (Zaburi 107:29).He rules over nature. When Jesus calmed the storm, His disciples asked in fear, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!" (Mark 4:41). In the Old Testament, it is the Lord who stills the sea (Psalm 107:29).

Anatenda kwa mamlaka yake mwenyewe. Kurani inasema kwamba Yesu alifanya miujiza "kwa idhini ya Allah." Katika Injili, Yesu mara nyingi huponya kwa neno lake mwenyewe: "Nataka; takasika" (Marko 1:41). Pia anasema kwamba atawafufua wafu siku ya mwisho (Yohana 6:40), na kwamba atakuwa hakimu wa watu wote (Yohana 5:22; Mathayo 25:31-32).He acts by His own authority. The Qur'an says that Jesus did miracles "by Allah's leave." In the Gospels, Jesus often heals by His own word: "I am willing; be cleansed" (Mark 1:41). He also says that He will raise the dead on the last day (John 6:40), and that He will be the judge of all people (John 5:22; Matthew 25:31-32).

Yesu Anadai Yale Awezayo Kudai Mungu Peke YakeJesus Claims What Only God Can Claim

Anadai kuwapo kabla ya Ibrahimu. Yesu alisema, "Amin, amin, nawaambia, Kabla Ibrahimu hajakuwapo, Mimi ndiye" (Yohana 8:58). Maneno "Mimi ndiye" yanakumbusha jina ambalo Mungu alimpa Musa kwenye kichaka kilichowaka moto (Kutoka 3:14). Umati ulielewa, nao wakaokota mawe ili wampige kwa kukufuru (Yohana 8:59).He claims to have existed before Abraham. Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM" (John 8:58). The words "I AM" recall the name God gave Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). The crowd understood, and they picked up stones to kill Him for blasphemy (John 8:59).

Anadai usawa na Baba. Yesu alisema, "Mimi na Baba tu umoja" (Yohana 10:30). Tena wasikilizaji wake walitaka kumpiga mawe, "kwa sababu wewe uliye mtu unajifanya Mungu" (Yohana 10:33). Mapema zaidi, Yohana anaeleza kwamba viongozi walitaka kumwua kwa sababu alisema "kwamba Mungu ni Baba yake mwenyewe, akijifanya sawa na Mungu" (Yohana 5:18).He claims equality with the Father. Jesus said, "I and My Father are one" (John 10:30). Again His hearers wanted to stone Him, "because You, being a Man, make Yourself God" (John 10:33). Earlier, John explains that the leaders sought to kill Him because He "said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God" (John 5:18).

Anadai kiti cha enzi cha kimungu wakati wa kesi yake. Kuhani mkuu alipomuuliza kama yeye ni Kristo, Mwana wa Mbarikiwa, Yesu alijibu, "Mimi ndiye; nanyi mtamwona Mwana wa Adamu ameketi mkono wa kuume wa Uweza, na kuja na mawingu ya mbinguni" (Marko 14:62). Alikuwa akiunganisha Zaburi 110:1 na Danieli 7:13-14. Alikuwa akidai kushiriki utawala wa Mungu na kupokea ibada ya mataifa yote. Kuhani mkuu alirarua mavazi yake na kuliita kufuru (Marko 14:63-64). Hili ndilo dai lililomfanya Yesu ahukumiwe.He claims the divine throne at His trial. When the high priest asked whether He was the Christ, the Son of the Blessed, Jesus answered, "I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven" (Mark 14:62). He was joining Psalm 110:1 and Daniel 7:13-14. He was claiming to share God's rule and to receive the worship of all nations. The high priest tore his clothes and called it blasphemy (Mark 14:63-64). This was the claim for which Jesus was condemned.

Jambo hili la mwisho ni muhimu kwa Waislamu. Waislamu wengi wanaamini kwamba Injili ya Yohana ni ya baadaye na kwamba Marko, Injili ya kwanza kabisa, inamwonyesha Yesu aliye mwanadamu tu. Lakini Marko pia anamwonyesha Yesu akisamehe dhambi, akitawala bahari na kudai kiti cha enzi cha Mungu. Uungu wa Kristo hauonekani katika Injili moja tu. Unapita katika zote nne.This last point is important for Muslims. Many Muslims believe that John's Gospel is late and that Mark, the earliest Gospel, shows a merely human Jesus. But Mark also shows Jesus forgiving sins, ruling the sea and claiming the throne of God. The deity of Christ is not found in one Gospel only. It runs through all four.

Yesu Anapokea Yale Anayestahili Mungu Peke YakeJesus Receives What Only God Should Receive

Katika Biblia, ibada ni ya Mungu peke yake. Yohana alipoanguka mbele ya malaika, malaika alimzuia na kusema, "Mwabudu Mungu!" (Ufunuo 22:8-9). Watu walipotaka kuwaabudu Paulo na Barnaba, mitume walirarua mavazi yao na kukataa (Matendo 14:11-15). Lakini Yesu alikubali ibada. Baada ya kutembea juu ya maji, "wale waliokuwamo chomboni wakamsujudia, wakisema, Kweli wewe u Mwana wa Mungu" (Mathayo 14:33). Baada ya ufufuo wake, wanawake na wanafunzi walimsujudia (Mathayo 28:9, 17). Tomaso alimwambia, "Bwana wangu na Mungu wangu!" (Yohana 20:28). Yesu hakumkemea Tomaso. Aliwabariki wale ambao wangeamini vivyo hivyo (Yohana 20:29).In the Bible, worship belongs to God alone. When John fell down before an angel, the angel stopped him and said, "Worship God!" (Revelation 22:8-9). When people tried to worship Paul and Barnabas, the apostles tore their clothes and refused (Acts 14:11-15). But Jesus accepted worship. After He walked on the water, "those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, 'Truly You are the Son of God'" (Matthew 14:33). After His resurrection, the women and the disciples worshiped Him (Matthew 28:9, 17). Thomas said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). Jesus did not rebuke Thomas. He blessed those who would believe the same way (John 20:29).

Nabii wa kweli hangekubali ibada kamwe. Musa hakukubali, wala Eliya. Kama Yesu angekuwa nabii tu, angekataa. Kwa kuwa alikubali, ama alikuwa na hatia ya dhambi kubwa kuliko zote, au kweli ni Mungu. Kurani yenyewe inamwita Yesu asiye na kosa (Kurani 19:19). Rafiki yako Mwislamu anaweza kualikwa kufikiri juu ya jambo hili: mtu asiye na kosa aliyekubali ibada hawezi kuwa mwanadamu tu.A true prophet would never accept worship. Moses did not, and neither did Elijah. If Jesus were only a prophet, He would have refused. Because He accepted it, He was either guilty of the greatest sin, or He is truly God. The Qur'an itself calls Jesus faultless (Qur'an 19:19). A Muslim friend may be invited to think about this: a faultless man who accepted worship cannot be merely a man.

Ushahidi wa Wafuasi WakeThe Witness of His Followers

Wakristo wa kwanza walikuwa Wayahudi walioamini kwa nguvu kwamba kuna Mungu mmoja tu (Kumbukumbu la Torati 6:4). Hata hivyo, ndani ya miaka michache baada ya ufufuo walimwabudu Yesu kama Bwana. Paulo, akiandika ndani ya miaka ishirini hadi thelathini hivi baada ya msalaba, anasema kwamba Kristo "alikuwa yuna namna ya Mungu" na kwamba kila goti litapigwa mbele zake (Wafilipi 2:6-11). Anamwita Yesu "Mungu wetu mkuu na Mwokozi" (Tito 2:13), na anaandika kwamba ndani yake "unakaa utimilifu wote wa Uungu, kwa jinsi ya kimwili" (Wakolosai 2:9). Barua hizi ziliandikwa karne nyingi kabla ya Muhammad na muda mrefu kabla ya mabaraza ya kanisa ambayo Waislamu wakati mwingine huyalaumu kwa "kubuni" uungu wa Kristo. Mabaraza hayakubuni imani hii. Yalitetea yale ambayo mitume walikuwa wameshafundisha.The first Christians were Jews who believed strongly that there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). Yet within a few years of the resurrection they worshiped Jesus as Lord. Paul, writing within about twenty to thirty years of the cross, says that Christ was "in the form of God" and that every knee will bow to Him (Philippians 2:6-11). He calls Jesus "our great God and Savior" (Titus 2:13), and he writes that in Him "dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9). These letters were written centuries before Muhammad and long before the church councils that Muslims sometimes blame for "inventing" the deity of Christ. The councils did not invent this belief. They defended what the apostles had already taught.

"Mwana wa Mungu" Maana Yake na Isiyo Maana YakeWhat "Son of God" Means and Does Not Mean

Jina "Mwana wa Mungu" huwakwaza Waislamu wengi kuliko jina lingine lolote. Sehemu ya sababu ni kutoelewana. Kurani inauliza Mungu angewezaje kuwa na mtoto wakati hana mke (Kurani 6:101). Kwa Waislamu wengi, neno "mwana" linaashiria kwamba Mungu alikuwa na mahusiano ya kimwili na mwanamke. Kwa Mwislamu, hili linasikika kama tusi baya kwa utakatifu wa Mungu.The title "Son of God" offends many Muslims more than any other. Part of the reason is a misunderstanding. The Qur'an asks how God could have a child when He has no wife (Qur'an 6:101). For many Muslims, the word "son" suggests that God had physical relations with a woman. To a Muslim, this sounds like a terrible insult to God's holiness.

Wakristo lazima waseme wazi kwamba sisi pia tunakataa wazo hili. Hatuamini kwamba Mungu alichukua mke, au kwamba Mariamu alikuwa mungu wa kike, au kwamba Yesu alianza kwa matokeo ya muungano wa kimwili. Hilo lingekuwa kufuru. Biblia inapomwita Yesu Mwana wa Mungu, inasema juu ya uhusiano wa milele, si wa kibaiolojia. Mwana amekuwapo siku zote pamoja na Baba (Yohana 1:1-2; 17:5). Anashiriki asili ya Baba, kama vile mwana anavyoshiriki asili ya baba yake. Anamfunua Baba kikamilifu (Yohana 14:9; Waebrania 1:3).Christians must say clearly that we reject this idea too. We do not believe that God took a wife, or that Mary was a goddess, or that Jesus began as the result of a physical union. That would be blasphemy. When the Bible calls Jesus the Son of God, it speaks of an eternal relationship, not a biological one. The Son has always existed with the Father (John 1:1-2; 17:5). He shares the Father's nature, just as a son shares the nature of his father. He perfectly reveals the Father (John 14:9; Hebrews 1:3).

Neno "aliyezaliwa" katika Biblia na katika kanuni za imani za Kikristo halimaanishi "aliyeumbwa" wala "aliyezaliwa na mke." Lina maana kwamba Mwana ni wa asili ile ile ya Baba, na kwamba amekuwa Mwana siku zote. Kuzaliwa na bikira ni wakati ambapo Mwana wa milele alivaa utu wa kibinadamu. Si wakati alipoanza kuwapo.The word "begotten" in the Bible and in Christian creeds does not mean "created" or "born from a wife." It means that the Son is of the same nature as the Father, and that He has always been the Son. The virgin birth is the moment when the eternal Son took on human nature. It is not the moment when He began to exist.

Mfano rahisi unaweza kusaidia, ingawa hakuna picha iliyo kamilifu. Kwa Kiarabu, msafiri anaweza kuitwa ibn al-sabil, "mwana wa njia," na Kurani yenyewe hutumia usemi huu (kwa mfano Kurani 2:177). Hakuna anayefikiri kwamba njia ina watoto. Neno "mwana" linaweza kuelezea uhusiano wa karibu au asili ya pamoja. Vivyo hivyo, "Mwana wa Mungu" haielezi mambo ya kibaiolojia. Linatuambia kwamba Yesu anashiriki asili ya Mungu mwenyewe na ana uhusiano wa pekee na Baba. Katika Sehemu ya 5 tutaeleza jinsi Biblia inavyofundisha Mungu mmoja katika Nafsi tatu, na kwa nini hawa si "miungu watatu" ambao Kurani inawakataa.A simple illustration may help, though no picture is perfect. In Arabic, a traveller can be called ibn al-sabil, "son of the road," and the Qur'an itself uses this phrase (for example Qur'an 2:177). No one thinks that a road has children. The word "son" can describe a close relationship or a shared nature. In the same way, "Son of God" does not describe biology. It tells us that Jesus shares God's own nature and has a unique relationship with the Father. In Unit 5 we will explain how the Bible teaches one God in three Persons, and why this is not the "three gods" that the Qur'an rejects.

Rafiki yako Mwislamu anaposema, "Mungu hawezi kuwa na mwana," unaweza kujibu kwa upole: "Ninakubali kwamba Mungu hakuchukua mke wala kupata mtoto. Hilo si kile ambacho Biblia inafundisha. Naomba nikuonyeshe Wakristo wanamaanisha nini kweli?" Jibu hili linaondoa kikwazo ambacho si sehemu ya injili, ili rafiki yako aweze kulitafakari dai la kweli la Kristo.When a Muslim friend says, "God cannot have a son," you might answer kindly: "I agree that God did not take a wife and have a child. That is not what the Bible teaches. May I show you what Christians really mean?" This answer removes a stumbling block that is not part of the gospel, so that your friend can consider the real claim of Christ.

Kwa Nini Maneno ya Kwanza ya Yohana ni MuhimuWhy John's Opening Words Matter

Katika hubiri jingine, Dr. Cook anakaribia utambulisho wa Yesu kupitia Yohana 1:1 na 1:14. Tunawezaje kuzungumza juu ya Yesu na mtu asiyeshiriki lugha na desturi za ibada ya Kikristo? Jibu la Yohana ni kuchukua wazo linalojulikana, yaani Neno, kisha kutoa dai la kushangaza kuhusu nafsi ya Kristo. Neno tayari "alikuwako" hapo mwanzo; alikuwa pamoja na Mungu; alikuwa Mungu; na "alifanyika mwili" (Yohana 1:1, 14). Yohana hamaanishi kwamba Yesu alianza kuwako Mariamu alipochukua mimba. Neno wa milele aliingia katika historia ya wanadamu.In another sermon, Dr. Cook approaches the identity of Jesus through John 1:1 and 1:14. How can we speak of Jesus to someone who does not share the language and habits of Christian worship? John's answer is to take a familiar idea, the Word, and then make an astonishing claim about the person of Christ. The Word already "was" in the beginning; He was with God; He was God; and He "became flesh" (John 1:1, 14). John does not mean that Jesus began to exist when Mary conceived. The eternal Word entered human history.

Kama tulivyoona hapo juu, Waislamu wengi wanaelewa "neno lake" katika Kurani 4:171 kama amri ya Mungu "Kuwa"; Yohana anamaanisha mengi zaidi.As we saw above, many Muslims understand "His word" in Qur'an 4:171 as God's command "Be"; John means far more.

Hili latualika kufikiri zaidi ya hori la ng'ombe: kabla ya Bethlehemu, kabla ya manabii, kabla ya Ibrahimu (Yohana 8:58), Neno alikuwako tayari. Hili linahamisha mazungumzo kutoka mjadala kuhusu jina la heshima hadi utambulisho wa milele wa Kristo. Picha kama hii inapaswa kutusaidia kusoma maandiko, si kuchukua nafasi ya usomaji makini.This invites us to think beyond the manger: before Bethlehem, before the prophets, before Abraham (John 8:58), the Word already was. This moves the conversation from an argument about a title to the eternal identity of Christ. A picture like this should help us read the text, not take the place of careful reading.

Ushuhuda wa Nabeel QureshiThe Testimony of Nabeel Qureshi

Nabeel Qureshi (1983–2017) alizaliwa Marekani na wazazi Waislamu wa Ahmadiyya wacha Mungu wenye asili ya Pakistani. Baba yake alikuwa afisa katika Jeshi la Wanamaji la Marekani. Nabeel alikua akimpenda Mungu na kuupenda Uislamu, na alimheshimu Yesu kama nabii. Akiwa mwanafunzi katika Chuo Kikuu cha Old Dominion alikutana na Mkristo aitwaye David Wood. Wawili hao wakawa marafiki wa karibu na walibishana kwa miaka mingi, daima kwa heshima.Nabeel Qureshi (1983–2017) was born in the United States to devout Ahmadi Muslim parents of Pakistani background. His father was an officer in the US Navy. Nabeel grew up loving God and loving Islam, and he honoured Jesus as a prophet. As a student at Old Dominion University he met a Christian named David Wood. The two became close friends and debated for years, always with respect.

Qureshi alichunguza ushahidi wa kihistoria wa kusulubiwa, ufufuo na uungu wa Kristo. Pia alichunguza vyanzo kuhusu Muhammad na Kurani. Qureshi alisema kwamba Injili, hata ile ya kwanza kabisa, zinamwonyesha Yesu kuwa zaidi ya nabii, na kwamba ushahidi bora wa kihistoria unaonyesha Yesu alidai mamlaka ya kimungu. Alimwomba Mungu amwonyeshe ukweli, na alieleza ndoto ambazo aliamini Mungu alizitumia kumwongoza. Karibu mwaka 2005 alikuwa Mkristo. Ilimgharimu sana katika uhusiano wake na familia yake, ambayo aliipenda. Baadaye alikuwa daktari wa tiba na kisha mzungumzaji na mwandishi. Alikufa kwa saratani ya tumbo mnamo Septemba 2017, akiwa na umri wa miaka 34. Kitabu chake No God but One: Allah or Jesus? (2016) kinapendekezwa kusomwa katika kozi hii.Qureshi studied the historical case for the crucifixion, the resurrection and the deity of Christ. He also examined the sources on Muhammad and the Qur'an. Qureshi argued that the Gospels, even the earliest one, present Jesus as more than a prophet, and that the best historical evidence points to Jesus claiming divine authority. He prayed for God to show him the truth, and he described dreams that he believed God used to guide him. Around 2005 he became a Christian. It cost him greatly in his relationship with his family, whom he loved. He later became a medical doctor and then a speaker and author. He died of stomach cancer in September 2017, at the age of 34. His book No God but One: Allah or Jesus? (2016) is recommended reading for this course.

Hadithi ya Qureshi inafundisha mambo mawili. Kwanza, swali la Yesu ni nani linaweza kujibiwa kwa ushahidi, na Waislamu wengi wako tayari kuuchunguza ushahidi huo. Kuongoka kwake ni ushuhuda wa kibinafsi, si uthibitisho wenyewe wa kila hitimisho alilofikia. Pili, ushahidi ulipimwa ndani ya urafiki mrefu na wa subira. David Wood hakumshinda Nabeel kwa hoja moja ya busara. Alibaki rafiki yake na aliendelea kujibu maswali yake kwa miaka mingi. Mchungaji anaweza kuwa thabiti kuhusu ushahidi na mwenye fadhili kwa rafiki yake Mwislamu kwa wakati mmoja.Qureshi's story teaches two lessons. First, the question of who Jesus is can be answered with evidence, and many Muslims are willing to examine that evidence. His conversion is a personal testimony, not itself proof of every conclusion he reached. Second, the evidence was weighed inside a long and patient friendship. David Wood did not win Nabeel by one clever argument. He stayed his friend and kept answering his questions over many years. A pastor may be firm about evidence and kind toward a Muslim friend at the same time.

Kumsoma Qureshi Huku Biblia Iko WaziReading Qureshi with the Bible Open

Kwa usomaji zaidi, tazama kitabu cha Qureshi Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus (2014).For further reading, see Qureshi's Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus (2014).

Ufunguzi wenye nguvu zaidi bado ni swali rahisi: ikiwa unamtambua Yesu kama nabii, je, utamsikia? Rafiki yako anapouliza kama masimulizi ya Injili yamezitunza kwa uaminifu kauli zake, jadilini swali hilo la kihistoria kwa uwazi.The strongest opening is still the simple question: if you recognize Jesus as a prophet, will you hear Him? When your friend asks whether the Gospel accounts have kept His words faithfully, discuss that historical question openly.

Kutumia Haya katika MazungumzoUsing This in Conversation

Hizi ni hatua za vitendo kwa wachungaji na washiriki wa kanisa wanaozungumza na majirani Waislamu kuhusu Yesu.Here are some practical steps for pastors and church members who speak with Muslim neighbours about Jesus.

• Anza na msingi wa pamoja. Mshukuru rafiki yako kwa kumheshimu Yesu. Kubaliana kwa furaha kuhusu masimulizi ya Kurani juu ya kuzaliwa na bikira na miujiza, na zungumza kwa uangalifu kuhusu usafi wake, bila kudhani kwamba imani zote mbili zinamaanisha kitu kilekile kwa neno "asiye na dhambi."• Begin with common ground. Thank your friend for honouring Jesus. Agree gladly about the Qur'an's accounts of the virgin birth and the miracles, and speak about His purity with care, rather than assuming that both faiths mean exactly the same thing by "sinless."

• Uliza maswali mazuri. "Kwa nini Yesu peke yake anaitwa Masihi? Kwa nini Kurani inamwita Neno litokalo kwa Mungu? Je, umewahi kusoma yale ambayo wafuasi wake wa kwanza walimwandikia?"• Ask good questions. "Why is Jesus alone called the Messiah? Why does the Qur'an call Him a Word from God? Have you ever read what His first followers wrote about Him?"

• Someni Injili pamoja. Chagua vifungu vifupi kama Marko 2:1-12, Marko 14:60-64 au Yohana 20:24-29. Acha maandiko yenyewe yaseme.• Read the Gospels together. Choose short passages such as Mark 2:1-12, Mark 14:60-64 or John 20:24-29. Let the text speak.

• Ondoa kutoelewana. Eleza kwamba "Mwana wa Mungu" haimaanishi kwamba Mungu alikuwa na mke.• Clear away misunderstandings. Explain that "Son of God" does not mean that God had a wife.

• Sema kwa upole na heshima. Usidhihaki Kurani wala Muhammad kamwe. Mwenendo wako lazima ulingane na ujumbe wako.• Speak with gentleness and respect. Never mock the Qur'an or Muhammad. Your manner must match your message.

• Omba. Roho Mtakatifu peke yake ndiye awezaye kufungua macho yaone utukufu wa Mungu katika uso wa Yesu Kristo (2 Wakorintho 4:6).• Pray. Only the Holy Spirit can open eyes to see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6).

MuhtasariSummary

Waislamu wanamheshimu Yesu, wanayemwita Isa, kuwa mmoja wa manabii wakuu kuliko wote. Kurani inathibitisha kuzaliwa kwake na bikira, usafi wake, miujiza yake, jina lake Masihi, majina yake Neno na Roho itokayo kwa Mungu, kupaa kwake na kurudi kwake. Lakini inakana uungu wake, Umwana wake na kusulubiwa kwake, na inamwita mjumbe aliyeumbwa tu kama Adamu. Majina yale yale, Masihi na Neno, yanabeba maana tajiri zaidi sana katika Biblia, ambapo Masihi ni Mfalme wa kimungu na Neno ni Muumba wa milele aliyefanyika mwili. Injili, ikiwemo Marko, zinaonyesha kwamba Yesu alifanya yale afanyayo Mungu peke yake, alidai yale awezayo kudai Mungu peke yake na alipokea ibada inayostahili Mungu peke yake. Mitume walifundisha uungu wake muda mrefu kabla ya Muhammad. Tunapomwita Yesu Mwana wa Mungu, hatumaanishi kwamba Mungu alikuwa na mke, bali kwamba Mwana anashiriki asili ya Baba milele. Ikiwa Uislamu unamheshimu Yesu kama nabii, maneno yake yanastahili kusikilizwa. Huko Kaisaria ya Filipi, Petro alivuka kumwita nabii na akakiri, "Wewe ndiwe Kristo, Mwana wa Mungu aliye hai," naye Yesu akasema Baba ndiye aliyefunua hili. Kama David Wood na Nabeel Qureshi, tunapaswa kuwasilisha ushahidi huu kwa subira, ndani ya urafiki wa kweli, kwa upole na hofu.Muslims honour Jesus, whom they call Isa, as one of the greatest prophets. The Qur'an affirms His virgin birth, His purity, His miracles, His title Messiah, His titles Word and Spirit from God, His ascension and His return. But it denies His deity, His Sonship and His crucifixion, and it calls Him only a created messenger like Adam. The same titles, Messiah and Word, carry far richer meaning in the Bible, where the Messiah is the divine King and the Word is the eternal Creator who became flesh. The Gospels, including Mark, show that Jesus did what only God does, claimed what only God can claim and received the worship due to God alone. The apostles taught His deity long before Muhammad. When we call Jesus the Son of God, we do not mean that God had a wife, but that the Son eternally shares the Father's nature. If Islam honours Jesus as a prophet, His words deserve a hearing. At Caesarea Philippi, Peter went beyond calling Him a prophet and confessed, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," and Jesus said the Father had revealed this. Like David Wood with Nabeel Qureshi, we should present this evidence patiently, inside real friendship, with meekness and fear.

Maswali ya TafakariQuestions for Reflection

1. Jirani yako Mwislamu anaposema, "Mimi pia nimwamini Yesu," ungejibuje kwa njia iliyo ya kweli na yenye upendo?1. When a Muslim neighbour says, "I believe in Jesus too," how would you answer in a way that is both truthful and kind?

2. Ni kifungu gani kati ya vifungu vya Injili katika sehemu hii ungechagua kukisoma kwanza na rafiki Mwislamu, na kwa nini?2. Which of the Gospel passages in this unit would you choose to read first with a Muslim friend, and why?

3. Kwa nini ni muhimu kwamba Kurani inamwondolea Yesu uungu wake, Umwana wake na kifo chake msalabani?3. Why does it matter that the Qur'an removes from Jesus His deity, His Sonship and His death on the cross?

4. Ungemweleza vipi mshiriki wa kanisa lako "Mwana wa Mungu" ina maana gani na haina maana gani?4. How would you explain to a member of your church what "Son of God" means and does not mean?

5. Kanisa lako linaweza kujifunza nini kutokana na urafiki mrefu kati ya David Wood na Nabeel Qureshi?5. What can your congregation learn from the long friendship between David Wood and Nabeel Qureshi?

6. Ni nani anayetoa ungamo kuu katika Mathayo 16:16, na kwa nini jibu la Yesu katika mstari wa 17 ni muhimu katika mazungumzo na rafiki Mwislamu?6. Who speaks the great confession in Matthew 16:16, and why does Jesus' reply in verse 17 matter in a conversation with a Muslim friend?

Wasilisha Mtihani na Uangalie MatokeoSubmit Exam & Check Pass Anza UpyaReset