What do Muslims believe about Jesus and the Cross? How to share the truth
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
Under the Roman Empire, the cross represented the most excruciating death tool known to man, a pain that only the worst of criminals had to endure, and a manner of dying that was filled with shame. But Jesus Christ’s death transformed the cross into the greatest symbol of love in history. When Christians see the cross today, we think of freedom from sin, everlasting life, and fellowship with God.
But, in the eyes of a Muslim, the cross holds no spiritual significance. This is because the Quran says that Jesus is only a prophet and claims that He did not die on the cross. As Christ-followers, we are called to share with our Muslim friends the truth about the cross and the depth of Jesus' love.
How to share the Gospel with Muslims and explain why Jesus’ death on the cross was necessary
The core of the gospel is that:
Humans are sinful and need to be saved
Jesus Christ is the sinless Son of God who came to earth to pay the price for our sins, which we could not pay ourselves
Jesus paid this price for our sins by being the perfect sacrifice and dying on the cross - then He came back to life three days later and defeated death
What do Muslims believe about the Cross?
Muslims believe that instead of Christ dying on the cross, either He fainted on it or Allah replaced Him with someone else (read more about these theories here).
This verse, which claims the Jews boasted they killed Jesus, is a clear message to Islam’s denial of Jesus’ crucifixion. Surah 4:157-158:
“And for boasting, “We killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.” But they neither killed nor crucified him—it was only made to appear so. Even those who argue for this crucifixion are in doubt. They have no knowledge whatsoever—only making assumptions. They certainly did not kill him. Rather, Allah raised him up to Himself. And Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.”
But the reasons Muslims believe this are even more important.
First, they believe that Prophet Isa (Jesus) was pure and innocent, therefore God would not allow evil men to kill Him.
Second, they are taught that each person must do good works in hopes of being saved. So the idea of Jesus dying for their sins does not fit into the works-based religion.
Third, it is up to Allah and his mercy to determine who will eventually end up in paradise. Redemption is not needed because the mercy of Allah replaces it.
To share the truth about Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, you need to help your Muslim friend know:
Why is the Quran’s rejection of the crucifixion such a big deal?
To deny the crucifixion is to deny the resurrection of Christ, which brought us redemption. In addition, the Quran ignores the historical proof that verifies the biblical crucifixion as fact. These Quranic verses have become such a source of confusion that they have produced three different theories, which all deny Jesus' death on the cross.
Overall, the Quran plants the dangerous lie that Allah saved Jesus. But we know from Scripture that Jesus came to die and rise again to save us. Jesus did not need saving from sin; we did.
How to tell Muslims about the Cross
When telling a Muslim about the cross, point out that God knew that sinners like us couldn't perfectly keep His laws. We deserved hell for our disobedience (Romans 6:23). God’s justice demanded a perfect sacrifice, and His love longed to rescue us.
So, God sent His Word, God in human form, to atone for our sins and to fulfill the law perfectly (Philippians 2:8, Matthew 5:17).
Explain to your Muslim friend that the cross is where Christ paid the price for our redemption through His crucifixion. Tell them that Jesus restored our relationship with God through the cross, and that act tore the veil of separation caused by sin (Matthew 27:51).
You can end by explaining that complete forgiveness from God comes through confessing sin and believing in Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Here are a few verses to share:
“That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
“...and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3
The Great Commission in light of Jesus’ death and resurrection
If you are a Christian, you are called to reach Muslims with the Gospel as part of the Great Commission.
When witnessing, focus on God’s infinite love in sending Jesus, His Word, to be crucified to purify us of sin (Isaiah 1:18). Explain that the same Jesus who defeated death and fear, once and for all, wants to know them personally and to welcome them into His family, if they believe. (John 1:12).
Don’t forget, it is ultimately the Holy Spirit’s job to change a person’s heart! We are only called to be obedient and share the gospel. You can trust that even if you don’t have the “perfect” answer, God can still move!
If you feel called to contribute to the mission field among Muslims, you can give here.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for not avoiding the cross, but instead taking it on, so I could be redeemed. Give me an extra measure of compassion and boldness, so I can clearly and fearlessly proclaim the True Way to the Muslims, Amen.
