Jesus in Quran

Lore & Background

The passages depict Jesus as the Christ, born of Mary and Joseph (Matthew 1:16), with his birth announced by an angel who calls Mary highly favoured and blessed among women (Luke 1:28). He is presented as the son of David and Abraham (Matthew 1:1), and his name JESUS is given because he will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). His birth occurred in Bethlehem in the days of Herod (Matthew 2:1). Jesus is shown being baptized by John the Baptist, after which the Spirit of God descends like a dove upon him (Matthew 3:13-16). He is then led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, and he resists temptation by quoting scripture (Matthew 4:1, 4:7, 4:10). He begins his ministry in Galilee after John is imprisoned, preaching repentance and the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 4:12, 4:17). Jesus calls disciples such as Simon Peter and Andrew (Matthew 4:18), teaches in synagogues, preaches the gospel, and heals all manner of sickness and disease (Matthew 4:23). He cleanses a leper (Matthew 8:3-4), heals the centurion's servant because of great faith (Matthew 8:5-13), and heals Peter's mother-in-law of a fever (Matthew 8:14). The people are astonished at his doctrine (Matthew 7:28).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Jesus as a divinely conceived human (Matthew 1:18), born of a virgin mother (Luke 1:28), and recognized as the Christ (Matthew 1:16). His identity is tied to fulfilling righteousness (Matthew 3:15) and saving people from sins (Matthew 1:21). He is shown as a teacher and healer, with authority over sickness and demons (Matthew 4:23, 8:3, 8:13, 8:14). His baptism marks the beginning of his public ministry, and his temptation demonstrates his obedience to God (Matthew 4:1-10). The passages emphasize his role as a preacher of repentance and the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 4:17), and his teachings astonish the people (Matthew 7:28). There is no mention of the Quran, Islamic prophethood, or any Muslim-specific narratives about Jesus.

Did You Know?

• Jesus is called the son of David and Abraham in Matthew 1:1.
• The angel tells Mary she is highly favoured and blessed among women in Luke 1:28.
• Jesus is baptized by John and the Spirit of God descends like a dove in Matthew 3:13-16.
• Jesus heals a leper, a centurion's servant, and Peter's mother-in-law in Matthew 8:3-14.