Chapter 5.4.
Jesus only for the Jews?
Many Muslims regularly make this claim: Jesus only came for the lost sheep of Israel.
Most Muslims believe what they heard from their leaders, Imam’s, Moulana’s, Sheikh’s and parents not necessarily what they have thoroughly search and investigate. Also their beliefs are most of the time contrary to what Islam teaches.
Rehan shared a fruitful discussion he had with with a Pakistani Muslim friend.
Muhammad Rizwan: He claims that Jesus was sent to only the lost sheep of Israel and quoted, Mathew 15:24. This is proving that Jesus was only for Israelites not for the whole mankind. Since Muhammad was sent for everyone therefore he was a greater than Jesus. Then he asked me, what do I think?
Me: Of course this is what every Muslim believes, but the question is, does the Quran also confirm this? Let me quote a verse from Quran.
Quran 19:22.
Thy Lord said: It is easy for Me. And it will be that *We may make of Jesus a revelation for whole mankind* and a mercy from Us, and it is a thing ordained.
According to this Quranic verse. Jesus was a revelation and mercy for the whole of mankind and not only for the Israelites. So do you believe what Quran says?
Muhammad Rizwan: Yes of course I do. But then why does the Bible say that Jesus was only for Israelites?
Me: Everyone must have priorities, and Christ’s ministry was no exception. When Jesus sent His disciples to preach the good news of the kingdom, He specifically told them, “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:5-6). Jesus did not forbid their preaching to all Gentiles; He did, however, narrow their focus to the areas which should be most receptive—those who knew the Law and were expecting the Messiah. Paul, in his missionary journeys, followed the same priority of preaching to the Jews first (Romans 1:16).
Let me share also similar priorities from theQuran. Do you believe that Muhammad was for everyone?
Muhammad Rizwan: Yes
Me: Great, what do you think about following verses from the Quran: 14:4
And We did not send any messenger *except speaking in the language of his own people to state clearly for them*.
So, in this verse Allah clearly says that he did not send any Messenger, except speaking in the language of his people.
Qur’an 43:3, says
Indeed, We have made it an *Arabic Qur’an that you might understand*.
We all know that Arabic is not a widely spoken language around the world, and only few countries speak and understand Arabic. Then why did Allah reveal a universal message in Arabic language, which is not spoken or understood by over 80% people around globe?
Qur’an 6:92, which says:-
And this (the Quran) is a blessed Book which We have sent down, confirming (the revelations) which came before it, *so that you may warn the Mother of Towns, Mecca and all those around it*.
Now, we don’t need to look for any more such verses in Qur’an, as the above verse is sufficient to refute the claim that Muhammad was sent for whole mankind. As we see that the Quran was revealed to warn people of Mecca and those around it, which is obviously not the entire world.
Me: So what do you think brother?
Muhammad Rizwan: This was the message when Muhammad came and was only preaching to early Muslims but later his message became universal.
Me: I understand but you also need to see and read the Bible with the proper context to understand what Jesus meant when He said that He is only for the lost sheep of Israel. Let me share 2 verses from the Bible to elaborate this point.
Mathew: 28:19-20: Go and make disciples in every nation.
Acts 1:8. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Muhammad Rizwan: I can see that Jesus was for the whole mankind according to the Quran and Bible also clarify this.
I am confused because I was thought that all the prophets were sent to their own people but Muhammad was for everyone. I will go and try to dig deeper in this issue and will come back to you.
Conclusion: We as a Christians should not assume that Muslims have understood everything what they believe. We need to ask, where the chapter and verse is. This question helps Muslims to think, discuss and investigate.
Thanks to Rehan.
I share this from a Facebook post.
Also read this article from the Website of QotQuestions.org
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