Is the Man Whom the Jews Crucified the Very Christ?

There is a unique group that questions the identity of the man who was crucified on the day Christians celebrate as Good Friday. This group is the Muslim community. They believe, based on their prophet Muhammad's teachings, that Allah sent a substitute person to die on the cross in place of Jesus, and the observers were somehow misled to believe that Jesus was the one crucified.

Others deny not the identity of the condemned man but the historicity of the event. They argue that Jesus never existed, and therefore, the crucifixion was a myth. Even fewer believe that Jesus was crucified but survived, suggesting a theory like that proposed in the book The Passover Plot.

My Perspective on the Crucifixion

From my personal experience, I know the identity of the man who was crucified that day. He is Jesus of Nazareth, known variously as the son of Joseph, the Son of Man, and the Son of God. He was crucified, died, but did not remain dead. After two nights in the tomb, he came back to life. He is still alive today, sitting in heaven, and also simultaneously present wherever we are on earth through his spirit. He has been with me since 1972, and we have a close relationship.

It is my sincere hope that you will meet him as well, so you can experience his love and the benefits of his presence.

Contacting the Christ

There are several ways to approach and get to know the Christ. Prayer is a primary method. Through prayer, you can communicate directly with Christ and experience his presence in your life. Reading the Gospels and other biblical texts can provide deeper insights and understanding of his life and teachings.

Engaging with a local church or Christian community can also offer support, guidance, and fellowship. Attending events like Bible studies and worship services can help you build a relationship with Christ and connect with others who share the same faith.

Rival Perspectives and the Christ's Role

No, the man whom the Jews crucified was not Jesus. According to some theories, it was a lookalike of Jesus who shared his address with the Jews. Regardless of the historical or theological context, the significant point is the role of the Christ, which is beyond the physical events.

The Christ is a title that signifies a divine savior or intermediary between humanity and God. When the Jews were expecting a political savior to free them from Roman occupation, Jesus (the man they crucified) did not fit that role. However, he came to serve a spiritual purpose.

The Almighty God raised him up alive and promised that he would return to the world before the Apocalypse to take revenge on the Jews. This perspective reflects a prophetic and apocalyptic view of the Christian tradition, emphasizing the significance of the Christ's role in the future.

Regardless of the differing perspectives, the core message of the Christ's life, death, and resurrection remains a fundamental belief for many Christians worldwide, marking one of the most transformative moments in human history.