The Great Messenger of God Jesus Christ PBUH
In the tapestry of human history, few figures shine as brightly as Jesus Christ (AS), or as he is known in reverence, Esa (Isa) Ibne Mariam (AS). His life, teachings, and legacy have woven through the fabric of time, touching hearts and illuminating souls across millennia. Like a radiant beacon piercing through the darkest of nights, Jesus's (AS) message originally was confined to the Israelites, however, Saint Paul's addition made it open for other cultures, nations, and faiths, carrying with it a promise of redemption and hope. This chapter unravels the profound impact of Jesus (AS), exploring the threads that connect us to this divine luminary.
The Prophets in Sons of Israel after Prophet Moses PBUH
The Prophets of Israel
In the annals of history, the era between the Messengers Moses PBUH and Jesus PBUH stands as a unique chapter. Two prophets held the esteemed title of God's Messengers, one in the beginning and the other at the end of this time of approximately 1400 years: Moses PBUH, dispatched to confront the Pharaoh, and Jesus Christ PBUH, tasked with shepherding the wayward House of Israel, the Jews.
Around 721 BCE, following the Assyrian conquest, ten of the twelve tribes of Israelites met their end. The Babylonian Exile in 528 BCE gave birth to the term 'Jew' (Yehudi) for the denizens of the Kingdom of Judah in the southern region of Canaan.
Prominent among the prophets that followed Moses PBUH, leading up to the birth of Jesus PBUH, were:
- Joshua (Yeshua) PBUH, the chosen successor of Moses PBUH, a charismatic leader who steered Israel through the conquest of Canaan after their Exodus from Egypt.
- Prophet David (Dawood) PBUH, a Prophet-King, adept at enforcing the laws outlined by Moses. He enriched the Bible with the Divine Revelations of the Psalms (Zabur). However, like many scriptures of antiquity, the Psalms too underwent alterations, with some original messages omitted and spurious additions introduced.
- Prophet Solomon (Sulaiman) PBUH, known as King Solomon, inherited a Kingship and Wisdom unparalleled in history. He held dominion over nature, communicating with animals, controlling winds, and even commanding invisible entities like Jinns and Devs.
- Prophet Ezra / Esdras (Uzair) PBUH, commissioned by God in Jerusalem to restore the Torah after Nebuchadnezzar II's devastating assault. He led the Children of Israel to Babylon as captives.
God demonstrated His mastery over 'Time' in a profound way, addressing Ezra PBUH's query about resurrection. By aging Ezra’s PBUH donkey a century, himself for a day, and leaving his food untouched, God showcased His boundless power.
Ezra’s PBUH return to his city after a century was met with astonishment. He sought directions from an elderly, blind woman who had yearned for someone to inquire about Ezra's (AS) house after so many years. When he prayed for her, she regained her sight.
At his house, Ezra (AS) found his children to be older than him, believing him only after he revealed the mark on his shoulder. To dispel lingering doubts, he recited the Torah from memory and unearthed an identical copy his father had buried.
A faction in the Jewish community, veering off course, perpetuated the notion that Ezra (AS) was the Son of God, a misconception passed down through generations.
This era also saw the rise of other significant prophets:
- Prophet Daniel (Daniyal) PBUH, born in Babylonian exile, renowned for his dream interpretations and apocalyptic visions.
- Prophet Zechariah (Zakariya) PBUH, a devout worshiper of the One and Only God, guardian of Maryam (AS), who later became the mother of Prophet Jesus PBUH.
- Prophet John the Baptist (Yahya) PBUH, born miraculously to Prophet Zechariah (AS) and played a pivotal role in preparing the way for Jesus (AS).
- In the golden age of the Sons of Israel, spanning over 1400 years, prophets like Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, and John (the Baptist) (peace be upon them all) shone brightly. It culminated with the advent of the Great Messenger, Prophet Jesus of Nazareth (AS).
- Prophet Jesus PBUH, the last prophet raised among Bani Israel, for the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (peace be upon them all), was sent to guide the lost Israelites. However, the entrenched Jewish clerics resisted, leading to the schism between Judaism and Christianity.
Let’s delve deeper into the circumstances around 2000 years ago, setting the stage for the life and teachings of Prophet Jesus PBUH.
The Climax of the Once Favored Nation
The Mighty Prophet Jesus Christ (Son of Mariam) PBUH
As we approach the zenith of this remarkable era initiated by Prophet Moses PBUH, questions arise. Why didn't God annihilate the rebellious Jews who opposed His Messenger, Jesus Christ PBUH? After all, in the past, populations were decimated when they strayed from God's path. To comprehend this, we must recognize that God's laws remained steadfast; only the implementation was deferred until the second arrival of Jesus (AS) to address this issue on Earth nearing end of time. The rebellious Jews were stripped of privileges, segregated from the faithful, and endured hardship. Conflict raged between Jews and Jesus' (AS) followers. The Romans quelled a Jewish uprising, slaying 133,000, destroying the Second Temple in 70 CE, and banishing them from Jerusalem.
The Jews, enduring diaspora, were bereft of a homeland, facing indignity and hostility from Christians until 1917 CE. Their full retribution is yet to come, as they return to Palestine, setting the stage for the prophesied return of Jesus(AS). God, in His benevolence, grants the descendants of these rebel Jews an opportunity for repentance.
All Israelites were mandated to adopt the wisdom of Jesus PBUH along the Divine laws revealed on Moses (AS). Jesus (AS) demonstrated his divine mission through unprecedented miracles, preached Monotheism, and provided wisdom to comprehend God's Commandments in light of human progress over the past 1400 years since Moses' (AS) time. Jesus' (AS) message was one of love and enlightenment, softening the hearts of masses.
Continue on: Part 2 - The Radiance of Jesus Christ: A Beacon of Hope
#ProphetJesus #IsraeliteProphets #HistoricalContext #DivineRevelations #Jewish history #Monotheism