The Quran does not offer an intricate account of the circumstances surrounding Jesus' passing. Instead, it succinctly states in verse 19:33, "So peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again)." This passage remarkably portrays Jesus, even as an infant, miraculously alluding to his eventual death, implying that it would be a natural human experience [63].
Interestingly, the same verse is also employed in the Quran to refer to Prophet Yahya, commonly known as John the Baptist (Quran 19:15), where it reads, "So Peace on him the day he was born, the day that he dies, and the day that he will be raised up to life (again)." Consequently, if we acknowledge that John the Baptist experienced mortality, it logically follows that Jesus, too, underwent death.
The Quran's most explicit reference to Jesus' mortality can be located in verse 5:117, where Jesus is portrayed as addressing God, stating, "When You terminated my life on earth, You became the Watcher over them." This verse provides a clear indication of the conclusion of Jesus' earthly life.
The Quran's stance on Jesus' mortality is succinct and clear. While it does not delve into intricate details surrounding his death, it acknowledges his mortality in various verses, notably in 5:117, emphasizing his human nature and the inevitability of his passing. In the scenario where Prophet Isa is identified as the Teacher of Righteousness, the ultimate fate of this enigmatic figure remains shrouded in mystery. The scrolls and historical records offer no definitive account of his end or demise. Rather, they hint at a life marked by persecution and opposition from fellow Jewish priests, notably the enigmatic "Wicked Priest," which compelled him to seek refuge in a distant land. Yet, the specific circumstances surrounding his death or later life continue to elude historical clarity, leaving room for ongoing speculation and interpretation.
Conversely, the Bible provides intriguing evidence that challenges the assumption of Jesus' death. In the Gospel of John (19:38-40), Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus, courageously approached Pilate to request the body of Jesus after his crucifixion. Accompanied by Nicodemus, who had previously visited Jesus in secrecy, they brought a substantial seventy-five-pound mixture of myrrh and aloes. Notably, myrrh and aloes are traditionally linked to the treatment of the living. This choice of herbs for Jesus' care after the crucifixion suggests a belief in the potential of his revival. These herbs, renowned for their healing properties throughout history, continue to be utilized in modern pharmaceuticals and ointments.
In John 20:1-18, Mary Magdalene visited the tomb on the first day of the week, while it was still dark. She encountered Jesus but didn't initially recognize him, mistaking him for a gardener. You might wonder why she thought he was a gardener. Do resurrected individuals typically resemble gardeners? No, they don't. So why did she make this assumption? It's because Jesus deliberately took on the appearance of a gardener, because he had survived death, and he didn't want the Romans and Jews to discover this fact. Mary, believing the disguised Jesus to be a gardener, asked him, where did he lay him?" She was searching for a living person, denoted as "HIM." Moreover, she wanted to know where he had been "LAID" to rest, not "BURIED."
In Luke 24:13-16, there is an account of Jesus going to Emmaus with two of his disciples. They walked for five miles and couldn't recognize Jesus. This was because Jesus was still in disguise, intentionally concealing his identity, likely to avoid people knowing that he was still alive.
In light of these intriguing biblical accounts, a question lingers: Could it be possible that Jesus, in some remarkable way, survived the Crucifixion? While this remains a matter of deep theological debate, these passages certainly offer a thought-provoking perspective. The actions of Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, and Mary Magdalene, coupled with the peculiar details surrounding Jesus' post-resurrection appearances, invite us to consider the possibility that there may be more to the story of Jesus' fate than meets the eye. Ultimately, these passages continue to fuel discussions and reflections on the profound mystery of Jesus' life, death, and potential resurrection.
63. Reynolds (2009)
