Jesus as a Controversial Figure

In Judaism, Jesus is not regarded as the Messiah. Jewish tradition holds that the Messiah will fulfill specific prophecies, such as restoring the kingdom of David, rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem, ingathering Jewish exiles to Israel, and bringing about a messianic age of peace and universal recognition of God. Since Jesus did not accomplish these tasks, he is not considered the promised Messiah by most Jews. Additionally, the concept of Jesus being divine or a part of God is incompatible with the strict monotheism in Judaism. The group known as "Jews for Jesus" incorporates Jewish practices but is not recognized as Jewish by the broader Jewish community because their beliefs are theologically incompatible with Judaism​​.

In Islam, Jesus (Isa in Arabic) is considered one of the most important prophets, born of the Virgin Mary, and is revered for his purity and his miracles, which are seen as signs of God’s power. Muslims acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah (Al-Masih), but strictly as a human and a prophet, not as the Son of God or part of a divine trinity. The Qur’an recounts miracles of Jesus, such as speaking from the cradle, forming birds from clay, and raising the dead, all by God's permission. The Islamic narrative also differs significantly from the Christian one in that it denies Jesus’ crucifixion, proposing instead that someone else was made to resemble Jesus and was crucified in his place​​.

For Christians, Jesus is the central figure of their faith, believed to be the Son of God and the second person of the Holy Trinity. Key events in the life of Jesus for Christians include his virgin birth, his ministry, his death by crucifixion, and his resurrection. Christians hold Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) and believe in his second coming. His teachings, miracles, and salvific role in atonement for sin are foundational to Christian doctrine. The Christian belief in Jesus' divinity, his role in salvation, and his resurrection, which is celebrated on Easter, are among the key distinctions between Christianity and both Judaism and Islam​​.

In essence, while Jesus is a significant figure in all three faiths, the views and relationships each tradition has with Jesus vary considerably, shaped by their unique theological doctrines and historical contexts.