Did Jesus Die on A Cross?

Islam, one of the fastest growing religions in the world, does not believe Jesus died on a cross. As a matter of fact, Islam disagrees with the New Testament teaching that Jesus was crucified and was resurrected. In Sura (chapter) 4:157-158, the Qur’an clearly denies the crucifixion:

      That they said, “We killed Christ Jesus the son    

      of Mary, the Apostle of God” – But they killed 
      Him not, Nor crucified him, But so it was made
      to appear to them, And those who differ therein
      are full of doubts, With no knowledge, But only
      conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed
      him not: - Nay, God raised him up Unto
      Himself; and God Is exalted in power, wise.

Muslim scholar Sulaiman Mufasir, summarized the heart of the Islamic view when he said: “Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified. It was the intention of his enemies to put him to death on the cross, but God saved him from their plot” (A Prophet of Islam. Indianapolis: American Trust Publication, 1980, page 5).

 
At this point, the issue is not if Jesus died for our sins – it is, did Jesus die as the New Testament said He did? It is an issue of historical accuracy, not theological interpretation. As a matter of fact, if Jesus did not die on the cross as stated in the New Testament then our theological conclusions about the cross are false.
 
Many Muslims cite The Gospel of Barnabas in defense of their anti-cross teaching. For instance, Suzanne Haneef, in commenting on The Gospel of Barnabas says, “Within it one finds the living Jesus portrayed far more vividly and in character with the mission with which he was entrusted than any other of the four New Testament Gospels has been able to portray him” (What Everyone Should Know about Islam and Muslims. Chicago: Kazi Pub., 1979, page 186).
 
A key idea in The Gospel of Barnabas is that Jesus did not die on the cross. Instead, Judas Iscariot was substituted for Jesus. Muslims embrace this since they believe that someone else, other than Jesus died on the cross. But this view is outrageous. In the first place, The Gospel of Barnabas is totally discredited among credible scholars. Actually, some Muslim scholars confuse The Gospel of Barnabas with The Epistle of Barnabas. The late first century Epistle of Barnabas was even cited as Scripture by some Christians. The Gospel of Barnabas is a totally different document, written more than 1,000 years later.

To assume that Jesus did not die on a cross is tantamount to challenging the credibility of the New Testament. In order to remain focused I would simply say that to date, the New Testament is by far the most highly documented book from the ancient world. Furthermore, as an ancient document, the New Testament is the most accurately copied book in the world. Even if one were to ignore the teachings of the New Testament, there is enough non-biblical sources to confirm Jesus’ crucifixion.

Jewish historian Flavius Josephus wrote in his “Antiquities of the Jews”, “Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross” (Josepheus: Complete Works. Kregal Publications, 1963, page 379).

 

Roman historian, Cornelius Tacitus, wrote: “a wise man who was called Jesus…Pilate condemned Him to be condemned and to die” (Annals, 15:44). Similar quotations can cited from first century historian Thallus, second century Greek writer, Lucian and even the Jewish Talmud.

 
The Old Testament and numerous non-Christian sources confirm that Jesus died as described in the New Testament. In addition, the causes of His death have also been verified among historians. As recent as in March 1986, The Journal of the American Medical Association published an extensive article entitled, On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ (Volume 255. Number 11). In the closing paragraph, the authors concluded: “Clearly, the weight of historical and medical evidence indicates that Jesus was dead before the wound to his side was inflicted…interpretations based on the assumption that Jesus did not die on the cross appear to be at odds with modern medical knowledge.”
 
As we reflect on the death of Jesus this Easter, we should never lose sight of the fact that His death was not indicative of defeat. It was while on the cross Jesus shouted, “IT IS FINISHED” (John 19:30). Based on a Greek interpretation of the exclamation, Jesus was basically saying, “It has been finished and remains finished forever.” This statement was a declaration of triumph. The statement is also used to mean accomplished.
 
For Christians, the death of Jesus on the cross means no one else needs to die for the sins of the people. His mission was accomplished. Hence, our victory is based on the fact of His death and not on the wishful thinking of believers.