Since I was a teenager, I have had evangelistic experiences. That is, trying to win souls for Christ. However, I had never had someone from another religion try to convert me to his or her belief. This changed when, while living in Singapore, a Malaysian gentleman approached me while having my daily lunch of diced fruit and fresh juice at the Pasir Laba fruit stand. He began what I recognized as a well-practiced “evangelistic sales pitch.” However, he was not trying to convert me to Christianity but, rather, to Islam.
Listening to his arguments brought back memories. You see, I grew up in a largely Jewish community and had many friends of that faith and heritage. Some of them would study the New Testament for hours, only to try to find fault. As the Pharisees did with Jesus, they would contrive finely threaded logical arguments to try to disprove my faith. Even when my limited mind could not readily answer their challenges, I could never back off because my experience with Jesus Christ goes farther than just my knowledge of His word. It is a personal and ever-growing relationship unlike any other. And that would be all I would carry with me as I found myself facing this debate at the Singapore fruit stand.
This gentleman presented several questions intended to shake my faith in Jesus Christ. His thesis was, “How can you believe that Jesus is God when there is only One God.” I explained the Trinity, as I understood it, and related the plan of salvation. God expressed Himself in human form to become sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (see 2nd Corinthians 5:21).
He followed this by attacking the truth of Jesus’ deity, basing his first question on Matthew 19:16-17
And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
His first question was, if Jesus is God, how could He say, “Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God:”
Before going into my response, it may be important to mention a little about what the Moslems believe. The Koran (the Islamic bible) contains excerpts from/references to the Bible and teaches that every word that Jesus spoke was true. Some Moslems also acknowledge that Jesus is the Word (see John 1:1). However, they fall short in that they deny that Jesus is the Son of the Living God. It is a paradox, since any literal interpretation of the Koran should logically lead one to acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord.
I explained to this young man that there is a danger in looking at individual scriptures out of their context. This is especially problematic when one looks at the English or another translation without taking the nuances of the Hebrew and Greek languages in mind (and the frame of thought of this society).
There is a method of teaching in Greek society called “Socratic” in which a teacher asks questions of the students to teach them, rather than the students asking questions of the teacher. In the Jewish tradition that Jesus came from and operated in during His earthly ministry, a point is often emphasized as a question. For example, God might ask His people, “Would I ever forsake you?” as a means of emphasizing. “I will never forsake you.”
Notice that Jesus was not rejecting the title “Good Master.” Actually, He was asking the young man what he meant by calling Him good. For example, did the young man mean that Jesus was good based upon the young man’s goodness and generosity, or that Jesus was good in terms of God’s goodness?
This man, we see in the entire scripture passage, was seeking to earn eternal life by his works. He did not seem to realize that the Jewish law shows us that all mankind has sinned (see Isaiah chapter 6, verses 3 & 5). The Christian belief is the same (see Romans chapter 3, verse 23).
Jesus pointed out that only God is good (see Psalm 106, verse 1... Psalm 118, verse 1 & 29... and Psalm 136, verse 1). However, was Jesus saying that He was not good? Look at it in context. This young man had come to Jesus, proud of all that he had done in his life. Apparently, this young man thought himself to be good. Perhaps he, in the back of his mind, thought that he was as good as Jesus. Consider that, in his own mind, he considered himself to have kept all of God’s commandments.
Thus, we see that Jesus was not denying His own deity but, rather, was placing this young man’s attitude up for inspection. The young man had done good deeds (which Jesus recognized and loved him for), but he still had a wrong attitude regarding his wealth. Jesus told the young man that, if he really wanted eternal life, he should give his wealth away. Why? It is an act of love to share your possessions with those who are in need. This one area was blocking the young man from fully entering the truth. And, because of his attitude, the young man walked away. We therefore see that this young man was not good (because of selfishness). We also see that Jesus is good, because He gave His life as a sacrifice (the Lamb of God) to take away the sins of the world.
Did Jesus deny His divine nature? No! He was only questioning the young man’s motives and trying to redirect the young man to recognize who Jesus is.
The point is that goodness is not a deed to be done, but a character to initiate.
His second question was, “How could Jesus be God if He did not know all things, since God is omniscient?” The scripture in question was Mark 13:32, which reads
But of that day and [that] hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
When Jesus calls Himself the “Son,” there are many things to consider. When He uses “Son of Man,” it is doubtless that he might intimate his Messiahship. He also designates himself as the head of the human race. He is the Man, the One Who both furnished the pattern of the perfect man and acted for all people. Christ seems to have preferred this to the other Messianic titles, because by its lowliness it was least suited to foster the expectation of an earthly Messiah in royal splendor.
When He uses “Son of God,” it shows that He enjoys the supreme love of God, united to Him in affectionate intimacy, privy to his saving councils, obedient to the Father's will in all his actions.
In Acts 1:7, Jesus affirmed that the “times and dates” are set by the Father’s authority. In the Christian belief of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit)... this is not difficult to accept, yet it may not be readily explained. It is simply a matter where we trust God’s divine wisdom in how He determines to operate. We would not be so bold as to question God about how and why He does certain things.
I made sure that this young man noticed that, after Jesus said these and other things, He ascended into heaven and two angels appeared saying that Jesus would return in the same manner that He ascended. I asked how he could become so offended Mark 13:32, yet ignore His glory when He rose into the clouds? Certainly, this revelation of His glory is proof enough of His claims to be Who He is.
I also explained that there were times during His earthly ministry that Jesus laid aside the exercise of the power of His deity. For example, see John 5:30, Acts 10:38, and Philippians 2:5-11.
My final words on this subject were to reiterate that why Jesus did certain things in certain ways is His prerogative and not ours to question.
Next, the young man asked me to consider an episode of Jesus’ earthly ministry recorded in Mark 11:12-14.
And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not [yet]. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard [it].
He skeptically asked me how could Jesus be God when He apparently didn’t know that the fig tree did not have any fruit, and when He cursed the fig tree because of His empty stomach.
I first referenced Micah 7:1, which speaks regarding the absence of “first ripe” figs to eat. This was a prophetic symbol or parable or image regarding the absence of righteousness in the land of Israel.
In Palestine, it was theoretically possible for figs to grow out of season. However, it seems that Jesus wanted to use this tree as an illustration --- much like the prophet Micah did before.
Remember, Jesus taught using parables... and this situation was no different.
The tree was making an empty profession. It had leaves, but no fruit. The nation of Israel was making an empty profession. It seemed ready for the Messiah (or, Christ), but would eventually reject Him. Jesus was using this fig tree to illustrate His rejection (which was also prophesied by Isaiah and by King David in Psalm 22) and the coming judgement that Israel would suffer.
The fig tree is often used to represent Israel. See Hosea 9:10 and Nahum 3:12.
A fig tree that does not bear edible fruit is portrayed as God’s judgement upon Israel. See Jeremiah 8:13, Hosea 2:12 and Joel 1:7.
Jesus was using this fig tree to teach a parable... to show His disciples that Israel was to be condemned for all of her hypocrisy. They professed fruitfulness, yet did not bear fruit.
Like the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-17, a lot of religious activity does not necessarily indicate righteousness in the heart. It is when the fruit of spiritual righteousness appears that the heart is right.
I was hoping that this young man would see the light by this time. Still, I didn’t want to leave any room for him to “weasel” out of accepting the truth. He wanted my response regarding John 5:30
I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
I reminded him that, as previously discussed, Jesus came to this earth and divested Himself of much of the power and authority that He possessed. Why? One reason has to do with the fact that His life was an example to us. Jesus came to show us how to live. We are not God, so we don’t have the power that Jesus could have exercised. Therefore, He listened obediently to the Father... as we should do.
Jesus said that we would do the works that He did... and greater works. How? Follow His example by submitting to, listening to, and following the Father. That is why Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, so that the presence of God could dwell within man to lead and guide us into His path.
Our next point(s) of discussion came from John chapter 11. He had several questions about this passage, which lead me to believe that he was not reading the scripture with any intelligence or understanding but, rather, was only seeking support for his flimsy arguments against the gospel. The scripture follows:
1
Now a certain [man] was sick, [named] Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.2
(It was [that] Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)3
Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.4
When Jesus heard [that], he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.5
Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.6
When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.7
Then after that saith he to [his] disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.8
[His] disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?
9
Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.10
But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.11
These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.12
Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.13
Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.14
Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.15
And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.16
Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.17
Then when Jesus came, he found that he had [lain] in the grave four days already.18
Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: {about...: that is, about two miles}19
And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.20
Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat [still] in the house.21
Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.22
But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give [it] thee.23
Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.24
Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.25
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:26
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?27
She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.28
And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.29
As soon as she heard [that], she arose quickly, and came unto him.30
Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.31
The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.32
Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.33
When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,{was troubled: Original Greek says “He troubled himself”}
34
And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.35
Jesus wept.36
Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!37
And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?38
Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.39
Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been [dead] four days.40
Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?41
Then they took away the stone [from the place] where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up [his] eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.42
And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said [it], that they may believe that thou hast sent me.43
And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.44
And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.45
Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.
As great and as wonderful as that passage of scripture is, this young man was hung up over the smallest verse in this chapter (and in the entire Bible)... verse 35: “Jesus wept.” How, he asked, could God cry?
Rather than getting trapped in repetitious arguments about the duality of Jesus’ human and divine natures, I pointed out verse 26. Anyone who believes believe in Jesus will never die (spiritually).
There are two types of death... physical death is separation from the fleshly body. Spiritual death is separation from God (in hell). Jesus came to save us from the second death, from which there is no promise of resurrection.
I also noted that, in verses 41 & 42, Jesus confirms His relationship with the Father. The proof is in verses 43-45. Lazarus rose and many Jews believed!
Next, I was asked how I, as a gentile, could accept Jesus since He (according to this young man’s logic) was sent only to the Jewish nation? I noted that the Jews had priority, but that Jesus came to bring salvation to all. I directed him to John 11:52
And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
Since the Moslems claim Abraham as their father, I asked him to read Genesis 12:1-3. In this passage, we see that God promised Abraham that through his seed, ALL nations of the earth would be blessed. Jesus fulfilled that promise, making salvation available to whosoever will.
Another argument stemmed from the passage of scripture where Jesus tells some who appeared to be Christians to “get out of His sight.” He was referring to Matthew 7:20-23.
I reminded him of our earlier look at the rich young ruler. This man kept the commandments, yet in his heart had an improper attitude. The people mentioned in Matthew 7:20-23 may have done good works, but their hearts were not full of righteousness.
Remember in the book of Genesis that God accepted Abel’s sacrifice, but rejected Cain’s. That was because Cain had the wrong attitude... which resulted in his murdering Abel.
God told King Saul in the book of First Samuel that “to obey is better than sacrifice” and that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft.
These people in Matthew 7:20-23 had works (sacrifice), but did not obey.
If a man goes to your house, cleans your yard and paints your house and washes your car, those would be good deeds. When you die, will you leave your inheritance to that man, or to your own son? Good deeds are not enough to earn salvation. You must have the righteousness that comes from God. That is why Jesus came. The book of Second Corinthians chapter 5, verse 21 says
For He (God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Jesus bore our sins on the cross (as the Passover lamb was a sacrifice) so that we could become righteous. It is not by our works or by our own goodness... but by faith in Jesus Christ.
I used the analogy of a young man who has no culture and is very mean and evil. He may dress nice, comb his hair, and behave himself to win a young woman. But after they are married, he will beat her, mistreat her, and run around with other women. He did good works, but his heart was evil.
Those “Christians” in Matthew 7:20-23 did good works in His name, but Jesus called them “workers of iniquity.” In other words, they did good deeds but their hearts were not right and they lived “double lives.” They attended church on Sunday but serving satan the rest of the week.
Just saying “Lord, Lord” doesn’t make you a Christian any more than saying “McDonalds, McDonalds” makes you a hamburger.
Summarizing all that was discussed, I asked the young man to consider the words Paul wrote in Philippians 2:5-11
5
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,6
Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,7
But made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.8
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.9
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,10
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,11
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The above scripture summarizes everything. Jesus was in the form of God and was equal with God but came to earth in humble human form and died on the cross for our sins.
Verses 9, 10 and 11 are important. God (the Father) has highly exalted Jesus and every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord... which brings glory to God the Father.
Acknowledging that he could possibly find other scriptures to argue about, I closed my discussion with this young man by stating the bottom line:
ACCEPTING JESUS CHRIST IS AN ACT OF FAITH.
We all have to decide whether we will accept or reject Him.
Believing in Jesus Christ and accepting Him as Savior and Lord provides greater understanding and illumination to the scriptures than anything else might. The truths of the gospel can become a snare to those whose hearts are hardened. The Pharisees and Sadducees are prime examples.
No matter what arguments or excuses anyone may present to me, I have personally decided to accept Jesus, even when I may not understand why He said or did certain things or when I may not find the answers to some questions. Why? Because Jesus healed my body, provided me with great blessings that I can’t begin to describe, and filled me with the power of the Holy Spirit so that I may submit to Him, walk in righteousness and do great works.
My personal testimony may not be an effective incentive for anyone to accept Jesus, but it allowed me to successfully face the debate at the fruit stand.