When the people of Israel heard an infant speaking words of such wisdom, they were wonderstruck, and they believed that Mary was indeed a pious and virtuous woman, noble and free from every evil. The birth of this child was a sign from God, and everyone spoke about the miraculous nature of his coming into the world. The righteous among them regarded the baby as a blessing, while those with corrupt hearts declared him a bad omen, and the flames of hatred and jealousy filled their souls. In such a mixed atmosphere, God watched this blessed child grow so that he might revive the dead hearts of the people of Israel, rekindle their spirits, and make their lives fruitful.
“And We made the son of Mary and his mother a sign, and We sheltered them on high ground, a place of rest and flowing springs.”
وَجَعَلْنَا ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ وَأُمَّهُ آيَةً وَآوَيْنَاهُمَا إِلَىٰ رَبْوَةٍ ذَاتِ قَرَارٍ وَمَعِينٍ
Surah Al Muminun verse 50
A new star
At the time of the birth of Christ, many incidents drew people’s attention to the great blessing that God had sent to the earth. On the night Christ was born, the king of Persia saw a bright new star in the sky. When he asked the royal astronomers about it, they told him that the star indicated the birth of a great man in Syria. The king sent a delegation to Syria with gifts of perfumes to learn more about the birth of this blessed child.
Upon arriving in Syria, the delegation made inquiries and questioned the Jews about the Kingdom of God. When the Jews heard this, they informed King Herod. The king invited the delegation and asked about the purpose of their visit. Although disturbed by what he heard, he allowed them to continue their investigation.
When the delegates reached Jerusalem and saw the young Christ, they prostrated before him according to their customs and presented fragrances and aromatic gifts as tokens of respect. They stayed for several days. During their stay, one of them saw a dream warning that Herod would become an enemy of the child. They decided to return directly to Persia without meeting the king and warned Mary that Herod’s intentions were not sincere.
Mary then traveled with the child to Egypt and stayed with distant relatives before returning to Nazareth. When Christ reached the age of thirteen, she returned with him to Jerusalem.
The people of Israel had adopted corrupt beliefs and distorted forms of worship. Lying, deceit, jealousy, and other evil acts had become normal in their society, and they took pride in these actions instead of feeling shame.
They showed no hesitation in killing the apostles and prophets of God. The rabbis and priests corrupted the Law of Moses for worldly gain, altering it until forbidden acts appeared lawful and lawful acts appeared forbidden. They distorted the original laws revealed by God.
Rebellion
When their rebellion and transgression exceeded all limits, God blessed Mary with Jesus.
“We gave Moses the Book and followed him with a succession of messengers. We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear signs and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. Is it that whenever a messenger came to you with what you did not desire, you grew arrogant, calling some impostors and killing others?”
وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا مُوسَى الْكِتَابَ وَقَفَّيْنَا مِن بَعْدِهِ بِالرُّسُلِ وَآتَيْنَا عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ الْبَيِّنَاتِ وَأَيَّدْنَاهُ بِرُوحِ الْقُدُسِ
Surah Al Baqarah verses 87 to 88
Jesus said
“I have come to confirm the Law that was before me and to make lawful for you some of what was forbidden. I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear God and obey me. Indeed God is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. This is the straight path.”
وَمُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيَّ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ وَلِأُحِلَّ لَكُم بَعْضَ الَّذِي حُرِّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ
Surah Aal Imran verse 50
When Jesus perceived disbelief among them, he said
“Who are my helpers in the cause of God?”
The disciples replied
“We are the helpers of God. We believe in God, so bear witness that we submit to Him.”
فَلَمَّا أَحَسَّ عِيسَىٰ مِنْهُمُ الْكُفْرَ قَالَ مَنْ أَنصَارِي إِلَى اللَّهِ
Surah Aal Imran verses 52
A small group of followers remained sincere and devoted. They were simple, poor, and pure hearted people who submitted fully to Christ.
They said
“God is All Powerful, and one of the proofs of His power is your presence among us. God can send down a table from heaven so that our hearts may be at ease.”
Christ advised them
“God has power over all things, but do not put Him to the test.”
When they insisted, Christ prayed
“O God, send down to us a table from heaven, a feast for the first and the last of us, and a sign from You, and provide for us. You are the best of providers.”
اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّنَا أَنزِلْ عَلَيْنَا مَائِدَةً مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ
Surah Al Maidah verse 114
God responded
“I will send it down to you, but whoever disbelieves afterward will be punished with a punishment unlike any given before.”
Surah Al Maidah verse 115
The table descended from heaven, carried by angels. Thousands ate from it without any shortage, and the poor were enriched, the sick were healed, and the blind regained sight. The table returned to heaven at night and continued for forty days.
When people disobeyed and stored food despite the warning, the blessing was withdrawn, and those who transgressed were punished.
Christ continued teaching the oneness of God, belief in all prophets and scriptures, the Day of Judgment, moral conduct, humility, and love for creation. Despite his compassion and devotion, the leaders and elites conspired against him out of jealousy and fear of losing power.
Christ lived simply, owned no home, and traveled from town to town preaching God’s message. People gathered wherever he went, seeking healing and spiritual nourishment.
His growing popularity intensified the hatred of his opponents, and they plotted to accuse him before the ruler. After heated discussions, Pilate ordered his arrest, and the priests and leaders rejoiced, waiting for a moment to seize him away from the public eye.