1. Mary/Maryam (“pious”) Birth of John the Baptist (Yahya, Qur’an 21: 89-90) Virgin conception (Qur’an 21: 91) Conception and birth of Jesus (‘Isa, Qur’an 19: 16-27; 66: 12). Recalling Apocryphal Gospel of Matthew Jesus’ first miracle (Qur’an 19: 27-36)

2. Miracles of Jesus (Qur’an 5: 110-15) Infancy Gospel of Thomas Role of Holy Spirit Jesus sent to Jews (Qur’an 43: 57-59)

3. Jesus as al-masih (Messiah?): masaha = to rub/anoint healingsblessings/honours saha = to wander Jesus as merely a prophet

4. Depictions of Jesus: Predicting Muhammad (Qur’an 61: 6) Qur’an 4: 171: Only a messenger, but also “Spirit,” and “Word” Word:1. Fulfillment of creative word of God 2. Promised in earlier revelations 3. Speaks on behalf of God 4. Fulfillment of promise to Mary

5. Critique of the Holy Trinity (Qur’an 5: 116): Father, son and Mary? Result of extreme veneration of Mary by local Christian cults? See also Qur’an 4: 171; 5: 72-73

6. Did Jesus die on the cross? If not, did he die a natural death?

7. Did Jesus die on the cross? No (Qur’an 4: 157-58). Did someone else die in his place (Judas, Simon of Cyrene)?

8. Did he die a natural death? Suggestions that he could have (Qur’an 19: 33, 3: 55) But was raised up to God (Qur’an 4: 158) Christians required to believe in Jesus before his death (Qur’an 4: 159) Jesus as witness at Judgment. Christian path to salvation (Qur’an 5: 47)