Jesus
The Anointed One
Jesus of Nazareth is the central figure of Christianity and a major prophet in Islam. Judaism acknowledges him as a historical figure. The Restoration affirms his divinity and adds his ministry among the Nephites.
Across Traditions
Judaism
Name
Yeshua
Role
Historical teacher
Summary
Judaism does not accept Jesus as the Messiah, as the messianic prophecies (world peace, temple rebuilding, ingathering of exiles) remain unfulfilled. Some Jewish scholars acknowledge Jesus as a 1st-century Jewish teacher whose followers founded a new religion. The Talmud contains scattered references.
Source Text
None
N/A
Christianity
Name
Jesus Christ
Role
Son of God, Savior, and Redeemer
Summary
Jesus is the Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary, who atoned for the sins of humanity through his crucifixion and resurrection. He is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, the founder of the Church, and will return in glory. His teachings form the heart of the New Testament.
Source Text
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life
John 3:16
Islam
Name
Isa al-Masih
Role
Prophet, Messiah, and Word of God
Summary
Isa is a major prophet born of the virgin Maryam. He performed miracles by God's permission, received the Injil (Gospel), and was raised to heaven. Islam teaches he was not crucified but was taken up by God. He will return before the Day of Judgment. He is not considered divine.
Source Text
The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary
Quran 4:171
LDS
Name
Jesus Christ
Role
Son of God, Savior, and Jehovah of the Old Testament
Summary
Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God, the Jehovah of the Old Testament, and the Savior of all mankind. He atoned in Gethsemane and on the cross, was resurrected, and visited the Nephites in the Americas. He leads the restored Church today through living prophets.
Source Text
And this is the gospel, the glad tidings... that he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world
D&C 76:40-41
Connected Figures
Theme
Common Ground
Description
Christianity, Islam, and LDS tradition all affirm Jesus' virgin birth and miraculous ministry. All three anticipate his return.
Theme
Unique Insight
Description
Islam honors Jesus as a prophet and messiah but does not accept his divinity or crucifixion, teaching instead that God raised him to heaven.
Theme
Restoration Addition
Description
The Book of Mormon records Christ's post-resurrection ministry in the Americas (3 Nephi 11-28), providing a second witness of his divinity and teachings not found in any other tradition.