The Muslim Challenge on Jesus' Divinity Answered in 6 Steps
N.M.R. Series on the Trinity & Christ’s Deity
June 18, 2026 | Series: #10
by EUSEBIO TANICALA
The Challenge
A popular Muslim Sheik and lecturer has formulated what has become a very common challenge regarding the divinity of Jesus Christ. It goes like this: “If you can show me one Bible verse where Jesus Christ clearly and unambiguously says ‘I AM GOD, WORSHIP ME,’ I will become a Christian today.”
The Christian Response
Here is a step-by-step approach to answering this challenge logically and scripturally.
Step 1: Establish the Validity of Inference
A direct, word-for-word quote is not the only way to arrive at the truth; inferences and implications are universally valid premises of truth. For example, you will not find a single verse in the Scriptures that clearly and unambiguously states that the Apostle Peter was married. However, we can validly conclude that he did because the Bible mentions Peter having a mother-in-law in Matthew 8:14. This necessary inference establishes the truth. The same logical standard applies to Christ's deity.
Step 2: The Father Declares the Son is God
Muslims recognize the Book of Psalms, the Zabur, as a Book of Allah. In Psalm 45:6-7, one who speaks as God addresses a second person who is also called God, Elohim, saying, “Thy throne, O God, is forever.” In Hebrews 1:5-10, it becomes clear that the Father, whom Muslims equate with Allah, is the speaker, and the one being addressed is the Son. The Father Himself declares that the Son is God who possesses an eternal throne. Furthermore, in Hebrews 1:10, the Son is addressed as Lord who laid the foundation of the universe, identifying Him as the Creator present in Genesis 1:1.
Step 3: Jesus Christ is Worthy of Worship
Does the Bible show that the Son should be worshipped? Yes. In Hebrews 1:6, the Father says, “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” In John 5:23, the Holy Spirit, through the Apostle John, states that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. When Christ became flesh, the Wise Men from the East followed a star to Bethlehem specifically to worship the child, as seen in Matthew 2:2 and 11. After Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and resurrected on the third day, the Apostle Thomas addressed Him directly in John 20:28, saying, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus accepted this worship. The Apostles also actively worshipped the resurrected Jesus in Matthew 28:9 and Luke 24:52.
Step 4: The Dual Nature of Christ
The Jews rightly believed Jesus was a man, and Christ Himself acknowledged His humanity in John 8:40. We also believe Jesus Christ was human because John 1:14 states that the Word became flesh. However, Scripture reveals a second nature in Christ, which is His Deity. Colossians 2:9 and Hebrews 10:5 affirm this dual nature. On multiple occasions, Christ made His audience fully understand that He was claiming to be true God. In John 5:18 and John 10:33, the Jews wanted to stone Him, stating, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.”
Step 5: Supreme Authority and Titles
All creatures in heaven, on earth, and under the earth are commanded to kneel and bow down to Jesus Christ to the glory of God the Father according to Philippians 2:9-11. Furthermore, the Apostle Paul declares in Titus 2:13 that Christ possesses two natures in one person, calling Him our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Step 6: Issue a Counter-Challenge
To highlight the flaw in demanding a highly specific, word-for-word quote, issue a respectful counter-challenge based on Islamic belief. Muslims believe that Jesus, known as Isa, is the Messiah. Ask the challenger, “Since Muslims believe that Jesus is the Messiah, can you show me a single verse in your Quran where Isa says, clearly and unambiguously, word-for-word: 'I am the Messiah prophesied in the Books of Allah, the Torah, and the Injeel'? Where is that exact quote?”
Conclusion
While Jesus may not have used the specific English phrasing demanded by the challenger, we have sufficiently submitted scriptural evidence that definitively declares both the humanity and the absolute divinity of Jesus Christ. His deity is established by His titles, His attributes, the acceptance of worship, and the direct testimony of the Father.