The first approach ranks among the most evident proofs against the People of the Book and among the clearest signs of his prophethood. More than one scholar has drawn from the very scriptures now in the hands of the People of the Book numerous passages that herald his coming, composing dedicated works on the subject. The glad tidings found in those texts are of the same genre as the announcements concerning the Messiah—peace be upon him.
The Jews concede the wording itself, yet claim that the one foretold is not the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, but another figure still awaited. In reality, however, they await nothing but the Antichrist, while they also look forward to the descent from heaven of the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, as set out elsewhere. They distort the purport of the words and say, “It does not signify an awaited prophet, just as….”