Muslims believe that Jesus was not equal to God and that he was merely a prophet, not divine.

The discussion surrounding Jesus' equality with God often centers on Philippians 2:6-11, where Paul describes Christ's pre-existence and his decision to humble himself. This passage indicates that while Jesus was in the form of God, he did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. Instead, he chose to take on the form of a servant, demonstrating his humility and obedience even unto death. This act of self-emptying does not imply a loss of his divine nature but rather a voluntary submission to the Father's will for the sake of humanity's salvation. Furthermore, the interpretation of 'harpagmon' in this context is crucial. If understood as something not to be forcibly retained, it suggests that Jesus willingly set aside his divine privileges to fulfill his mission. This does not diminish his status as God but emphasizes the unique relationship and roles within the Trinity. The exaltation of Christ after his resurrection, where God bestows upon him the name 'Lord,' further affirms his divine authority and equality with the Father. In light of these interpretations, it is clear that the Christian understanding of Jesus' nature encompasses both his divinity and his role in the redemptive narrative. The belief that Jesus is merely a prophet fails to account for the comprehensive biblical testimony regarding his identity and mission. Thus, Christians maintain that Jesus is not only equal with God but is also central to the understanding of God's redemptive purpose for humanity.