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The Son Of Man

Quick Look: The article examines the significance of the title "the Son of Man" that Jesus frequently used to refer to Himself. Many Christians assume this title highlights Jesus' humanity; it actually points to His divinity, rooted in Daniel's prophecy. Jesus' use of the title reinforced His identity as both divine and human, aligning with His pre-birth heavenly existence.

No one has ascended into heaven, except He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man. John 3:13, NASB

"Son of Man" was a favourite way Jesus referred to Himself. In the Gospels, Jesus used this title 80 times. It was important to Him. Yet it appears only three times in the rest of the New Testament as a title for Jesus. Stephen is the only disciple to call Jesus by this title [one time] as he was being stoned to death and saw the Son of Man standing at God’s right hand. The other two times are in the visions in the Book of Revelation.

Identifying With Humanity?

Why was this title so important to Jesus yet ignored by everyone else? What is the “Son of Man” meaning?

Many Christians today misunderstand what Jesus was saying by using this title. They assume that He was identifying with humanity. Jesus was fully human as well as being fully God. However, this term that Jesus loved for Himself pointed beyond His humanity. Jesus was making a point about His divinity, a point that the Jews of His day would have easily recognized.

From the verse in John, we can see that Jesus talked about the Son of Man descending from heaven. No normal human being ever came down from heaven. Jesus was equating Himself on earth with His pre-birth position. It is a direct reference to Daniel 7:9, 13-14:

“As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat.
His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of His head was white like wool.
His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze… In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was One like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. [NIV]

Faith Statement

As a genuine Human Being, Jesus was making a faith statement every time He referred to Himself as the Son of Man. He was reminding Himself and His listeners that He was more than met the eye. He was, in fact, divine and stood in the presence of the Ancient of Days - Father God. Some of His listeners did not appreciate that fact!

When Jesus came to earth, He laid aside His Divinity. He was born as a genuine human being. Growing up, He had to learn Who He was by the Word of God and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. In other words, He learned spiritual things the same way we learn them.

Jesus went through His ministry years knowing He was the Messiah, knowing that He was the Son of God, not because of preexisting knowledge but because of faith in the Word of God, the Holy Spirit and His close prayer relationship with the Father. His only advantage over us was that He did not have a sin nature and sinful actions to cloud His relationship with the Holy Spirit and the Father.

We examine the prophecies about Jesus, and we are encouraged because they demonstrate to us that Jesus is the Messiah. I would suspect the prophecies were there more for Jesus' sake than for ours. As He studied the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit would quicken to His heart that they were talking about Him. It was through them that Jesus would learn Who He really was [of course, at some point Mary would have told Him about His miraculous birth too] and what His mission was.

As Jesus faced the pressures and trials of life and intense ministry with all the forces of hell trying to make Him sin just one time, He could call Himself the Son of Man. It would remind Him that the unbreakable Word of God had prophesied His success. He would enter the presence of the Father victorious and receive the honour and rewards He had earned.

Woman with heart-shaped cloud behind her

[Note: Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, had absolute confidence in Who He was and what He was to do. He did not use this term to try to gain faith or boost His confidence. He used it as an encouragement for His faith and to declare to those around Him Who He Was/Is.]

Encouragement With The Word Of God

Perhaps in our darkest or most discouraging times, we need a word to call ourselves or a short saying that strengthens our faith and reminds us that we are secure in the hands of Jesus. He has never lost one of His children yet, and He is not going to start with you! Here are some ideas:

I am beloved. I am a child of God. I am a son [or daughter] of God. I have a good Shepherd. He holds me in His hands. I am safe and secure. I will enter the presence of God. I will live with Jesus forever. This world is temporary; Jesus is forever.

The Son Of Man
Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How Does Daniel's Prophecy Relate To Jesus As The Son Of Man?

Answer: Daniel’s prophecy reveals Jesus coming to the Father after successfully completing His mission. As a Human Being, He succeeded where Adam had failed and now, in the presence of the Father, receives the authority and rewards that are due Him.

Question: What Did The Jews Of Jesus' Time Understand About This Title?

Answer: The Jews of Jesus' day were very familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures. Even a few words from a passage would stir in their minds the entire context in which it was set. They knew that for Jesus to claim to be the Son of Man was to claim to be the divine Messiah.

Question: Is Son Of Man The Best Title For Jesus?

Answer: All the titles of Jesus are the “best” and reveal something of His character. He loved this title, as it portrays both His humanity and His divinity.

Question: What Is The Difference Between The Son Of Man and The Son Of God?

Answer: Both titles have elements of humanity and divinity. The Son of Man focuses on the successful completion of His mission and the associated authority and rewards. The Son of God focuses more on His coming from God and His willing submission to the Father.

Question: In What Ways Can Modern Christians Use Affirmations To Strengthen Their Faith?

Answer: Faith is a gift from God. We don’t work for it or create it ourselves, but we can strengthen and grow it by studying the Word of God and constantly reminding ourselves of who we are in Christ.

Please note: We no longer have the commenting feature [maybe again in the future]. Joshua Institute students who have questions or comments on their courses can use the contact button and mention the course name and lesson number in the email. Thank you. Glenn

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The Son Of Man

Identifying With Humanity?

Faith Statement

Encouragement With The Word Of God

The Son Of ManFrequently Asked Questions

The Son Of Man
Frequently Asked Questions