What does it mean that Jesus is the Son of Man?

The title “Son of Man” is one of the most significant and frequently used titles Jesus applied to Himself in the Gospels. It appears over 80 times, emphasizing both His humanity and divine mission. Understanding this title helps us grasp the dual nature of Jesus as fully human and fully divine, and His role in God’s redemptive plan.

Meaning of “Son of Man”

  1. Jesus’ Humanity
    • The title “Son of Man” highlights Jesus’ identification with humanity. By becoming human, Jesus experienced human life, emotions, and suffering.
    • Hebrews 2:17 (NIV):
      “For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.”
    • John 1:14 (NIV):
      “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
  2. A Messianic Title
    • The “Son of Man” is also a prophetic and messianic title rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, where it describes a figure with divine authority and eternal dominion. Jesus used this title to reveal Himself as the fulfillment of that prophecy.
    • Daniel 7:13-14 (NIV):
      “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.”
  3. A Suffering Servant
    • The “Son of Man” points to Jesus’ role as the suffering servant, who would die for humanity’s sins. Jesus connected this title to His mission of suffering and sacrifice.
    • Mark 10:45 (NIV):
      “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
    • Matthew 20:18-19 (NIV):
      “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!”
  4. Jesus as Judge
    • The “Son of Man” is also associated with judgment. Jesus will return in glory to judge the world as the divine Son of Man described in Daniel.
    • John 5:27 (NIV):
      “And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.”
    • Matthew 25:31-32 (NIV):
      “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”
  5. An Expression of His Divinity
    • While emphasizing His humanity, the title also conveys His divine authority and mission. Jesus used “Son of Man” to affirm His identity in a way that people of His time would understand through their knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures.
    • Matthew 26:64 (NIV):
      “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Why Jesus Used “Son of Man”

  1. To Reveal His Identity Gradually
    • The title allowed Jesus to reveal His identity as the Messiah without inciting premature political expectations. The Jewish people anticipated a conquering Messiah, but Jesus came first as the suffering servant.
  2. To Connect With Humanity
    • By using “Son of Man,” Jesus identified Himself with humanity, emphasizing His role as the perfect representative and substitute for sinners.
  3. To Fulfill Prophecy
    • The title connects Jesus to Old Testament prophecies, particularly in Daniel and Ezekiel, affirming that He is the awaited Messiah and divine judge.

Biblical References of “Son of Man” in Jesus’ Teachings

  1. Earthly Ministry
    • Matthew 8:20 (NIV):
      “Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.'”
  2. Suffering and Death
    • Luke 9:22 (NIV):
      “And he said, ‘The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.'”
  3. Resurrection
    • Luke 24:7 (NIV):
      “The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.”
  4. Return in Glory
    • Matthew 24:30 (NIV):
      “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.”

Conclusion

The title “Son of Man” encapsulates the dual nature of Jesus as fully human and fully divine. It reflects His role as:

  1. A human representative who understands our struggles.
  2. The divine Messiah who fulfills prophecy.
  3. The suffering servant who dies for sin.
  4. The eternal judge who reigns in glory.

This title ties together Jesus’ mission, His humanity, and His divine authority, affirming Him as the Savior and Lord of all.

  • John 3:13-14 (NIV):
    “No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”