Son of Man

 

“’Today salvation has come to this house,’ Jesus told him, ‘because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.’” Luke 19:9-10

Son of Man is the name Jesus uses for Himself the most in the gospels, but interestingly enough, it is a name for which there are a lot of questions and uncertainty about its ultimate meaning. Some have even posited that Jesus intentionally used the title Son of Man because it was more ambiguous. If the people He was speaking to did not have a strong preconceived idea about this name and who they thought should carry the title, Jesus had more freedom to reveal Himself to the people through this name. So what do we learn from Jesus’ use of the name Son of Man?

First, there was once a historical view that the name Son of Man was merely meant to acknowledge the complete humanity of Christ- in the same way the name is used for Ezekiel in the book named for him. However, in almost every situation where Jesus uses the name for Himself, He is also discussing, teaching or acting upon the divine authority He holds. He calls Himself Son of Man as He performs the miracle of healing and offers forgiveness of sins (Luke 5:17-26). He calls Himself Son of Man when He declares Himself Lord of the Sabbath. (Matthew 12:8) He calls Himself Son of Man when He discusses His role in the salvation of mankind. (John 3:11-18, Luke 9:22, Mark 14:41, Matthew 12:40, Matthew 20:28) He calls Himself Son of Man as he teaches that our response to Him will be reflected in how heaven responds to us, (Luke 12:8-12) and He refers to Himself thus when He describes His eventual exaltation. (Mark 14:62). Because of this, the name Son of Man must carry as much weight regarding His divinity as it does His humanity. Thus, “The Son of Man is the bond between earth and heaven, belongs in an equal degree to both; He is the medium through which God reaches man and man reaches God.” (The Words and Works of Jesus Christ, J.D. Pentecost)  

Second, Jesus does not refer to Himself as the son of a man. No, He is The Son of Man. To be a son held great significance in regards to one’s lineage, inheritance, representation and more for the Jewish people. For Jesus to say He is the Son of Man, He is uniquely identifying Himself with not just His own humanity but with all of humanity. Jesus is claiming to be the representative for all humanity- past, present and future- regardless of their human lineage.

Finally, the most significant Old Testament reference to the name Son of Man is found in the book of Daniel chapter 7. “On the basis of verse 18 (“The holy people of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever”), many scholars have interpreted this vision as a prophecy of the collective future and glory of Israel. But verses 13–14 seem to suggest more than this—that Israel will be led by a representative who is described as a heavenly figure worthy of universal worship.” (Jesus and the Gospels: an Introduction and Survey, C.L. Blomberg) Verses 13 & 14 read, “and I saw One like the son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was escorted before Him. He was given authority to rule, and glory, and a kingdom; so that those of every people, nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will not be destroyed.” Such language takes on a more messianic theme while also suggesting that Jesus is the ultimate representative of the people of Israel and the fulfillment of this kingdom prophecy.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I’ll ever read Son of Man so casually again. It is a name rich in context and worthy of much time and consideration. Dwell with the Son of Man today and stand in awe of all that He is.

 

Lord,
Son of Man- what a powerful reminder of how all-encompassing You are. You meet us where we are but remain perfect in power and righteousness. You fulfill the prophecies to the nation of Israel and offer to be our perfect representative. And above all else, You will be defined by none other than Yourself. May we never lose sight of that and may we always worship You for who You have revealed Yourself to be, not who we want You to be.