The title “Son of Man”
### Old Testament Background
1. **Ezekiel’s Usage:**
– In the Book of Ezekiel, the prophet is addressed as “son of man” over 90 times. In this context, it emphasizes Ezekiel’s humanity and mortality in contrast to God’s divinity and immortality.
2. **Daniel 7:13-14:**
– The most critical Old Testament reference is found in Daniel 7:13-14:
> “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.”
– This passage describes a divine figure, “one like a son of man,” who is given eternal dominion and authority by God (“the Ancient of Days”). This figure is not only human but also possesses divine attributes and receives worship, which is due only to God.
### Jesus’ Usage of “Son of Man”
1. **Self-Identification:**
– Jesus uses “Son of Man” primarily as a self-designation. By doing so, He connects Himself with the figure in Daniel 7 while also emphasizing His humanity. This dual aspect is crucial for understanding Jesus’ mission and identity.
2. **Earthly Ministry:**
– **Mark 2:10-11:** “But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, ‘I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.'”
– Here, Jesus asserts His authority to forgive sins, a divine prerogative, thereby implicitly claiming divinity.
– **Matthew 8:20:** “Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.'”
– This highlights His humility and identification with human suffering and homelessness.
3. **Suffering and Sacrifice:**
– **Mark 8:31:** “He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.”
– Jesus foretells His suffering, death, and resurrection, linking the title “Son of Man” with His redemptive mission.
4. **Future Glory:**
– **Matthew 24:30:** “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.”
– This echoes Daniel 7:13-14, presenting Jesus as the divine judge who will return in glory to establish His eternal kingdom.
### Theological Implications
1. **Humanity and Divinity:**
– The title “Son of Man” encapsulates the mystery of the Incarnation: Jesus is fully human and fully divine. As a human, He identifies with us in our weaknesses and sufferings. As divine, He has the authority to forgive sins, judge the world, and establish an eternal kingdom.
2. **Messianic Role:**
– Jesus reinterprets and fulfills the messianic expectations of the “Son of Man” from Daniel. He does so not through political or military power, but through suffering, death, and resurrection. His kingdom is not of this world but is characterized by righteousness, peace, and the ultimate defeat of evil.
3. **Redemptive Mission:**
– By using the title “Son of Man,” Jesus emphasizes His role in God’s redemptive plan. His suffering and sacrifice are central to His mission to save humanity. His resurrection and ascension affirm His divine authority and the inauguration of God’s kingdom.
4. **Eschatological Hope:**
– The future aspect of the “Son of Man” provides hope for believers. Jesus’ return in glory assures the fulfillment of God’s promises, the final judgment, and the establishment of a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells.
### Conclusion
The title “Son of Man” is rich with meaning and profoundly theological. It roots Jesus in the prophetic traditions of the Old Testament, particularly in Daniel’s vision, while also highlighting His unique role in salvation history. Jesus, as the Son of Man, bridges the divine and human realms, embodies the suffering servant and the reigning king, and assures believers of God’s ultimate victory over sin and death. This title, therefore, is central to understanding Jesus’ identity and mission as revealed in the Scriptures.
