What Does It Mean That Jesus is the Son of Man?
The title “Son of Man”
is one of the most important and frequently used designations for Jesus in the New Testament. While it appears more than 80 times in the Gospels, its meaning and significance are often misunderstood or overlooked. This article will delve deeply into the title “Son of Man“, exploring its biblical roots, its connection to Jesus’ identity, and why it holds profound theological implications for Christians today.
1. The Old Testament Background of the Title
The title “Son of Man” is not a new term invented by Jesus. It has deep roots in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Daniel.
- Daniel’s Vision (Daniel 7:13-14): The most significant Old Testament reference to the “Son of Man” is found in the book of Daniel, where the prophet Daniel describes a vision of a heavenly figure who comes to God the Father to receive dominion, glory, and a kingdom that will never end. Daniel 7:13-14 states:
“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 “Son of Man” figure is clearly depicted as divine, possessing an eternal kingdom, and is to be worshiped by all nations. For Jews, this was a prophetic image of the coming Messiah, who would bring God’s kingdom to earth. Jesus uses this title to refer to Himself, claiming the authority and role described in Daniel’s vision.
2. A Title of Humanity and Identification with Mankind
While the “Son of Man” has a strong divine connection, it is also a deeply human title. In the Old Testament, the term “son of man” is frequently used to simply mean a human being, as in Psalms 8:4, which asks, “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” The title stresses the humanity of Jesus.
- Jesus as the Representative of Humanity: When Jesus calls Himself the “Son of Man,” He is identifying Himself with humanity. By using this title, He demonstrates that He is truly human and fully understands the condition of human beings. As the Son of Man, Jesus is not distant or detached from human experience; instead, He becomes the perfect representative of humanity, living a life that aligns with the full range of human emotions, struggles, and suffering.
- Empathy and Solidarity with Human Beings: The “Son of Man” title underscores Jesus’ empathy and solidarity with us. He was born as a man, lived as a man, and experienced human pain, temptation, and death. In doing so, He fulfills God’s intention to be with us in our weaknesses and struggles, as we see in Hebrews 4:15:
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”
Thus, when Jesus calls Himself the “Son of Man,” He is not merely asserting His divinity but affirming His complete identification with us as humans.
3. A Title of Suffering and Redemption
Another significant aspect of the “Son of Man” title is that it points directly to Jesus’ mission of suffering and redemption. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus often uses the title to refer to His impending death and sacrifice on the cross.
- Suffering Servant: In passages like Mark 8:31 and Luke 9:22, Jesus explains that the “Son of Man” must suffer, be rejected, be killed, and after three days rise again. By linking Himself to this title, Jesus is not only asserting His divine role but also predicting His death as part of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. This connects to Isaiah’s prophecy of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53, where the servant of God is described as one who suffers for the sins of others.
- The Cross as His Mission: The title “Son of Man” serves as a reminder that Jesus did not come to rule in earthly power or glory in His first coming, but to give His life for the salvation of the world. Jesus’ use of the title helps us understand that the path to glory was through suffering. This profound truth is emphasized when Jesus says in Matthew 20:28, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
4. The Son of Man and His Authority
While the “Son of Man” reflects Jesus’ humility and identification with humanity, it also signifies His authority and sovereignty. The title is used by Jesus to assert His divine power and His role in the coming Kingdom of God.
- Authority to Forgive Sins: One of the most striking uses of the “Son of Man” title is in Mark 2:10, where Jesus tells the paralyzed man that He has the authority to forgive sins, using the phrase, “But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” This assertion of divine authority would have been revolutionary, as only God had the power to forgive sins.
- Judgment and the Coming Kingdom: The title “Son of Man” is also used by Jesus to refer to His role as the final judge in the end times. In Matthew 25:31-32, Jesus speaks of His return in glory and the final judgment, saying:
“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.”
This passage highlights Jesus’ role in the final judgment, asserting His divine authority to decide the eternal fate of every person.
5. The Title’s Significance for the Christian Today
For modern Christians, the title “Son of Man” carries profound implications for our faith and understanding of Jesus. It serves as a reminder of:
- Jesus’ humanity: He understands our pain, suffering, and challenges, making Him a compassionate and trustworthy Savior.
- Jesus’ sacrificial mission: He came to serve, suffer, and die for the forgiveness of sins and the redemption of the world.
- Jesus’ authority: As the Son of Man, He is not only a figure of humility but also the sovereign King, who will return to establish God’s kingdom in its fullness.
In Jesus, the Son of Man, we find both the Savior who identifies with our humanity and the divine King who rules over all.
Conclusion
The title “Son of Man” is rich in meaning, encompassing Jesus’ divine and human natures, His mission of suffering and redemption, and His sovereign authority. It ties together key elements of Jesus’ identity—His suffering, compassion, authority, and future return. For Christians, understanding the full significance of the “Son of Man” title helps deepen our faith in Jesus as the perfect Savior, who is fully God and fully man, and who brings salvation to all who believe in Him.



















