The title "Son of Man" is one of the most frequently used self-designations by Jesus in the Gospels. It is a term that appears over 80 times in the New Testament, yet its meaning has been the subject of much debate. Did Jesus use this term in reference to Himself, and if so, why? What did He intend to convey by calling Himself the "Son of Man," and how does this title relate to His mission, identity, and divine authority? This article seeks to explore these questions through an in-depth examination of the Scriptures, particularly the Gospels, and the broader biblical context, with the aim of understanding Jesus' explicit claim to be the Son of Man.
The Old Testament Foundation for the Term "Son of Man"
To understand Jesus’ use of the term "Son of Man," we must first look at how the term is used in the Hebrew Scriptures. In the Old Testament, "son of man" generally refers to humanity or an individual person. It emphasizes the mortality and frailty of humans in contrast to the eternal and powerful nature of Jehovah. For example, in Psalm 8:4, David asks, "What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?" Here, "son of man" is used synonymously with "man" to highlight the humble state of humanity before God.
However, the most significant Old Testament use of "Son of Man" as a title appears in the book of Daniel. In Daniel 7:13-14, the prophet has a vision of "one like a son of man" coming with the clouds of heaven. This figure is given dominion, glory, and a kingdom that will never be destroyed. Daniel 7:14 states, "And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed."
This passage from Daniel presents the "Son of Man" as a messianic figure with divine authority, given an everlasting kingdom by Jehovah. The vision of the Son of Man in Daniel is not merely a reference to a human being; rather, it points to a figure who, though appearing human, exercises divine power and authority over all creation. This is the key Old Testament backdrop that shapes our understanding of Jesus’ use of the title.
Jesus’ First Use of "Son of Man"
Jesus’ use of "Son of Man" in the Gospels is distinct from how the term is generally used in the Old Testament. The first instance where Jesus refers to Himself as the Son of Man appears in Matthew 8:20: "And Jesus said to him, 'Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.'" Here, Jesus uses the title to emphasize His humility and rejection by the world. Unlike the animals that have homes, the Son of Man is portrayed as one who is alienated from the comforts of earthly life.
This initial use of the title introduces the paradox of Jesus' identity as the Son of Man: He is both the exalted, divine figure from Daniel 7 and the suffering servant who experiences rejection and homelessness. This dual aspect of the Son of Man—His glory and His suffering—becomes a recurring theme throughout Jesus’ ministry.
The Son of Man and the Authority to Forgive Sins
One of the most striking uses of the title "Son of Man" occurs in the context of Jesus’ authority to forgive sins. In Mark 2:1-12, Jesus heals a paralyzed man after declaring, "Son, your sins are forgiven" (Mark 2:5). The scribes immediately question His authority to forgive sins, reasoning that only Jehovah can do so. In response, Jesus asks them, "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’?" (Mark 2:9). He then adds, "But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins—he said to the paralytic, ‘I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.’" (Mark 2:10-11).
In this passage, Jesus claims for Himself the divine authority to forgive sins—a prerogative that belongs to Jehovah alone. By identifying Himself as the Son of Man, Jesus draws upon the imagery of Daniel 7, where the Son of Man is given divine authority over all nations. This connection demonstrates that Jesus was not merely using "Son of Man" as a humble title but as a declaration of His divine authority. The healing of the paralytic serves as proof of His claim, confirming that the Son of Man possesses both the power to heal and the authority to forgive sins.
The Suffering of the Son of Man
In addition to using the title to emphasize His divine authority, Jesus frequently refers to the Son of Man in connection with His impending suffering and death. This is especially evident in the Synoptic Gospels, where Jesus predicts His passion using the title "Son of Man." For example, in Mark 8:31, Jesus says, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again." Similarly, in Matthew 17:22-23, Jesus tells His disciples, "The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day."
These predictions link the title "Son of Man" with the suffering servant imagery found in Isaiah 53, where the servant of Jehovah "was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3). By using the title in this context, Jesus makes it clear that the Son of Man is not just a figure of glory and authority but also one who will suffer and die for the sins of humanity.
This aspect of the Son of Man as a suffering figure would have been shocking to first-century Jews, who largely expected the Messiah to be a triumphant political leader. However, Jesus’ use of the title combines both the exaltation and the suffering of the Messiah, showing that His mission involves both the bearing of sin and the ultimate triumph over death.
The Son of Man and His Future Glory
While Jesus frequently uses the title "Son of Man" in relation to His suffering and death, He also speaks of the future glory that the Son of Man will receive. In Matthew 24:30, Jesus predicts His second coming, saying, "Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." This language directly echoes Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man comes with the clouds of heaven to receive dominion and authority from Jehovah.
Jesus’ statement in Matthew 24:30 highlights the eschatological role of the Son of Man. Although He will suffer and die, He will also return in glory to establish His kingdom. This future aspect of the Son of Man’s mission underscores the dual nature of Jesus’ ministry: He is both the suffering servant who atones for sin and the exalted Lord who will judge the nations.
In Matthew 25:31-32, Jesus further elaborates on the Son of Man’s role as the judge of all people: "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats." Here, Jesus clearly identifies the Son of Man as the one who will execute divine judgment at the end of the age. This imagery reinforces the connection between the Son of Man and the figure in Daniel 7, who is given authority over all peoples and nations.
The Son of Man and the Transfiguration
One of the most significant events in Jesus’ ministry that illustrates His identity as the Son of Man is the Transfiguration. In Matthew 17:1-9, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, where He is transfigured before them. His face shines like the sun, and His clothes become white as light. Moses and Elijah appear with Him, representing the Law and the Prophets, and a voice from the cloud declares, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him" (Matthew 17:5).
The Transfiguration serves as a powerful confirmation of Jesus’ divine identity and His role as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. While the title "Son of Man" is not explicitly used in this passage, the event underscores the glory and authority that Jesus, as the Son of Man, possesses. The appearance of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus also points to the continuity of Jehovah’s redemptive plan, with Jesus as its ultimate fulfillment.
The Trial Before the Sanhedrin
One of the most explicit moments where Jesus claims the title "Son of Man" is during His trial before the Sanhedrin. In Matthew 26:63-64, the high priest asks Him, "I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." Jesus replies, "You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven."
Here, Jesus directly references Daniel 7:13, identifying Himself as the Son of Man who will come with divine authority. His statement is a bold affirmation of His messianic identity and His claim to be the one who will execute judgment at the end of the age. The reaction of the high priest, who tears his robes and accuses Jesus of blasphemy, demonstrates that Jesus’ claim to be the Son of Man was understood as a claim to divine authority.
The Son of Man in the Early Christian Church
The early Christian Church continued to emphasize Jesus’ identity as the Son of Man, particularly in relation to His second coming and role as judge. For example, in Acts 7:56, Stephen, the first Christian martyr, has a vision of "the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God" just before he is stoned to death. This vision not only affirms the exaltation of Jesus as the Son of Man but also underscores the early Christian belief in His continued role as intercessor and judge.
The apostle Paul also refers to the future coming of Jesus as the Son of Man in passages such as 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, where he describes the return of Christ: "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first." Although Paul does not use the title "Son of Man" explicitly, the imagery of Christ’s return on the clouds echoes the vision of Daniel 7 and Jesus’ own predictions about the coming of the Son of Man.
The Theological Significance of the Son of Man
The title "Son of Man" carries profound theological significance for understanding Jesus’ mission and identity. First, it emphasizes His true humanity. As the Son of Man, Jesus fully identifies with humanity, experiencing the full range of human emotions and suffering, even to the point of death. This aspect of His identity is crucial for understanding His role as the one who redeems humanity from sin.
At the same time, the title "Son of Man" underscores Jesus’ divine authority. By using this title in reference to Himself, Jesus connects His mission with the messianic figure in Daniel 7, who is given dominion and glory by Jehovah. This dual aspect of the Son of Man—His humanity and divinity—reveals the unique nature of Jesus as both fully God and fully man.
Additionally, the title "Son of Man" points to the eschatological role that Jesus will play in the future. As the Son of Man, He will return in glory to judge the nations and establish His eternal kingdom. This future aspect of Jesus’ identity is central to Christian hope, as it assures believers that the suffering and death of the Son of Man were not the end of the story. Rather, His resurrection and ascension point to His eventual return in power and glory.
Did Jesus Explicitly Claim to Be the Son of Man?
Based on the biblical evidence, it is clear that Jesus not only referred to Himself as the Son of Man but also used this title to make explicit claims about His identity and mission. By identifying Himself with the Son of Man in Daniel 7, Jesus affirmed His divine authority, His role as judge, and His future coming in glory. At the same time, His use of the title emphasized His solidarity with humanity and His willingness to suffer for the sins of the world.
Jesus’ claim to be the Son of Man was understood by His contemporaries, especially the Jewish leaders, as a bold assertion of divine authority. Their reactions—ranging from accusations of blasphemy to attempts to stone Him—demonstrate that they fully grasped the significance of His claims. For the early Christian Church, the title "Son of Man" became a central way of expressing Jesus’ identity as both the suffering servant and the exalted Lord.
In conclusion, Jesus did indeed explicitly claim to be the Son of Man, using this title to reveal the full scope of His mission as the Messiah. The Son of Man is the one who suffers, dies, and rises again, but He is also the one who will return in glory to judge the world and establish Jehovah’s everlasting kingdom. Through this title, Jesus makes clear His unique role in Jehovah’s plan of salvation and His divine authority over all creation.
About the Author
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Explore whether Jesus made explicit claims to being the Messiah from the Old Testament. Uncover insights and interpretations.
Investigate the intriguing question of whether Jesus was the Essene Teacher of Righteousness. Explore historical insights.
RECOMMENDED READING FOR CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS AND EVANGELISM
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS: for Pastors, Teachers, and Believers
CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS: Answering the Tough Questions: Evidence and Reason in Defense of the Faith
REASON MEETS FAITH: Addressing and Refuting Atheism's Challenges to Christianity
BATTLE PLANS: A Game Plan for Answering Objections to the Christian Faith
CREATION AND COSMOS A Journey Through Creation, Science, and the Origins of Life
ANSWERING THE CRITICS: Defending God's Word Against Modern Skepticism
IS THE BIBLE REALLY THE WORD OF GOD?: Is Christianity the One True Faith?
DEFENDING OLD TESTAMENT AUTHORSHIP: The Word of God Is Authentic and True
YOUR GUIDE FOR DEFENDING THE BIBLE: Self-Education of the Bible Made Easy
THE BIBLE ON TRIAL: Examining the Evidence for Being Inspired, Inerrant, Authentic, and True
THE HISTORICAL JESUS: The Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ
THE HISTORICAL ADAM & EVE: Reconciling Faith and Fact in Genesis
UNSHAKABLE BELIEFS: Strategies for Strengthening and Defending Your Faith
BIBLICAL CRITICISM: What are Some Outstanding Weaknesses of Modern Historical Criticism?
THE CHRISTIAN APOLOGIST: Always Being Prepared to Make a Defense
THE EVANGELISM HANDBOOK: How All Christians Can Effectively Share God’s Word in Their Community
Kommentarer