SON OF MAN

 

SON OF MAN

The Significance of the Title

The Title "Son of Man"

While Jesus is indeed the Son of God, he often referred to himself as the Son of Man (Huios tou Anthropou). This title carries a complex meaning. In the Old Testament, "son of man" generally refers to a human being. However, in Daniel 7:13-14, it denotes someone who is more than just human. In both the Old and New Testaments, this title is associated with messianic expectations and is linked to Jesus’ second coming.

The combination of the titles Son of Man and Son of God illustrates the mystery of the Incarnation—the reality that the second person of the Trinity became human to bring us into unity with Him. When Jesus rose from the dead, he ascended into heaven not merely as God but also as a man. C.S. Lewis noted that many overlook the lasting humanity of Christ in glory. He suggested that we often emphasize Jesus’ humanity during Christmas and his divinity after Easter, missing the point that both aspects are essential to his identity and purpose.

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Praying to the Son of Man

The Jesus Seminar is a scholarly group that debates the historical accuracy of Jesus’ words and actions. Interestingly, some members, including atheists, use a color-coded voting system to express their views on various statements attributed to Jesus. They concluded that the only words definitively spoken by Jesus in the Lord’s Prayer were “Our” and “Father.” They depict Jesus merely as a humble sage, disregarding claims of his divinity as fabrications by later New Testament writers and the Gentile church.

However, this perspective overlooks key evidence. For instance, in Daniel 7, the vision speaks of someone “like the Son of Man” who comes with the clouds of heaven. This was understood by first-century Jews as a messianic reference. When Jesus claimed this title before the high priest, saying, “From now on you will see the Son of Man in the highest position in heaven. He will be coming on the clouds of heaven” (Matthew 26:64), he made a clear assertion of his identity as the divine Messiah. This declaration led to accusations of blasphemy because everyone present understood its implications.

Ironically, the Jesus Seminar, which claims to seek the historical Jesus, often propagates misunderstandings about him. It can be tempting to dismiss their findings with the words of Albert Einstein, who criticized those who misuse their intellect. The Gospels affirm that Jesus is both the Son of God and the Son of Man, bridging the divine and human realms. He reigns as the one who became like us so that we might become like him.

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Conclusion

Jesus, you are the Son of Man, the awaited Messiah who descended from heaven to elevate humanity. You possess the power, honor, and an everlasting kingdom, destined to reign forever.

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Promises Associated with the Name

“The Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory. Then he will pay back each person based on what that person has done.” (Matthew 16:27)

“Yeshua told them, ‘I can guarantee this truth: If you don’t eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you don’t have the source of life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will bring them back to life on the last day.’” (John 6:53-54)

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Reflection

Recognizing Jesus as the Son of Man helps us grasp the fullness of his mission and the depth of his love for humanity. His dual identity as both God and man invites us into a relationship that transcends our understanding and transforms our lives.