Dictionary of Bible Themes: 2221 Jesus Christ, Son of Man

2221 Jesus Christ, Son of Man

Dictionary of Bible Themes

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Jesus Christ's preferred title for himself. The term points to the humanity and servanthood of Christ, but also reflects Daniel's vision of the son of man as a coming figure of judgment and authority.

Jesus Christ as the Son of Man in his human nature

OT use of “son of man” to mean “human being”

Numbers 23:19 See also Job 25:6; Job 35:8; Psalm 8:4; Psalm 80:17; Psalm 144:3

Jesus Christ describes himself as Son of Man to stress his humanity

Matthew 8:20 pp Luke 9:58 See also Matthew 11:19 pp Luke 7:34; Matthew 16:13,15; Luke 6:22; John 9:35

Blasphemy against the Son of Man is forgivable

Matthew 12:32 See also Luke 12:10

Jesus Christ as the Son of Man in his prophetic ministry

The OT use of “son of man” as a title for Ezekiel

Ezekiel 2:1

Jesus Christ preaches God's word

Matthew 13:37-43

Jesus Christ offers the words of eternal life

John 6:27 See also John 6:53,63,68

Jesus Christ as the Son of Man in his suffering and death

Jesus Christ as a servant

Matthew 20:28 pp Mark 10:45

Jesus Christ came to suffer, die and be raised

Luke 24:6-7 See also Matthew 12:40 pp Luke 11:30 the sign of Jonah; Matthew 17:9 pp Mark 9:9 the transfiguration

Predictions of Jesus Christ's death:

Matthew 17:22-23 pp Mark 9:31 pp Luke 9:44; Matthew 20:18 pp Mark 10:33 pp Luke 18:31; Matthew 26:24 pp Mark 14:21 pp Luke 22:22; Mark 8:31 pp Luke 9:22; John 3:14; John 12:23; John 13:31

Jesus Christ as the Son of Man in his authority and dominion

The vision of the son of man

Daniel 7:13-14 This passage provides the main OT background to Jesus Christ's understanding of himself as the “Son of Man”. His main uses of the title emphasise his dominion and authority, and also paradoxically that this glory will be attained through the humiliation of the cross.

Son of man meaning “son of Adam”

Genesis 1:26 Jesus Christ as Son of Man (in the Hebrew “son of Adam”) inherits the promise originally given to Adam of dominion over creation, which Adam forfeited because of his fall into sin. See also Romans 5:14; 1 Corinthians 15:45; Hebrews 2:6-9; Psalm 8:4-6

Jesus Christ had authority on earth

Matthew 9:6 pp Mark 2:10 pp Luke 5:24 Authority to forgive sins. See also Matthew 12:8 pp Mark 2:28 pp Luke 6:5 authority over the Sabbath

Jesus Christ is now ascended into glory

Acts 7:55-56 See also Revelation 1:13; Revelation 14:14

Jesus Christ will come to judge and reign over all

Matthew 16:27-28 pp Mark 8:38 pp Luke 9:26 See also Matthew 10:23; Matthew 24:30 pp Mark 13:26 pp Luke 21:27 the second coming; Matthew 24:44 pp Luke 12:40 the day and hour unknown; Matthew 26:64 pp Mark 14:62 pp Luke 22:69 Jesus Christ before the Sanhedrin; Luke 18:8; Luke 21:36; John 5:27