The Authority of Jesus as the Son of Man
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The title "Son of Man" is one of the most significant and frequently used designations for Jesus in the New Testament, emphasizing both His humanity and His divine authority. This title, deeply rooted in Jewish apocalyptic literature, particularly the Book of Daniel, underscores Jesus' role in God's redemptive plan and His authority over all creation.

Old Testament Background

The term "Son of Man" appears prominently in Daniel 7:13-14, where the prophet Daniel describes a vision: "In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." . This passage highlights the eschatological figure who is granted authority, glory, and sovereign power by God, the Ancient of Days.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently refers to Himself as the "Son of Man," a title that encapsulates His mission and authority. This self-designation is used in various contexts to reveal different aspects of His authority:

1. Authority to Forgive Sins: In Mark 2:10, Jesus declares, "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins..." . This statement, made in the context of healing a paralytic, asserts Jesus' divine prerogative to forgive sins, a power traditionally reserved for God alone.

2. Lord of the Sabbath: In Mark 2:28, Jesus proclaims, "So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." . By asserting His lordship over the Sabbath, Jesus claims authority over Jewish law and tradition, positioning Himself as the ultimate interpreter and fulfillment of the Law.

3. Authority Over Nature and Demons: The Gospels record numerous instances where Jesus, as the Son of Man, exercises authority over nature and demonic forces. In Matthew 8:27, after calming a storm, the disciples marvel, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!" . Similarly, His authority over demons is evident in passages like Mark 1:27, where the people are amazed at His command over unclean spirits.

4. Authority to Judge: Jesus speaks of His role as judge in passages such as John 5:27, "And He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man." . This judicial authority is further emphasized in Matthew 25:31-32, where the Son of Man is depicted as separating the sheep from the goats at the final judgment.

5. Authority in His Suffering and Resurrection: The title "Son of Man" is also closely associated with Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection. In Mark 8:31, Jesus teaches that "the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and that He must be killed and after three days rise again." . This aspect of His authority is paradoxical, as it is through His suffering and resurrection that He accomplishes redemption and establishes His kingdom.

Theological Implications

The authority of Jesus as the Son of Man is foundational to Christian theology, affirming His identity as both fully human and fully divine. His use of this title bridges the Old Testament expectations of a messianic figure with the New Testament revelation of Jesus as the incarnate Word of God. The authority of the Son of Man encompasses forgiveness, lordship over creation, judgment, and the establishment of an eternal kingdom, inviting believers to recognize and submit to His sovereign rule.
Subtopics

Authority

Authority in General

Authority in Religion

Authority Over Your Children

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The Authority of Jesus as Overseer
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