The title "Son of Man" is one of the most profound and frequently used titles for Jesus Christ in the New Testament, appearing over 80 times in the Gospels. This designation is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, carrying significant theological implications about the identity and mission of Jesus.

Old Testament Background

The term "Son of Man" finds its origins in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Daniel. In Daniel 7:13-14 , the prophet describes a vision: "I continued watching in the night visions, 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 presents the "Son of Man" as a heavenly figure endowed with authority, glory, and sovereign power, a vision that would later be fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ.

Usage in the Gospels

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently refers to Himself as the "Son of Man." This self-designation emphasizes both His humanity and His divine authority. For instance, in Matthew 8:20 , Jesus says, "Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head." Here, the title underscores His identification with humanity and His humble earthly existence.

Moreover, the "Son of Man" is associated with Jesus' authority to forgive sins, as seen in Mark 2:10 : "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins..." This statement reveals His divine prerogative, a power that belongs to God alone, thus affirming His deity.

Suffering and Sacrifice

The title also highlights the suffering and sacrificial role of Jesus. In Mark 10:45 , Jesus declares, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." This passage encapsulates the redemptive mission of Christ, emphasizing His role as the suffering servant who would lay down His life for the salvation of humanity.

Eschatological Role

The "Son of Man" is also a title that points to the eschatological role of Christ. In Matthew 24:30 , Jesus speaks of His return: "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory." This future aspect of the title underscores His role as the judge and king who will return in glory to establish His eternal kingdom.

Theological Significance

Theologically, the title "Son of Man" encapsulates the mystery of the Incarnation—God becoming man. It affirms both the full humanity and the full divinity of Jesus Christ. As the "Son of Man," Jesus bridges the gap between God and humanity, fulfilling the messianic prophecies and establishing a new covenant through His life, death, and resurrection.

In summary, the title "Son of Man" is a rich and multifaceted designation that reveals the depth of Christ's identity and mission. It is a title that speaks to His humanity, His divine authority, His role as the suffering servant, and His future return in glory.John 5:27
And has given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 6:37
All that the Father gives me shall come to me; and him that comes to me I will in no wise cast out.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Names Son of God and Son of Man.
... Both of the names which he applied to himself"Son of God ... (further illustrated in
Christ's last words ... not among the more usual or best known titles of Messiah ...
/.../section 58 the names son.htm

On the Various Names and Titles
... V. On the Various Names and Titles. ... The bridegroom is Christ, the reason being that
he was promised by the Father from the beginning; in the psalm: and he ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/v on the various names.htm

The Son of Man
... The Church has no more to do with Christ under the title of "The Son of Man" than
the Syro-Phoenician woman had ... [10] See The Divine Names and Titles, by Dr ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/the son of man.htm

The Man of Sin, the Son of Perdition
... Names And Titles of the Antichrist 2. The Man of Sin, the ... The Christ of God was sinless;
the Christ of Satan will not only be sinful, but the Man of Sin. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/2 the man of sin.htm

The Title "Word" is to be Interpreted by the Same Method as the ...
... term employed, but to enquire in what sense Christ is to ... is the Word, we must begin
with those names of which ... as to the concepts for which the titles are used ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the title word is.htm

To Bishop Timotheus.
... and "Lord of all creation"; and that the names "Jesus Christ ... however, He was never
called either Christ or Jesus. ... He is called also by the titles which are ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cxxx to bishop timotheus.htm

The Fourth Theological Oration, which is the Second Concerning the ...
... They are the titles of the Son. ... all and above all keep to this, and thou shalt never
err, either in the loftier or the lowlier names; Jesus Christ is the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxx the fourth theological.htm

On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... And He is called by two names, Jesus Christ; Jesus ... the inspired Prophet Moses conferred
these two titles on two ... others may not share: but Jesus Christ being the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm

He Brings Forward the Witness of God the Father to the Divinity of ...
... pleased: that the addition of the titles might denote ... in the case of our Lord Jesus
Christ these special ... that the special character of His names might support ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter xvi he brings forward.htm

Proof of the Catholic Sense of the Word Son. Power, Word or Reason ...
... but if He be less than the names, yet He ... and of the generation from the Father these
titles are tokens ... And again, There is one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter iv proof of the catholic.htm

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