Jesus often referred to himself as the “Son of Man” in the New Testament. This was his favorite and most common way to describe himself. But what did this enigmatic title mean?

The Old Testament Background

The term “Son of Man” comes from Daniel 7 in the Old Testament. In this passage, Daniel has a vision of four evil beastly kingdoms that oppress God’s people. But then Daniel sees “one like a son of man” coming with the clouds of heaven. This figure approaches God’s throne and is given everlasting dominion over the earth (Daniel 7:13-14).

This Son of Man represents a human figure who has authority from God to rule the nations justly. The beasts represent corrupt human kingdoms that are acting wickedly. The Son of Man is the true representative of humanity who will replace wicked rulers and restore God’s purposes on earth.

Why Jesus Called Himself the Son of Man

By taking on the title Son of Man, Jesus was assigning it to himself and claiming to be the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy(Daniel 7:13-14). Jesus used the title Son of Man over 80 times in the Bible, far more than any other title. Here’s why:

1. It Highlighted Jesus’ Humanity

The title Son of Man emphasizes that Jesus was fully human. He wasn’t just God dressed up in a human costume. Jesus was 100% God and 100% man. As a man, Jesus could rightfully represent and identify with humanity (Hebrews 2:14-17).

2. It Hinted at Jesus’ Divinity

Even though Son of Man highlights Jesus’ humanity, it also suggests something more. The Son of Man received an everlasting kingdom and authority to rule (Daniel 7:14). Jesus wasn’t an ordinary man, but the God-man with a right to reign forever.

3. It Connected Jesus to His Mission

Jesus’ favorite title connected him to his earthly mission. As the Son of Man, he would suffer and die at the hands of wicked men. But in this ultimate act of humility, Jesus would defeat evil, be vindicated by God, and receive all authority on heaven and earth (Matthew 26:64).

What Does Son of Man Mean for Us?

Jesus came as the Son of Man to create a new humanity over which he rules. When we put our faith in Christ, we become part of this redeemed humanity (2 Corinthians 5:17). As his followers, we share in Jesus’ authority to rule over the beasts of sin and darkness. One day, we will fully reign with the Son of Man in his eternal kingdom.

The Son of Man gives us both a model to follow in living a fully human life and a mission to fulfill in making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). One day every knee will bow to King Jesus, the divine Son of Man (Philippians 2:6-11).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Son of Man mean literally?

The title Son of Man literally means “a human being.” It highlights the humanity of Jesus while also indicating his messianic role.

Where did Jesus get the title from?

Jesus drew the title Son of Man directly from Daniel 7:13-14 in the Old Testament, where Daniel has a vision of a human figure (“one like a son of man”) approaching God’s throne and receiving everlasting dominion.

Why is Son of Man Jesus’ favorite title for himself?

Of all the titles Jesus could have chosen, he preferred Son of Man because it highlighted both his humanity and divinity. It also connected him to his mission to suffer, die, and rise again to defeat evil.

Did Jesus ever directly say he was the Son of Man?

Yes. At his trial before the high priest, Jesus explicitly said that he was the fulfillment of Daniel’s vision: “You will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62).

How does Jesus as Son of Man set an example for us?

As the Son of Man, Jesus shows us what it means to live fully submitted to God as a human being. We follow his model of humility, service, compassion, courage, and sacrifice.

Conclusion

The title Son of Man provides rich insight into Jesus’ identity and mission. This was no ordinary man, but the God-man who came to redeem humanity and restore us as rulers under his loving kingdom. When we submit to Jesus as Son of Man and King, we become the people we were created to be.

Verses about Jesus as Son of Man

• “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10
• “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Matthew 8:20
• “For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.” John 5:26-27
• “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Luke 9:22

Other Key Verses

• “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” Daniel 7:13-14
• “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.” 1 Timothy 2:5-6
• “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11