What does it mean that Jesus is the Son of Man?

19-Jul-2025
Peter W. Guess

holy spirit

What does it mean that Jesus is the Son of Man?

In Christian theology, Jesus's use of the title "Son of Man" refers to both his humanity and his divine role as the Messiah. It emphasises that he is fully human, experiencing human life, temptations, and suffering, while also being the promised Messiah who will usher in God's kingdom. This title, derived from Daniel 7:13-14, refers to the apocalyptic Son of Man in the Book of Daniel, who signifies a figure that receives authority and power from God. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

1. Jesus's Humanity:

  • The phrase "Son of Man" can simply mean "human being".
  • Jesus used it to highlight his human nature, born of a woman and experiencing life as a person.
  • This emphasis on his humanity is important because it shows he can sympathise with human weaknesses and temptations

2. The Messiah and Authority:

  • The title "Son of Man" also connects Jesus to the figure in Daniel 7:13-14, who is given authority and dominion.
  • This Danielic Son of Man is depicted as a heavenly figure who will receive a kingdom and reign over all nations.
  • Jesus's use of this title suggests that he is the Messiah, the one who will bring God's kingdom and rule. 
  • In Daniel 7:13-14, the "Son of Man" is given dominion, glory, and a kingdom, signifying divine authority and power

3. Double Meaning:

  • Jesus's use of this title is significant because it connects his earthly life with his heavenly purpose.
  • He is both fully human and the divine Son of God. 

4. Contrast with "Son of God":

  • While "Son of God" emphasises Jesus's divinity, "Son of Man" emphasises his humanity, allowing him to relate to humanity and understand their struggles

5. Suffering and Exaltation:

  • Jesus often linked the title "Son of Man" with his suffering, death, and resurrection. 
  • This highlights that his path to authority and glory would involve sacrifice and overcoming death. 
  • His crucifixion, while appearing to be a defeat, was a key part of his exaltation as the Son of Man.

4. Jesus's Unique Self-Designation:

  • Importantly, Jesus is the only one who calls himself the "Son of Man" in the Gospels.
  • His disciples never use this title to refer to him.
  • This suggests that Jesus used it to emphasise his unique identity and mission

Jesus used the title "Son of Man" to refer to himself approximately 80 times throughout the Gospels. This title, which emphasises his humanity, is the most frequent way Jesus referred to himself. The title is used in various contexts, including discussions of his earthly ministry, suffering, death, and future glory.

Matthew: 30 times

Mark: 14 times

Luke: 25 times

John: 12 times

The title "Son of Man" is used exclusively by Jesus to refer to himself in the Gospels, except for one instance in the book of Acts, where Stephen uses it. 

Son of Man is the primary title Jesus used when referring to Himself (e.g., Matthew 12:32; 13:37; Luke 12:8; John 1:51). The only use of Son of Man in a clear reference to Jesus, spoken by someone other than Jesus, came from the lips of Stephen as he was being martyred (Acts 7:56).

Peter W. Guess

Curated with A.I., including Google Gemini