Why Is Jesus Called the Son of Man?

In Christianity, no one person has been bestowed with as many significant titles as Jesus Christ Himself. One of Jesus's most significant titles is "Son of Man." This title carries immense meaning in defining Jesus's identity and clarifying his role in the salvation of humanity. As history tells us, titles are of paramount importance in identifying individuals and understanding the roles they play in society. Throughout history, people have been given various names that reflect their profound impact on the lives of others. So, why is Jesus referred to as the Son of Man?

The Old Testament Use of the Title "Son of Man"

To grasp why Jesus is called the Son of Man, we must delve into the Old Testament and explore the meaning and usage of this revered title concerning our Lord.

In the Book of Ezekiel chapter 2 verse 1, God addresses the prophet Ezekiel as the "Son of Man". This title underscores Ezekiel's humanity and humility as a prophet and servant of God, ready to obediently carry out His commandments. Furthermore, in the Book of Daniel, the prophet describes a vision of an entity descending with the clouds of heaven to establish an everlasting Kingdom. This entity is referred to as the "Son of Man," symbolizing the Messiah who will rule with power and authority.

In Daniel chapter 7 verses 13 to 14, it says, "I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven, one like a son of man was coming, and he came up to the ancient of days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion, glory and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and men of every language might serve him. his dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away; and his kingdom is one which will not be destroyed."

Likewise, Jewish tradition regards the Son of Man as the Messiah, destined to bring everlasting peace to the nation of Israel and establish the Kingdom of God with righteousness and justice to judge the world.

The Son of Man Being Truly Human and Truly God

Given Jesus's upbringing in a Jewish family, it is reasonable to assume that He was well-acquainted with the significance of the title "Son of Man" within Jewish traditions. As someone who spent his formative years in the temple and possessed extensive knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures, Jesus undoubtedly comprehended the implications of the "Son of Man" title. When Jesus used this title about himself, he was acknowledging and proclaiming Himself as the Messiah—a humble servant of God.

Mark chapter 10 verses 43 to 45 tells us, "But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be the slave of all. 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."

By identifying as the Son of Man, Jesus was revealing the sacrificial nature of His mission. He was the heavenly envoy sent to offer forgiveness to those who placed their faith in Him. In Matthew chapter 9 verse 6 the Bible says, "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"—then He said to the paralytic, "Get up, pick up your bed and go home."

In recognizing himself as the Son of Man, Jesus acknowledged his humanity. Though inherently divine, he willingly descended from His heavenly throne to assume human form while retaining His divine nature. He became our advocate and champion, prepared to pay the price for our sin and free us from its curse. To fulfill this role, he needed to share our human experiences, enduring life's hardships, trials, and temptations—yet remaining sinless.

Despite possessing divine authority as truly God, Jesus's genuine humanity allowed Him to empathize with our struggles and intercede with the Father for the forgiveness of our sins and solace in our lives.

Hebrews chapter 4 verses 14 to 16 states, "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Furthermore, when Jesus referred to Himself as the Son of Man, He affirmed His role as the promised Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. By using this title, Jesus clarified His mission and established His identity as both truly divine and the One destined to establish the Eternal Kingdom, ushering in peace and rendering judgment with power and authority. He was the realization of Old Testament prophecies, as articulated by the prophet Daniel in his vision (Daniel chapter 7 verses 13 and 14).

In the end times, Jesus, the Son of Man, will return in glory to judge the living and the dead. When He returns, He will administer divine judgment upon the wicked and bring salvation in its fullness to those who have placed their faith in Him. Concurrently, He will establish an everlasting dominion, reigning from His throne in the New Jerusalem—a fulfillment of the prophecies made by Israel's prophets. Regrettably, many failed to recognize that Jesus was indeed the fulfillment of these prophecies.

In the book of John chapter 1 verses 11 to 13, the Bible says, "He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."

We Must Place Our Faith in the Son of Man

As the Son of Man, Jesus extends His offer of salvation not to a select few, but to all of humanity. This offer is known as grace because it is not earned; rather, it is bestowed upon those who place their faith in the Son of Man.

Our redemption and restoration hinge upon our faith in Jesus. Without faith in Jesus, we cannot escape eternal judgment. In our lives, we must believe that Jesus is the Begotten Son of God, eternal, the creator of all things. We must also acknowledge that He is the only Savior of humanity. In His divine capacity, He descended from heaven to become human while retaining His divinity. He is the Son of Man who can save us from eternal judgment.

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." — Luke chapter 19 verse 10

Without Jesus in our lives, we are lost and cannot approach the divine light. The good news is that His offer of salvation is available to us in this lifetime, regardless of our past or present state of sinfulness. This salvation is offered to all who believe in His name and place their faith in Him alone.

Know Jesus Today

If you are reading this today, we want you to know that it is not a coincidence that you have learned about the Son of Man through this article. Our prayer for you is that you place your trust in our Lord Jesus Christ and accept Him into your life. If you do so, it will mark the beginning of a new chapter in your life as someone who is "born again." We hope that your journey continues as you get to know Jesus more and more. There is no more incredible blessing in this lifetime than knowing Jesus! We are overjoyed for you and will continually keep you in our prayers!