The Identity Of The "son Of Man"

Authored by Beyonddennis

Introduction to a Profound Enigma

The title "Son of Man" stands as one of the most intriguing and debated designations attributed to Jesus Christ within the New Testament. While it appears frequently on the lips of Jesus himself, its precise meaning, origin, and implications have been subjects of intense scholarly inquiry and theological reflection for centuries. This exploration, undertaken by Beyonddennis, aims to delve into the multi-faceted identity encompassed by this enigmatic phrase, examining its roots, its usage, and its profound theological significance. Understanding "Son of Man" is crucial for grasping the full scope of Jesus' self-understanding, his mission, and his role in salvation history.

Old Testament Roots: Daniel 7 and Beyond

The most significant Old Testament precursor to the "Son of Man" concept is found in the apocalyptic vision of Daniel 7. In this passage, Daniel sees "one like a son of man" (or "one like a human being") coming with the clouds of heaven to the Ancient of Days. This figure is given "dominion, glory, and kingship," and "all peoples, nations, and languages" serve him; his dominion is an "everlasting dominion that shall not pass away". This vision depicts a divine, heavenly figure, distinct from the beastly kingdoms of the earth, who receives ultimate authority and establishes an eternal kingdom.

While Daniel 7 provides the primary prophetic background, the phrase "son of man" (ben adam in Hebrew) in the Old Testament can simply mean "human being" or "mortal" in various contexts, particularly in the book of Ezekiel, where God frequently addresses the prophet as "son of man". This common usage highlights the humanity of the individual addressed. However, it is the specific, exalted, and eschatological context of Daniel 7 that is widely considered the foundational reference point for the New Testament's understanding of the "Son of Man" as a messianic or divine figure. The apocalyptic literature of the intertestamental period, such as the Book of Enoch, also developed the "Son of Man" figure as a pre-existent, righteous, and judging figure, further cementing its messianic and eschatological connotations prior to the time of Jesus.

Jesus' Self-Identification: The Gospels' Testimony

Perhaps the most striking aspect of the "Son of Man" title is its almost exclusive use by Jesus himself to refer to himself in the Gospels. Unlike "Christ" or "Son of God," which were often applied to him by others, "Son of Man" is Jesus' preferred self-designation, appearing over 80 times in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and 13 times in the Gospel of John. This deliberate choice by Jesus suggests a profound theological significance that he wished to convey about his identity and mission.

The Multifaceted Meaning in the Gospels

Scholars commonly categorize Jesus' "Son of Man" sayings into three main groups, reflecting different aspects of his ministry and destiny:

• The Earthly Ministry of the Son of Man: These sayings emphasize Jesus' present human existence, his authority, and his humble, suffering life. For example, the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins (Mark 2:10), has nowhere to lay his head (Matthew 8:20), and came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). These passages underscore his genuine humanity and his identification with suffering humanity.
• The Suffering and Resurrection of the Son of Man: A significant number of "Son of Man" sayings explicitly predict Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection. Jesus repeatedly foretells that the Son of Man "must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again" (Mark 8:31). This connection of the glorious Danielic figure with suffering was revolutionary and challenged the prevailing messianic expectations of a conquering king. It highlights the Servant motif, perhaps drawing from Isaiah's Suffering Servant songs, though not explicitly using "Servant of the Lord" as a title for the Son of Man.
• The Future, Glorious, and Eschatological Son of Man: This category strongly links back to the Daniel 7 vision, emphasizing Jesus' future role as judge and glorious return. Jesus speaks of the Son of Man "coming in the clouds with great power and glory" (Mark 13:26), and that "the Son of Man will come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done" (Matthew 16:27). These sayings point to his divine authority, his ultimate triumph, and his role in the final judgment.

The deliberate juxtaposition of these aspects – humanity, suffering, and divine glory – reveals the depth of Jesus' self-understanding. He presented himself as the divinely appointed figure who would fulfill prophecy not only through ultimate triumph but also through redemptive suffering.

Theological Implications and Scholarly Debates

The identity of the "Son of Man" holds profound theological implications, bridging aspects of humanity and divinity, suffering and triumph.

Humanity and Identification

By calling himself the "Son of Man," Jesus unequivocally emphasized his genuine humanity. He was a real person, susceptible to human experiences, limitations, and suffering. This title connects him to all of humanity, affirming his solidarity with the human condition and his role as the representative human being who perfectly fulfills God's will. It also allowed him to avoid the politically charged titles of "Messiah" or "King" initially, shifting focus to his suffering and eschatological roles rather than immediate political aspirations.

Divine Authority and Eschatological Role

Crucially, the "Son of Man" also carries strong connotations of divine authority and a future, glorious role. The allusions to Daniel 7 imbue the title with an eschatological and sovereign character. Jesus, the Son of Man, is depicted as the one who will judge the living and the dead, preside over the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, and possess ultimate authority given by God. This dual aspect—human vulnerability and divine power—is central to Christian theology, highlighting the incarnation and the redemptive plan.

Scholarly Perspectives

Debates surrounding the "Son of Man" are multifaceted. Some scholars argue that Jesus primarily used the term to refer to a distinct, apocalyptic figure, not necessarily identifying himself with it initially, but rather speaking of "the Son of Man" as a future agent of God. However, the overwhelming evidence from the Gospels suggests that Jesus implicitly or explicitly identified himself with this figure throughout his ministry. Other discussions revolve around whether the Aramaic phrase underlying "Son of Man" would have been commonly understood as a messianic title in Jesus' time or if it was uniquely imbued with such meaning by Jesus himself. Despite these ongoing discussions, the consensus points to its significant role in Jesus' self-disclosure and the early Christian understanding of his person and work.

Conclusion: The Unveiling of Identity

The title "Son of Man" is far from a simple designation; it is a profound theological statement through which Jesus unveiled crucial aspects of his identity and mission. It connected him to the shared humanity of all people, foretold his redemptive suffering and death, and affirmed his ultimate divine authority and future role as judge and king. For Beyonddennis, it is clear that this title served as a bridge between Old Testament prophecy, Jesus' earthly ministry, and the eschatological hope of the early church. It encapsulates the paradox of Christ: fully human, fully divine, suffering servant, and glorious Lord – the one who comes on the clouds to establish an everlasting kingdom.