SON OF MAN
1. Core Meaning
Son of Man is Jesus’ most frequent title for Himself.
It carries three intertwined meanings:
• Humanity — Jesus is the true human, the second Adam.
• Humility — He identifies with human weakness and suffering.
• Divine Authority — He is the exalted figure of Daniel 7 who receives dominion, glory, and an everlasting kingdom.
The title holds together Christ’s incarnation, suffering, authority, and eschatological glory.
2. Biblical Foundations
Daniel 7:13–14
“One like a son of man… was given dominion and glory and a kingdom.” (Summary: The Son of Man is the divine ruler who receives an eternal kingdom.)
Mark 10:45
“The Son of Man came… to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Summary: The Son of Man suffers and saves.)
Matthew 8:20
“The Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” (Summary: The Son of Man embraces humility and poverty.)
Matthew 26:64
“You will see the Son of Man… coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Summary: The Son of Man will return in glory and judgment.)
3. Theological Meaning
A. The Son of Man as the True Human
Jesus embodies perfect humanity—obedient, righteous, and fully aligned with the Father’s will.
B. The Son of Man as the Suffering Servant
He identifies with human weakness, temptation, and sorrow, fulfilling Isaiah’s servant imagery.
C. The Son of Man as the Exalted King
Daniel 7 reveals Him as the divine ruler who receives universal dominion.
D. The Son of Man as Judge
Jesus claims authority to judge the living and the dead.
E. The Son of Man as Redeemer
He gives His life as a ransom, linking His suffering to His glory.
4. Voices from Christian Tradition
Irenaeus
"The Lord has therefore, in His work of recapitulation, summed up all things... crushing him who at the beginning led us away captives in Adam"
Augustine
"He is by nature God from God, yet became Son of Man by grace toward us"
John Calvin
“In calling Himself Son of Man, Christ embraces our condition to raise us to His glory.”
John Owen
"The Son of Man laid down His life that the sons of men might live unto God eternally."
Charles Spurgeon
"'Son of Man' crowns Him with lowliness while throning Him in glory."
N.T. Wright
"Son of Man means Jesus as the true human, called to suffer, be exalted, and rule as Son of God."
5. Practical Spiritual Significance
Comfort — Jesus understands human weakness from the inside.
Hope — The Son of Man will return in glory to set all things right.
Identity — Believers are restored to true humanity in Him.
Worship — The Son of Man is worthy of honour, dominion, and praise.
Mission — His pattern of humility and authority shapes discipleship.
6. Summary
“Son of Man” is Jesus’ self‑chosen title that unites His humanity, humility, suffering, authority, and future glory.
He is the true human, the suffering servant, the divine king of Daniel 7, and the judge of all the earth.
To follow the Son of Man is to embrace His humility now and share His glory later.
In Daily Faith: Walk with the One who knows your weakness, carries your sin, and will return in power.
In Daily Life: Following the Son of Man
The title “Son of Man” shapes how believers live every day.
1. In Your Heart — Resting in Christ’s Humanity
The Son of Man understands.
• Hebrews 4:15 (Summary: Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses.)
Daily Practice:
Bring your struggles to Christ, knowing He truly understands.
Why It Matters:
His humanity brings comfort and courage.
Encouragement:
You are known and loved by the One who became like you.
2. In Your Thoughts — Fixing Your Mind on Christ’s Humility
The Son of Man descended before He ascended.
• Philippians 2:6–8 (Summary: Christ humbled Himself to serve and suffer.)
Daily Practice:
Meditate on Christ’s humility as the pattern for your own.
Why It Matters:
Humility is the mind of Christ.
Encouragement:
The Spirit forms Christlike humility in you.
3. In Your Speech — Confessing Christ With Clarity and Joy
The Son of Man is worthy of proclamation.
• Matthew 16:13–16 (Summary: Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God.)
Daily Practice:
Speak of Christ openly and joyfully.
Why It Matters:
Confession strengthens faith.
Encouragement:
Your words honour the Son of Man.
4. In Your Relationships — Serving Others as Christ Served
The Son of Man came to serve.
• Mark 10:45 (Summary: The Son of Man came to give His life as a ransom.)
Daily Practice:
Serve others with sacrificial love.
Why It Matters:
Service reflects the heart of Christ.
Encouragement:
Your service echoes His ransom.
5. In Your Work — Living Under the Authority of the Son of Man
The Son of Man reigns.
• Daniel 7:14 (Summary: The Son of Man receives everlasting dominion.)
Daily Practice:
Work with integrity, knowing Christ is King over all.
Why It Matters:
His authority gives purpose to your labour.
Encouragement:
Your work participates in His kingdom.
6. In Your Community — Worshiping the Exalted Son of Man
The Son of Man is enthroned.
• Revelation 1:13–18 (Summary: The risen Christ appears in glory as the Son of Man.)
Daily Practice:
Worship with awe, reverence, and joy.
Why It Matters:
Worship aligns the heart with Christ’s glory.
Encouragement:
Your praise joins heaven’s song.
7. In Your Habits — Practicing Daily Dependence on Christ
The Son of Man relied on the Father.
• Mark 1:35 (Summary: Jesus prayed in solitude.)
Daily Practice:
Cultivate rhythms of prayer, Scripture, and dependence.
Why It Matters:
Habits shape Christlike living.
Encouragement:
The Spirit strengthens every faithful rhythm.
8. In Your Suffering — Looking to the Son of Man Who Suffered First
The Son of Man was rejected.
• Luke 9:22 (Summary: The Son of Man must suffer and be killed.)
Daily Practice:
Entrust your suffering to the One who suffered for you.
Why It Matters:
His suffering gives meaning to yours.
Encouragement:
He walks with you in every trial.
9. In Your Future — Awaiting the Son of Man’s Glorious Return
The Son of Man will come again.
• Matthew 24:30 (Summary: The Son of Man will return in power and glory.)
Daily Practice:
Live with expectation and readiness.
Why It Matters:
Your future is tied to His appearing.
Encouragement:
The Son of Man will return to make all things new.