Jesus’ Favorite Way to Refer to Himself
“Son of Man” is the phrase used more frequently than any other to refer to Jesus in the Gospels. It is almost always a self-designation on the lips of Jesus. It is not a title used by his enemies or his followers.
For many years, I assumed that the title “Son of God” referred to the deity of Christ, and that “Son of Man” referred to his humanity. Though it is certainly true that Jesus is “fully God and fully man,” the titles may not break down that easily. In fact, some scholars will argue that “Son of Man” may be as lofty a title as “Son of God” because Jesus compares himself to the exalted “son of man” of Daniel 7.
This reference to Daniel 7:13-14 is perhaps most clear in Matthew 26. The context is Jesus’ trial before the High Priest and the Sanhedrin (the Jewish High Court). According to the text, these leaders were looking for some kind of testimony against Jesus in order to put him to death. Caiaphas the High Priest asks him: “By the living God I place you under oath: tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God!”[1] Jesus affirms that not only is he the anticipated Jewish Messiah, he also makes clear reference to the divine figure, the “son of man,” from Daniel 7:13-14. Jesus told Caiaphas, “But I tell you, in the future you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”[2]
Occasionally the term “son of man” was used simply to distinguish mere human beings from God (e.g., Ps. 8:4; Ezek. 2:1). In this context, however, Jesus leaves no doubt that he is using this title to equate himself with the divine figure in Daniel 7. Given this connection, we may not be surprised by the reaction of Caiaphas: “Then the high priest tore his robes and said, ‘He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? Look, now you’ve heard the blasphemy!’”[3]
New Testament scholar Mark Strauss, in his book Four Portraits, One Jesus, summarizes why Jesus likely adopted the preferred title Son of Man:
- It stressed his humanity and so his identification with the people of God.
- It alluded to Daniel 7:13 in a veiled way, revealing his messianic identity and the glory he would receive after he had suffered.
- At the same time, it did not carry the political dynamite of titles like Messiah or Son of David. Jesus could define his messiahship on his own terms, rather than on the basis of popular expectations.[4]
So, Jesus uses Son of Man in a humble way, a way that identifies him with humanity: those from whom the Son of Man would not be served but serve, and for whom he would give his life as a ransom for many (see Mark 10:45). But particularly here in Matthew 26, at the trial before his crucifixion, Jesus makes clear that he is also the exalted Son of Man, the one given authority to rule and whose dominion is everlasting and will not pass away (see Daniel 7:14).
In what ways are you comforted that Jesus, the Son of Man, has identified with you in your humanity? Thank him and praise him for this.
In what ways are you comforted that Jesus, the Son of Man, has an everlasting Kingdom and that his dominion and authority over all things will never pass away? Take time to worship him for this as well.
[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2009), Mt 26:63.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2009), Mt 26:64.
[3] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2009), Mt 26:65.
[4] Mark L. Strauss, Four Portraits, One Jesus: A Survey of Jesus and the Gospels (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2007), 485.