How is Jesus the Son of Man? from Compelling Truth
Jesus was often called the Son of Man in the New Testament, but what does that title mean? The source of this title is found in the Old Testament prophets. A look at their uses of the term offers a rich perspective regarding the meaning and significance of this particular title.
In Daniel, the term is used in an important prediction that reads, “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13-14). It is clear in this passage that the title Son of Man was used in reference to the coming Jewish Messiah.
Certain characteristics of this Son of Man are made clear in these verses. They include: 1) He would come on the clouds of heaven, 2) He has authority over all people and nations, 3) He receives worship, 4) He is eternal, and 5) His kingdom will never be destroyed. Though some aspects of this prediction are still future in relation to Christ’s second coming, Jesus has made clear His authority, receives worship, and affirms His eternal dominion as the Son of God who defeated death at the resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10).
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In other places in the Old Testament, “Son of Man” is also used in reference to a person rather than to the Jewish Messiah. For example, Ezekiel frequently used the reference “son of man” to identify a person, emphasizing this aspect of the term by utilizing the phrase 93 times in his writing.
