The Son of Man

Jesus called Himself the Son of Man. This may seem like an unremarkable title to us but it was laden with implications for Jesus’ audience.

Daniel had used the phrase originally. He saw four beasts (representing four successive world powers) in a dream. Then he saw the Ancient of Days surrounded by worshippers. Later, behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven . . . and there was given to Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages, should serve Him. (Dan. 7:13b,14 KJV)
Imagine the son of a common carpenter from Nazareth using the term in reference to Himself. Shocking! But Jesus said, "as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (Jn. 3:14,15)

Originally published February 26, 1988.
Picture: Patty's Garden, 2008. Photo by Solveig.