Perhaps you may have learned, as I have, that reading and studying the scriptures offer some of the highest levels of intellectual reading as well as it is entertaining soothing, comforting, engaging and even fun!
I find it hard to stop reading the Bible and want to explore it hours upon hours. That is my experience in reading about Jesus Christ, the Most High God and the only true God. He refers to Himself as the ‘Son of Man.’
He alone uses that identification. Others call him Lor, Rabbi, Master. Why? Let’s explore Jesus self-assigned title, which requires diligent bible learners to know more. It does not refer to only His humanity. The title is found at least 81 times in the synoptic Gospels written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They write about His life and what he said.
But those who think this without a thorough study of the scriptures would be in error. You can be fascinated to learn that in Daniel 7:13-14, “son of man” is written – “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”
In Daniel’s vision, he saw two individuals. One is the Ancient of Days, a title which is given to God and mentioned three times in Daniel 7. The other person mentioned is “one like a son of man,” referring to the fact that He was human in His appearance.
But some additional facts about this personage in this passage bring a whole lot more to the description of Him: (1) He was given sovereign power (2) All nations worshiped Him (3) He was the king of an eternal kingdom. We can reasonably divinely conclude when comparing to Jesus. It can be no one else…the only true God. This is the coming of (return of Jesus Christ) that this one like a ‘Son of Man’ …more than just a man.
There are other Old Testament references. This points to the coming of a great king who would (and will) rescue God’s people from their sins and release prisoners from slavery. Now that he has come and will come again. Our expected deliverer came to be called the Messiah, ‘anointed one’.
Since the time that the book of Daniel was written in approximately 497 BC, the Jews rightly saw this person in Daniel 7:13 – 14 as the Messiah. Therefore, at the time of Jesus, they were expecting ‘one like a son of man.’
When Jesus used the term ‘Son of Man’, He was denoting His humanity. That title referred to His divinity as that special one in Daniel’s prophecy. What else did Jesus reveal about the “Son of Man?”
(1) That He had the power to forgive sins: Matthew 9:5 – 6 – ‘(2) That He is Lord of the Sabbath: Matthew 12:8. (3) That He is the King of a kingdom, and the angels are His: Matthew 13:41, Matthew 16:27 – 28. (4) That He is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God: Matthew 16:13 – 17 (See also Matthew 17:9, 22, 23; 20:18 – 19; 26:2; Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33 – 34; Luke 9:22)
(6) That He was to give His life as a ransom for many: Matthew 20:28. (7) That He was unique and came from heaven: John 3:13 – (8) That all who believe in Him are to have eternal life (through His resurrection): John 3:14 – 15 (to be continued)
Thanks for reading! Jeanette Grattan Parker is the founder-superintendent of Today’s Fresh Start Charter School, 4514 Crenshaw Boulevard, L.A. 90043, 323-293-9826, www.todaysfreshstart.org, (Ask Dr. Jeanette TM) “Inquiring Minds Want to Know.” All articles are copyright. All rights reserved © Any errors? Let me know. Sundays for music & message: 11:30 a.m. {1-712-775-8971—code 266751} References: The Holy Bible, Rhonda Balance, April 8, 2021, Yesterday’s Prophecy in Today’s News. Don’t stop praying and hoping. Studylight.org.