Why Did Jesus Call Himself the Son of Man?

8 months ago

Why Did Jesus Call Himself the Son of Man?

In his statement, Jesus’ use of the title “Son of Man” is easily overlooked but adds significant context to his message.
Jesus was very careful with his words during his earthly ministry. He didn’t go around shouting, “I’m the Messiah!” because political turmoil with Rome would have derailed his ministry. While Jesus confirmed he was the Messiah in private (Matthew 16:13-16; John 4:25-26), he was less direct in public, so his enemies couldn’t accuse him of threatening Rome.
In the book of Ezekiel, the phrase “son of man” is often used as a general term for a human. It’s an inherently humble term in that sense. Yet Jesus calls himself “THE Son of Man,” as though it is a title specific to himself rather than a generic description.
One passage in the Old Testament uses “son of man” more as a title: Daniel 7:13-14 New Living Translation.

“As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed” .
In short, when Jesus called himself the Son of Man, he was saying quietly, subtly, that he was fully human—yet so much more. In this passage, where he tells the disciples to serve others, he is referencing how he, the King of all creation, had become a humble human to serve his subjects better, refer to Philippians 2:1-11 New International Version.

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