Who was the Son of Man?
The title “Son of Man” is one of the most profound and significant names Jesus used for Himself throughout the Gospels, including in Matthew 10:23, where He says, “When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” In Greek, the term is “ho huios tou anthrōpou” (ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου), which literally means “the Son of the human.” The Hebrew equivalent is “ben adam” (בֶּן־אָדָם), often used in the Old Testament to refer simply to a human being but given messianic significance in prophetic literature such as Daniel.
The title is deeply rooted in Jewish eschatological expectations and draws especially from Daniel 7:13-14, where “one like a son of man” comes with the clouds of heaven and is given authority, glory, and sovereign power. Jesus’ repeated use of this title declared both His identification with humanity and His fulfillment of the divine, messianic figure prophesied in the Old Testament.
Biblical Appearances and Cross-References
- Matthew 10:23 – The Son of Man is said to “come” in a context of mission and persecution.
- Daniel 7:13-14 – The prophetic source: the Son of Man receives eternal dominion from the Ancient of Days.
- Matthew 8:20 – “The Son of Man has no place to lay his head,” emphasizing Jesus’ humility.
- Matthew 9:6 – Jesus says the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.
- Matthew 12:8 – “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
- Matthew 16:27-28, 24:30, 26:64 – Future return of the Son of Man in glory and judgment.
Cross-references:
What Happened in the Bible?
In Matthew 10, Jesus is instructing the Twelve disciples as He sends them out on a mission. In verse 23, He warns them of coming persecution and urges them to flee from town to town. He then refers to Himself as the Son of Man, stating, “you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” This cryptic saying ties His mission and their suffering to His coming—possibly referring to His resurrection, the destruction of Jerusalem, or His second coming in judgment and glory.
By using this term, Jesus places Himself within the divine drama of redemption, not merely as a prophet or teacher, but as the central, divine-human figure who brings about the kingdom of God and will return in glory.
What It Means for Today’s Christians
The title Son of Man calls Christians to see Jesus as both fully human and fully divine. He identifies with us in our humanity, experiencing hunger, fatigue, grief, and temptation. Yet He also holds divine authority to forgive sins, command nature, and judge the world.
Matthew 10:23 reminds believers that persecution and hardship are part of discipleship, but Christ’s return is certain. The Son of Man who once suffered is the same who will return in victory. Christians are called to live with urgency, hope, and endurance, knowing the Lord sees and will vindicate His people.
How the Son of Man Points to Jesus and the Gospel
The Son of Man is the gospel in one title. It encapsulates:
- Incarnation – Jesus is the true Son of Adam, identifying with humanity (Hebrews 2:14).
- Atonement – As Son of Man, He must suffer, die, and rise again (Mark 8:31).
- Exaltation – The Son of Man is given authority, glory, and a kingdom (Daniel 7:14).
- Judgment – He will return with angels in His Father’s glory (Matthew 25:31-46).
In other words, the Son of Man is the crucified and risen King who reigns now and will return. The gospel is not merely that Jesus saves individuals, but that He is the rightful ruler of heaven and earth, coming again to make all things new.
Broader Biblical Themes
Humanity and Divinity
The title underscores the paradox of Jesus‘ identity. He is truly human—tempted, rejected, and crucified. Yet He is also divine—able to forgive sin, command legions of angels, and rule over an eternal kingdom.
Kingdom and Judgment
Daniel‘s vision shows the Son of Man receiving a kingdom that will never pass away. This theme runs through Jesus‘ teaching: the kingdom is at hand, yet its fullness will be seen at the return of the Son of Man.
Suffering and Glory
Jesus repeatedly links the Son of Man title to His suffering (Luke 9:22) and His future glory (Matthew 24:30). Christians share in this pattern—suffering now, glory later.
Mission and Urgency
In Matthew 10, the coming of the Son of Man compels the disciples to urgency in their mission. Christians today are also sent out to proclaim the gospel in view of the Lord’s return.
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think Jesus chose the title “Son of Man” rather than other more expected messianic titles?
- How does Jesus’ use of “Son of Man” help you understand His identity as both fully human and fully divine?
- What does Matthew 10:23 teach us about persecution and the return of Christ?
- How can we live with a sense of urgency and faithfulness, knowing the Son of Man is coming again?
- In what ways does the title “Son of Man” challenge your view of Jesus‘ authority and mission?
The Son of Man is not just a theological term. It is Jesus’ own chosen title to describe His unique role in God’s plan of redemption—humble Servant, suffering Savior, and reigning King.