There are many names in the Bible for Jesus, but only three where he is called the Son of someone.
Seventeen times in the New Testament He is described as the “Son of David”. This is more than just a reference to His physical genealogy. It is also a reference to His Messiahship. He is the long-awaited Deliverer, the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.
He is also called the “Son of God”. To be the Son of God is to be of the same nature as God. It is to be God in human form. Heb. 1:3 expresses it this way, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being.” At Jesus’ trial the High Priest demanded of Jesus, “I charge you under oath by the living God; Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God. Yes, it is as you say, Jesus replied.” Matt. 26: 63-66. The Jewish leaders claimed blasphemy and demanded Jesus’ death in keeping with the law of Lev. 24:15.
Jesus is also referred to as the “Son of Man” 88 times in the New Testament alone. More than the other two names combined. And of the three names, this is the one Jesus preferred to use of Himself. Was this His way of expressing His love for us – showing He was like us in every way human? Maybe. But there is a significant historical context which we must not overlook from Dan. 7:13-14; “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.”
With this in mind, consider these statements of Jesus concerning Himself.
John 5:27, “For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself. And He has given Him authority to judge because He is the Son of Man.”
Matt. 24:30, “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.”
Mark 13:26-27, “At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And He will send his angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.”
It seems when Jesus referred to Himself as the Son of Man, He had Daniel 7 in mind.
Is He expressing his love for us – showing He is like us in every way human? YES, I shout.
Is He reminding us that He will come in all His glory and power at the end of earths’ history and gather us to Himself, when He restores all things? YES, I loudly shout.
Does He use this name so much because He too is LOOKING FORWARD to that time, when He will spend eternity with us? YES, I even more loudly shout.
Hallelujah! Let us encourage each other with these words.
Allen Graber