The phrase “Son of Man” may sound ordinary, but in Scripture it carries profound significance. While it emphasizes humanity, it also points to divine authority. This title was not coined during Jesus’ ministry—it was introduced centuries earlier through prophecy.
Understanding this term is essential to understanding how Jesus identified Himself.
📖“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 nations and peoples 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.” Daniel 7:13–14 (NIV)
This vision was written more than 500 years before the time of Christ.
In Daniel’s vision, the “Son of Man” is not merely human. He arrives with the clouds of heaven—imagery associated with God Himself—and receives eternal authority and worship. Jewish readers understood this as a messianic and divine figure, not a symbolic or ordinary person.
This prophecy shaped expectations of a coming ruler with everlasting dominion.
Jesus used the title “Son of Man” more than any other when referring to Himself. By doing so, He connected His earthly ministry to Daniel’s vision while avoiding politically charged titles like “King.”
The title allowed Jesus to reveal His identity progressively—fully human, yet vested with divine authority.
When Jesus spoke of the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, His audience recognized the reference. At His trial, this claim was understood as direct identification with Daniel’s prophecy (Matthew 26:64), which led to the charge of blasphemy.
The reaction confirms that His meaning was clear.
Daniel’s vision presents the Messiah as both approachable and eternal—human in appearance, divine in authority. Jesus fits this description in a way no other figure in history has.
The title “Son of Man” reveals a Savior who understands humanity while ruling with everlasting power.
The prophecy shows that Jesus did not merely claim authority—He fulfilled an ancient vision of a kingdom without end. What Daniel saw in vision, the Gospels present in reality.
📖“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 nations and peoples 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.” Daniel 7:13–14 (NIV)
