Matthew 16:13 ESV
16 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
Mark 14:60-64 ESV
60 And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 61 But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” 63 And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? 64 You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death.
Questions to Consider
1. What was Jesus favorite name for himself?
2. Where did he get this name?
Food For Thought
Things are rarely as simple as they appear. Jesus’ favorite title for himself, the Son of Man, is just such a title in which things are not as simple as they appear. It is generally thought that when Jesus is called the Son of Man that it is highlighting the humanity of Jesus. “Son of man” is a term used often in the Old Testament (approximately 106 times) to refer to this idea. For a good example, see Psalm 8:3-4.
But there is one occurrence of “son of man” in the Old Testament which drives Jesus’ use of the term in reference to his work. We’ve seen it before:
“I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. 14 And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed,” (Daniel 7:13-14 ESV).
Notice what is happening in Daniel’s vision: a figure, the “son of man,” is exalted to the right hand of God and given the power of God himself. When Jesus quotes this passage in Mark 14 and calls himself the Son of Man, he’s not saying he’s a mere human. He’s saying exactly the opposite: he is fully God!
Moment of Reflection
Why did Jesus choose this name for himself?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank you for glorifying your Son. Help me to live in light of the fact he is one day returning to claim his church. Amen.
Jesus, we want what you want.
By: Curtis W. Lindsey
