Generally, the concept of “Son of God” and “Son of Man” imply Jesus’ deity and humanity respectively. As the Son of Man, He is a human being, as well as the Son of God, in that He has always existed as the eternally begotten One who comes forth from the Father. Having the entirety of the divine nature within him, He is the second Person of the Trinity.

He was human fathered and born to a virgin. He was carried by the Holy Spirit in the virgin Mary. He is therefore entirely human. The idea is that Jesus has two natures—divine and human—in one person. The name “Son of Man” does not just associate Him with humanity, which is the more profound and significant historical insight. This is proven in the Book of Daniel 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 nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom will never be destroyed.” – Daniel 7:13-14 NIV 

Photo source: Alem Sanchez

When the term “Son of Man” is examined throughout the gospel, it becomes clear that Jesus was more frequently referred to as the Son of Man than as the Son of God. For instance, Mark 10:45 reads, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

On the other hand, Jesus frequently referred to Himself as the Son of Man because, on the surface, that phrase describes a human being in a normal manner. Although He was a man’s offspring, He was also revealed in several scriptures to be both divine and human.

Jesus constantly revealed who He was to those who could see, but He never did so overtly that everyone would flock to anoint him a king. He had to follow a very specific path in revealing Himself; He did not just openly claim to be a king and a messiah and expected people to recognize Him.

In certain contexts, His claims were explicit, while in others, they were implicit. Only when the time was appropriate, particularly when He was on life trial, did He respond to the high priest’s inquiry about whether He, Jesus, was the Messiah, the Son of God, in Matthew 26:64, “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

It is therefore advised that men emulate the humility of Jesus, who accepted the fact that He is not only the Son of God but also the Son of Man.

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Dominion TV, Africa’s Christian Lifestyle Network for Inspired and Empowered Living.