“A biblical study of the title ‘Son of Man’ and how it reveals the human mission of Jesus in the Scriptures.”
THE TITLE “SON OF MAN” IN THE TANAKH
In the sacred writings of the Tanakh, God uses the title “son of man” to address individuals chosen for a prophetic mission.
As it is written:
Ezekiel 2:1
“And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.”
Ezekiel 2:3
“Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel…”
Ezekiel 3:4
“Son of man, go unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.”
These passages clearly show that the expression “son of man” was used by God when addressing His prophets. Ezekiel, though chosen for a divine mission, remained a human servant called to proclaim God's message.
A similar expression appears in the book of Daniel:
Daniel 8:17
“Understand, O son of man: for the vision belongeth to the time of the end.”
These examples demonstrate that the title refers to human servants entrusted with a divine responsibility.
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JESUS AND THE TITLE “SON OF MAN”
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly referred to himself as the Son of Man.
Matthew 11:19
“The Son of man came eating and drinking…”
Matthew 17:9
“…until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.”
John 5:27
“…because he is the Son of man.”
These passages demonstrate that Jesus openly embraced this title. It highlights his role within humanity rather than placing him outside of it.
CREATION FROM A MOTHER'S WOMB
According to the Scriptures, the creation of humanity unfolds through different stages.
The first man, Adam, was formed from the dust of the ground. The first woman, Eve, was created from the rib of the man. After these initial acts, humanity began to multiply through birth from a woman's womb.
As it is written:
Job 33:4
“The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.”
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee…”
Isaiah 44:2
“Thus saith Jehovah that made thee, and formed thee from the womb…”
These passages reveal that human life continues through the process of formation within the womb. Every person enters the world through this divinely established order.
THREE METHODS OF CREATION
The Scriptures present three ways in which God brought humanity into existence.
1. Creation from the dust of the ground
The first man, Adam, was formed directly from the dust.
2. Creation from the rib of the man
The first woman, Eve, was formed from Adam’s rib.
3. Creation through the womb of a woman
All succeeding generations of humanity are born through the womb.
Through this third process, human life continues as part of God's created order.
THE BIRTH OF JESUS OF NAZARETH
The Gospel record affirms that Jesus of Nazareth entered the world through the same human process by which all people are born—from the womb of a woman.
Matthew 1:20
“That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”
The Spirit of God brought about the conception, yet the result was a human birth. Jesus was born into the world, grew up in human life, and lived under the same conditions as all people.
This reality is further explored in Why the Humanity of Jesus Matters, where the Scriptures show why Jesus' humanity is essential to understanding his mission.
“MY FATHER AND YOUR FATHER”
Jesus also made an important statement regarding his relationship with God.
John 20:17
“I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.”
In these words, Jesus clearly points to the one God of heaven as both his God and the God of those who follow him.
The authority associated with the title Son of Man is closely connected to the obedience of Jesus to the Father who sent him. This relationship will be explored further in the study “Did Jesus Obey God? What His Obedience Reveals About His Mission.”
___________________________________________________________________Questions and Answers
What does the title “Son of Man” mean in the Scriptures?
In the Scriptures, the title “Son of Man” is used when God addresses or identifies a human servant chosen for a specific mission. Prophets such as Ezekiel were called by this title, showing that it refers to a human messenger entrusted with God’s word.
Why did Jesus frequently call himself the Son of Man?
Jesus used the title Son of Man to describe his role within humanity and his mission from God. By using this title, he identified himself as a servant sent to fulfill a purpose rather than presenting himself as the source of divine authority.
Does the title “Son of Man” mean Jesus is God?
In the biblical context, the title "Son of Man" emphasizes Jesus' humanity and the mission entrusted to him by God. It points to his role as a servant through whom the Spirit of God was working.
Why is understanding the title “Son of Man” important?
Understanding the meaning of the phrase "Son of Man" helps clarify the identity and mission of Jesus. It shows how the Scriptures present him as a human servant chosen and sent by God to accomplish a specific purpose.
How is the title “Son of Man” connected to the mission of Jesus?
The title highlights the relationship between Jesus and the Father who sent him. His authority and mission were connected to obedience to God, a subject explored further in the study “Did Jesus Obey God? What His Obedience Reveals About His Mission.”
Continue the Christology Study
If you would like to explore this subject further, you may continue reading the following articles:
• Christology of Jesus of Nazareth
• Why the Humanity of Jesus Matters
• Did Jesus Obey God? What His Obedience Reveals About His Mission
These studies examine the life, mission, and teachings of Jesus as recorded in the Scriptures.
CONCLUSION
From the testimony of the Scriptures, the title “Son of Man” consistently refers to a human servant chosen by God to fulfill a particular mission. Prophets such as Ezekiel were addressed with this title when they were entrusted with God's message.
In the same way, Jesus of Nazareth repeatedly used the title Son of Man when referring to himself. This expression highlights his role within humanity and the mission entrusted to him by the Father who sent him.
Rather than presenting himself as the source of divine authority, the Scriptures show that his authority and works were carried out in obedience to God. Through this understanding, the title Son of Man reveals the nature of his mission and the relationship between the servant and the One who sent him.
Understanding this title, therefore, helps clarify the message of the Gospel and the role of Jesus within the plan of God.
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Call to Reflection
The Scriptures encourage every reader to examine the testimony carefully and seek understanding through the words recorded in the sacred writings.
By studying these passages in their context, we gain a clearer view of how God works through human servants to carry out His purposes.
ITO ANG KATURUANG CRISTO
May the light of truth, wisdom, and life continue to guide those who seek the knowledge of God.
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