The question of whether God is the Son of Man has been debated for centuries among theologians and religious scholars. The term “Son of Man” appears several times in the Bible, most prominently in the Gospels where Jesus refers to himself by that title. This has led to much discussion over what exactly “Son of Man” means and how it should be interpreted in relation to God and Jesus.
In this article, we will examine the key biblical passages that use the phrase “Son of Man,” look at the various theological interpretations over the centuries, and analyze the implications of the different views on the nature and identity of Jesus Christ. By reviewing the biblical evidence and scholarly opinions, we can gain a better understanding of this complex theological concept.
What Does “Son of Man” Mean in the Bible?
The phrase “Son of Man” appears over 80 times in the New Testament, with the majority occurring in the Gospels. Jesus frequently uses it in reference to himself, though there are a few instances where it is used in other contexts as well. Looking at some of the key passages can help shed light on the possible meanings behind this enigmatic term:
Old Testament Background
Although Jesus is the one who takes up the title “Son of Man” in the New Testament, the phrase has its background in the Old Testament. In the book of Daniel, the prophet Daniel sees a vision of one “like a son of man” coming with the clouds of heaven:
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 (Daniel 7:13).
This apocalyptic figure has similarities with divine beings and is given everlasting authority and sovereign power. Though not overtly stated, some scholars see this as a messianic prophecy that foreshadows Christ.
Jesus’ Self-Reference
By far the most common usage of “Son of Man” in the New Testament is Jesus applying it to himself. A few examples:
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners’ (Matthew 11:19).
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).
But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father (Mark 13:32).
In these verses and others, Jesus seems to use “Son of Man” interchangeably with “I” or “me”, indicating he sees it as a term for his own identity and mission. The usage spans his ministry, from his humility to the sacrificial nature of his death to statements about his knowledge and authority.
The Son of Man Will Return
A few passages record Jesus prophesying that the Son of Man will someday return:
They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory (Matthew 24:30).
Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory (Mark 13:26).
Here Jesus talks about the Son of Man coming in judgment at the end times, likely referring back to the vision in Daniel 7. This prophesied figure will be exalted and victorious.
Other Usages
A couple other biblical authors also utilize the term “Son of Man”:
As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat… 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 7:9,14).
One like a son of man came with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence (Daniel 7:13).
Here in Daniel’s vision, the “one like a son of man” seems to refer to a heavenly, messianic figure given eternal sovereignty. This links back to Jesus’ declarations that the Son of Man will return in glory at the end times.
Summary
In summary, while the exact meaning of “Son of Man” is complex, the key aspects are:
- It has its background in Daniel’s vision of a divine, messianic figure
- Jesus uses it frequently in reference to himself and his mission
- Jesus talks about the Son of Man returning in glory at the end times
- The passages imply divine authority and aspects unique to Jesus
With this biblical foundation, we can now better understand the various theological perspectives on what “Son of Man” signifies about the nature and work of Christ.
Theological Views on Jesus as the Son of Man
Christian theologians and thinkers have interpreted the meaning of Jesus as the Son of Man in several ways through church history. The main views fall into three major categories:
Literal Humanity
Some take “Son of Man” as emphasizing the full humanity of Christ. Jesus is the ideal human who was born, lived, and died as one of us. As the perfect man, Jesus is the ultimate example of how to live. This view focuses on verses that highlight Jesus’ human attributes and experiences, such as references to his suffering, death, and limited knowledge.
Divine Authority
Others see the title as pointing to Jesus’ unique divine identity and heavenly glory. As the Son of Man, Jesus has been granted eternal sovereignty over all creation as God’s chosen ruler and judge. This perspective highlights passages that indicate divine prerogatives, including the ability to forgive sins, wield final judgment, and receive worship from all nations.
God Became Man
Many argue “Son of Man” denotes that God became incarnate as a human being in the person of Jesus. As the God-man, Jesus is both fully divine and fully human. This hypostatic union allowed him to represent humanity before God and reveal God to humanity. Verses about Jesus’ humanity and divinity can both fit this view.
Summary
| View | Focus | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Literal Humanity | Jesus’ humanity | Jesus as ideal man |
| Divine Authority | Jesus’ divinity | Jesus as divine ruler |
| God Became Man | Jesus as God-man | Divine being in human form |
This table summarizes the key elements of the three main perspectives on “Son of Man” and what it signifies about Jesus Christ:
Applying the Views to Christology
The different understandings of Jesus as the Son of Man have significant implications for Christology, the area of theology focused on the nature and person of Christ. How one interprets this title impacts beliefs about Jesus’ identity, mission, and relationship to God. Let’s explore how:
Identity of Christ
The Literal Humanity view sees Jesus as a man specially chosen by God, but not necessarily divine. The Divine Authority perspective emphasizes his deity and heavenly glory. The God Became Man position asserts Jesus is the God-man, fully divine and human. Clearly, these differ significantly on whether Christ is regarded as God, man, or both.
Mission of Christ
Those holding to Literal Humanity often focus on Jesus as moral example and teacher. Divine Authority proponents highlight Christ’s role as eschatological judge and cosmic ruler. The God Became Man stance emphasizes Jesus as the incarnate Savior who reconciles God and humans through his redemptive life, death, and resurrection. The mission varies based on if he is simply human or the divine Son.
Relationship to God
If Jesus is just a man, then he differs little in essence from any other human. The Divine Authority view posits Christ as a uniquely exalted vice-regent of God. But if Jesus is God become man, then he shares full equality with God the Father while also representing humanity through taking on flesh. So there are radically different implications on Christ’s connection to the Father.
Summary
| View | Identity | Mission | Relationship to God |
|---|---|---|---|
| Literal Humanity | Man | Teacher/Example | Different in essence |
| Divine Authority | Divine being | Judge/Ruler | Unique vice-regent |
| God Became Man | God-man | Incarnate Savior | Equal with God |
This table summarizes how the major views of “Son of Man” have very different Christological implications:
Conclusion
In examining the question “Is God the Son of Man?”, we’ve explored key biblical evidence and theological perspectives. The title “Son of Man” has its background in Daniel’s vision, is Jesus’ most common self-designation in the Gospels, and points to his humanity, divinity, and second coming. Understandings of what the title signifies range from Jesus as just a man to divine ruler to God-man, with important Christological implications.
While debate continues, many conclude that “Son of Man” refers to Jesus Christ as the divine Savior who took on human existence for our salvation. This view synthesizes the biblical passages emphasizing both his humanity and divinity. Through the incarnation, Jesus is fully God and fully man, able to represent both perfectly. As the God-man, Jesus lived, died and rose again to redeem humanity, and will one day return to fulfill God’s eternal kingdom.