DAY 3 - Son of Man
Over the past two days, we’ve explored how the names and titles of Jesus are deeply significant, revealing essential aspects of his identity. Throughout his ministry, Jesus made his identity known through both his words and actions, especially in the days leading up to his death and resurrection. Today’s title is no exception—though one could argue it stands apart, as it is the name Jesus most often used for himself: the Son of Man.
A full study of this title could fill volumes of scholarly research, but here we will briefly highlight three key aspects of what Jesus meant when he referred to himself as the Son of Man.
Humanity
At its most basic level, “Son of Man” emphasizes Jesus’ human nature. In the Old Testament, the phrase simply means “human,” as seen throughout the book of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2:1). By using this title, Jesus highlights his full participation in the human experience.
Divinity
At the same time, the title connects Jesus to the vision in Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man is given eternal authority and dominion over all nations. This messianic figure is not only human but also divine, ruling as the ultimate judge (Mark 2:10, Matthew 25:31-46). In this way, the title affirms Jesus’ fulfillment of prophecy and his divine authority.
Mediator
The Son of Man serves as the bridge between heaven and earth, a theme Jesus himself alluded to in John 1:51 when he referenced Jacob’s ladder (Genesis 28:12). As both fully human and fully divine, Jesus is the perfect mediator between God and humanity, making reconciliation possible.
The Son of Man in Holy Week
So, where do we see the Son of Man revealed in today’s passage? Practically everywhere! Tuesday of Holy Week was an eventful day for Jesus, recorded in 211 verses across nearly five chapters (Matthew 21:23–26:5), accounting for 20% of the entire Gospel of Matthew. From teaching in the temple and silencing religious leaders to delivering prophetic insights on the Mount of Olives, these chapters serve as Jesus’ final public teachings before the plot against him solidifies.
Jesus’ words carry immense weight—not only because of what he says but because of who he is. He is the Word through whom creation was formed. When the incarnate God chooses to reveal himself with a unique title that no one else in the New Testament uses for him, we should pause and take it in. His choice of “Son of Man” expresses the deep mystery of his identity—fully human (he knows us), fully divine (he provides for us), and the perfect mediator (he is for us).
Recognizing that Jesus fully embraced his humanity alongside his divinity is a powerful reminder of his intimate connection with us. His deliberate choice of a title that encapsulates both invites us to reflect: How does knowing that God truly understands our human experience change the way we approach him in prayer, in our struggles, and in our expressions of faith?
A full study of this title could fill volumes of scholarly research, but here we will briefly highlight three key aspects of what Jesus meant when he referred to himself as the Son of Man.
Humanity
At its most basic level, “Son of Man” emphasizes Jesus’ human nature. In the Old Testament, the phrase simply means “human,” as seen throughout the book of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2:1). By using this title, Jesus highlights his full participation in the human experience.
Divinity
At the same time, the title connects Jesus to the vision in Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man is given eternal authority and dominion over all nations. This messianic figure is not only human but also divine, ruling as the ultimate judge (Mark 2:10, Matthew 25:31-46). In this way, the title affirms Jesus’ fulfillment of prophecy and his divine authority.
Mediator
The Son of Man serves as the bridge between heaven and earth, a theme Jesus himself alluded to in John 1:51 when he referenced Jacob’s ladder (Genesis 28:12). As both fully human and fully divine, Jesus is the perfect mediator between God and humanity, making reconciliation possible.
The Son of Man in Holy Week
So, where do we see the Son of Man revealed in today’s passage? Practically everywhere! Tuesday of Holy Week was an eventful day for Jesus, recorded in 211 verses across nearly five chapters (Matthew 21:23–26:5), accounting for 20% of the entire Gospel of Matthew. From teaching in the temple and silencing religious leaders to delivering prophetic insights on the Mount of Olives, these chapters serve as Jesus’ final public teachings before the plot against him solidifies.
- His Humanity is evident in his physical presence, his teaching in the temple (Matthew 21:23-27, 22:15-46), his deep lament for Israel (Matthew 23:37-39), and even in the conspiracy to kill him (Matthew 26:3-4), which was an attempt to strip him of his humanity.
- His Divinity is displayed through his authoritative teachings (Matthew 21:23-22:14), his wisdom in handling religious leaders’ challenges (Matthew 22:15-46), and his prophetic discourse about the future (Matthew 24-25). He speaks not just as a teacher but as the sovereign judge and fulfillment of messianic prophecy.
- His Role as Mediator is evident in his teachings about the greatest commandment, bridging God’s law and human action (Matthew 22:34-40), his desire to gather and restore his people (Matthew 23:37-39), and his challenge to the Pharisees about the identity of the Messiah (Matthew 22:41-45). Wherever heaven and earth meet, we see the Son of Man.
Jesus’ words carry immense weight—not only because of what he says but because of who he is. He is the Word through whom creation was formed. When the incarnate God chooses to reveal himself with a unique title that no one else in the New Testament uses for him, we should pause and take it in. His choice of “Son of Man” expresses the deep mystery of his identity—fully human (he knows us), fully divine (he provides for us), and the perfect mediator (he is for us).
Recognizing that Jesus fully embraced his humanity alongside his divinity is a powerful reminder of his intimate connection with us. His deliberate choice of a title that encapsulates both invites us to reflect: How does knowing that God truly understands our human experience change the way we approach him in prayer, in our struggles, and in our expressions of faith?