Why did Jesus refer to Himself most often as ‘the Son of Man’? Does this phrase merely mean that Jesus is human, or is there something more to this?
Texts: Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 8:20; 9:6; 10:23; 12:8, 40; 16:27; John 6:53f; Acts 7:56; Revelation 1:13; 14:14
SERMON OUTLINE
“Jesus said, ‘And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.’” (Mark 14:62)
Jesus the Son of Man: the way Jesus refers to Himself (Matthew 8:20; Mark 2:27-28; Luke 11:29-30)
Jesus the Son of Man: the prophet of hope among the people (Ezekiel 2:1-4; Matthew 16:13-17)
Jesus the Son of Man: the divine Messiah who has come (Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 9:6; Mark 10:45; Revelation 1:13)
Jesus the Son of Man: the divine Messiah who is coming (Matthew 16:27; Mark 8:38; 14:61-62; Revelation 14:14)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- This weekend we continue our series, “Name Above All Names,” by focusing on Jesus as the “Son of Man.” Begin your study by quieting yourself before God before asking God to speak to you through His word.
- The phrase “Son of Man” can sometimes be a simple way for Jesus to refer to himself, similar to how God speaks to Ezekiel the prophet. Read and compare these uses of “Son of Man”: Ezekiel 2:1-4; Ezekiel 6:2; Matthew 12:8, 40; Ezekiel 3:1-3 • Ezekiel 3:17; Matthew 8:20 • Matthew 11:19 • Matthew 16:13.
- Even as the phrase “Son of Man” can be general, it also has some specific meaning rooted in Daniel 7:1-14. Read that passage aloud. What do you think is the significance of the “Son of Man” in Daniel 7.
- Jesus often quoted from the book of Daniel, including chapter 7. Read the following verses in which he quotes from Daniel 7, and answer this question: what was Jesus saying about Himself as the Son of Man? Matthew 24:30; 26:64 • Mark 13:26; 14:62
- “Son of Man” does not refer merely to Jesus’ humanity, but also points to Jesus’ divinity. How do the following verses describe Jesus’ divinity as the “Son of Man”? Luke 12:8-9 • Acts 7:56 • Revelation 1:13
- Both in the Gospels and the book of Revelation, Jesus’ use of the phrase “Son of Man” is linked with His return at the end of human history. Read the following verses and reflect on how Jesus is the Son of Man described in Daniel 7:13-14 at the consummation of human history: Matthew 10:23; 16:27 • Mark 8:38; 14:62 • Revelation 14:14
- What is one thing that God is speaking to you through this study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray for one another. If you are studying on your own, write it down and share it with someone.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Daniel 7:13-14 this week.
- Watch Pastor Matt’s message on Daniel 7
- Explore resources at The Bible Project’s website on Jesus as the Son of Man