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Author: Stephen Weller
943 words, 5 minutes read time

Son of Man

Scripture: John 12:34

In the previous lesson Jesus explains that the voice was for the benefit of the people in validating who he was. Jesus spoke of the world being judged and the ruler of the world being cast out. He also indicated that his death would be by crucifixion. In this lesson the crowd responds to his statements.

J^{n 12:34} So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?”

Those in the crowd who knew the Old Testament respond by saying that the Christ will remain forever; that he will not die. If that is true, then they ask how he can say that the Son of Man will be lifted up on a cross to die? Who is this Son of Man they ask? As is often the case, Jesus does not answer their questions, but continues to teach. Let us fill in between the lines.

In Psalm 89:4 (ESV) is reference to Jesus: “I will establish your offspring forever and build your throne for all generations.” In their minds the use of “forever” suggest that the Christ remains forever. In Psalms 110:4, reference is made to Jesus being “a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Again, the suggestion that the Christ will remain. In Isaiah 9:7, reference is made to the government of Jesus Christ that it would have no end as Jesus rules forever. The problem is they don’t see his death and resurrection coming first.

In the previous lesson we mentioned that “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up” (John 4:14 ESV). This lack of understanding that was prevalent, Jesus said, would be cleared up “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he” (John 8:28 ESV). His death on the cross will be so much different than other crucifixions by what he says and how he died as soon as he said his work was finished.

The “Son of God” is related to the “Word” while the “Son of Man” is related to “Jesus.” This ties together in the person of Jesus both God and man. In general, the title can be used to indicate the speaker’s own self. This is the usage in Matthew 8:20 ESV: “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” The title could mean “someone” or “a human being” as in Psalm 8:4 ESV: “what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?”

In reference to Jesus, the title “Son of Man” is rich in meaning as is the title “Lamb of God.” In Daniel 7:13 – 14 (ESV) we read: 13 “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. 14 And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.” This “son of man” of Daniel was more than just a man as he came with the clouds of heaven, which was an indication of divine authority. He was given an everlasting dominion, which would not pass away, and a kingdom, that shall not be destroyed. In this kingdom all peoples, nations, and languages will serve him. He is one who dwells in heaven with the Ancient of Days. When the people heard Jesus refer to himself as the “Son of Man” they had to decide if he was like him or the real thing; the eternal Messiah.

As the Son of Man, Jesus had to be conceived by the Spirit but birthed by Mary and born as a man. As a man he would have the ability to sympathize in all of our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15) but do it without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). In so doing, Jesus would then be qualified, and the only one to ever be qualified, to redeem us.

As the Son of Man, Jesus stands apart from other humans by the fact that three times the Father spoke from heaven declaring Jesus to be his Son (Matthew 3:17, Matthew 17:5, John 12:28). As the Son of Man, Jesus is to carry on the Father’s vision. He was given authority for the purpose of leading others; the leader of mankind. He is our High Priest and is seated at the right hand of the power of God and provides us with a connection to the Father.

Conclusion

Jesus is indeed unique being both the “Son of God” and the “Son of Man.” By virgin birth he is both the eternal God and fully man. Jesus is the perfect bond between God and man as we will be the perfect bond between the Spirit and man. We then will be truly created in the image of God. We as Spirit and man living out perfectly the word of God with Jesus the God/Man is something to look forward to. How far beyond our comprehension this lies!