Who is Jesus? Part 3
Understanding the Son of Man:
Episode Summary:
Why did Jesus refer to Himself as the "Son of Man" more than any other title in the Gospels? In this episode, Staci and Elizabeth dig into the nitty-gritty of Jesus’s identity—specifically His divinity and humanity coexisting as true God and true man. Far from being a simple reference to His human nature, the title "Son of Man" carries rich Old Testament history, apocalyptic prophecy, and deep theological weight. Join us as we trace the origins of this title from Psalms and Ezekiel into the prophetic vision of Daniel 7, explore how Jesus used it to foretell His suffering and kingdom, and discuss what it means for us today.
In This Episode We Talk About
Nicknames & Titles: A lighthearted banter on the names and nicknames we carry, how they develop, and the stories behind them.
Jesus’s Favorite Title: Why Jesus referred to Himself as the "Son of Man" roughly 84 times in the Gospels.
Old Testament Origins: How the term "son of man" shifts from referring to general mankind (Job, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Psalms) or a specific prophet (Ezekiel) to a heavenly, divine figure in Daniel 7.
Divine Authority & End Times: Connecting Daniel’s vision of the "one like a son of man" approaching the Ancient of Days to Jesus’s proclamation of the Kingdom of God and His ultimate return.
Predicting the Suffering Messiah: How Jesus uniquely connected the "Son of Man" title to His upcoming rejection, death, and resurrection—a concept His disciples repeatedly struggled to grasp.
The Hypostatic Union: Defining the mystery of Jesus being fully God and fully man in one person without confusion or separation, and why "Son of Man" captures both His deity and humanity.
Audience Context: Why Jesus used "Son of Man" with Jewish audiences familiar with Daniel, while Paul focused on different language when ministering to Gentile believers.
Key Scriptures Mentioned:
Psalm 8:4 & Psalm 80:17
Daniel 7:13–14
Mark 8:31, Mark 9:31, & Mark 10:33–34
Matthew 16:13–17
Luke 17:20–21
John 1:12
Acts 7:56
Favorite Quotes from This Episode:
"The Son of God became the Son of Man that you who were sons of men might be made sons of God." — St. Augustine
"Ancient of Days... before the days, I was ancient. I have existed before all days ever existed and I will continue to exist."
"The title 'Son of Man' becomes the vehicle for expressing how these two natures coexist in Jesus. We have the perfect union of deity and humanity existing in one person without being mixed."
— Dr. Tony Evans (Our God Is Awesome)
Savor Moment: Take time to thank God academically and spiritually for the hypostatic union…share what you've learned with a friend and prepare this yummy pasta dish together:
Reflection Question:
When you read the Gospels and see Jesus refer to Himself as the "Son of Man," how does knowing its roots in Daniel 7 change the way you view His authority, His suffering, and His divinity? Who is one person in your life you can share this fresh perspective with this week?
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