“Why is Jesus called the Son of Man?”

February 2013 – Grace & Truth Magazine

QUESTION: Why is Jesus called the Son of Man?

ANSWER: Jesus is called the “Son of Man” at least 76 times in the four Gospels. It is the title which our Lord used most often to refer to Himself. When He is referred to as the “Son of Man” His humanity is brought into view – that is, His divine purpose toward us and His relationship with us. This is best summed up by Scripture itself in Luke 19:10 ( NKJV ) which says that “the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Generally speaking, if we read the Gospels and take note each time reference is made to our Lord’s Sonship, we will find that when the “Son of God” is mentioned, His divine character is in view. However, when the “Son of Man” is mentioned, aspects of His humanity are brought before us. Luke’s gospel is referred to as the “Gospel of the Son of Man” because it, more than any other gospel, focuses our attention on those events that demonstrate Christ’s humanity and the identification of the Son of Man with men. However, John’s gospel, especially verses 3:13-15, may give us the most striking picture of why Jesus is so called: “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down out of heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

As we meditate on our Lord’s title of “Son of Man” in relationship to God’s purpose toward us, we will not only be satisfied with the explanation Scripture gives but we will be blessed as well. The Son of Man came down from heaven, sought and found us, bled and died on the cross that we might have eternal life, and is now in heaven seated at the Father’s right hand. What a blessing to know that there is a Man in the glory – the Lord Jesus Christ!

Answered by Larry Ondrejack