Messianic Titles
Son of Man
The Human-Divine One
Description
Jesus' favorite self-designation was 'Son of Man'—used over eighty times in the Gospels. The title emphasizes His true humanity while echoing Daniel's vision of one 'like the Son of Man' who receives everlasting dominion. The Son of Man has authority to forgive sins, is Lord of the Sabbath, came to seek and save the lost, and will come again in glory. This title captures both Christ's humble identification with humanity and His exalted position as the heavenly ruler.
Key Verses
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days... And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him.
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.