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Thoughts of a saint and slave
by Sam Isaacson
Last week we saw that Jesus is the Son of God. This week we see that he is the Son of Man, and we are finally at the last study of John chapter one - rest assured that the rest of the book will not take as long as this part has! The Son of Man is a title familiar to most Christians because it was Jesus' favourite title for himself; he used it over 80 times. It is, however, one we tend to know little about - so let's see what we can find out.
The actual phrase is taken from Daniel 7:13 and is a title clearly used for one with messianic qualities. It is firstly important therefore for us to realise that Jesus' use of this title was to claim to be the Messiah. I read an article in The Guardian last week, written by a Jew claiming that Jesus was more Jewish than Christians give him credit for and that he never claimed any messianic or divine title. I would say that here he quite clearly pointing in the opposite direction. In Jesus' Jewishness he clearly pointed to himself as the promised Messiah!
So what are the consequences of Jesus being the Son of Man? Firstly we can learn that he was to be given rule over the nations of the earth forever - just look at Matthew 26:64. This theme of authority is continued throughout Scripture - John 5:27,9:39 state that Jesus will have end-time authority, and will be the Judge!
In addition Jesus being the Son of Man means that he must be crucified; Jesus was aware of his task on earth, even in John 1! Jesus said in John 3:14 that 'as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up'. He is referring to him being lifted up onto the cross, to die in our place for our sins. He was to become sin for us, so that in him we can become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Finally we can look at the reference made in John 6:27. Jesus said that one key action performed by the Son of Man would be to give actual eternal life. What absolute authority Jesus has!
Let's end this week by seeing what the consequences are. Clearly Jesus' authority is supreme; we should do what he says. Secondly his love is awesome; he willingly gave up his life for me and for you. Thirdly Jesus showed that he is eternal; we will share eternity with him. Is there anything in this title we did not know previously? Perhaps not. Should knowing the Son of Man change everything about our lives? Absolutely. 'Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us' (Hebrews 12:1).
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