Why is Jesus called Son of God and Son of Man?
Introduction
This is a very good question and carries profound meaning for Christians today far beyond mere historical or theological significance. The titles “Son of God” and “Son of Man” speak to the heart of our faith and the very essence of our relationship with Christ.
The title "Son of God" emphasizes Jesus's divine nature and his unique relationship with God the Father. In Christian belief, it signifies that Jesus is not just a human being but the incarnation of God, sent to earth to reconcile humanity with God through his sacrificial death and resurrection.
On the other hand, the title "Son of Man" emphasizes Jesus's humanity and his solidarity with humanity's experiences, joys, and sufferings. This title originates from the Old Testament book of Daniel (described below), Jesus frequently used this title to refer to himself, emphasizing his earthly ministry, his role as a servant-leader, and his ultimate mission to bring salvation and eternal life to humanity.
Jesus embodies the perfect union of divinity and humanity, offering hope and redemption to all who believe in him.
As you see, a very good question, indeed!
In this post, I talk about the meaning of the phrases Son of God and Son of Man, show where they are in context, and bring us back to application.
It’s important to understand that these titles do not conflict or complete; they complete one another.
For centuries Christians have thought about the implications of Christ’s two natures. Sometimes art conveys the idea more clearly than words.
The oldest known icon of Christ Pantocrator at Saint Catherine's Monastery. The two different facial expressions on either side emphasize Christ's dual nature as both divine and human. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypostatic_union#/media/File:Spas_vsederzhitel_sinay.jpg
The Meaning of the Son of God
The title 'Son of God' emphasizes Jesus’s divine nature and his unique relationship with God the Father. It carries profound theological implications, rooted in Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts.
Jewish Context: In Jewish tradition, "Son of God" could refer to angels, righteous individuals, or the nation of Israel collectively.
Angels: Psalm 89:6-7 describes angels as sons of God: "For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings? In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him."
Righteous Individuals: Proverbs 14:26 mentions the righteous as sons of God: "Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge."
Israel as a Nation: Apart from Hosea 11:1 ("When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son"), another example is Exodus 4:22-23, where Israel is referred to as God's firstborn son: "Then say to Pharaoh, 'This is what the Lord says: Israel is my firstborn son, and I told you, "Let my son go, so he may worship me."'"
New Testament Usage: In the New Testament, the title takes on a more specific and unique meaning when applied to Jesus. It asserts his divine origin and his unique sonship with God.
Mark 1:11: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." This declaration underscores Jesus' special relationship with God the Father and marks the beginning of his public ministry.
Authority to Forgive Sins: In Mark 2:5-12, Jesus demonstrates his authority as the Son of God by forgiving sins, which prompts criticism from the religious leaders. This action highlights Jesus' divine prerogative and unique role as the one who can reconcile humanity with God.
Salvation and Messiahship: Throughout the Gospels, particularly in John 3:16-18 and John 20:31, Jesus is portrayed as the Son of God who came to save the world. His identity as the Son of God is intricately linked to his mission as the Messiah, fulfilling the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament.
Unique Knowledge of God: Jesus speaks of his unique relationship with God the Father, indicating a profound intimacy and knowledge: "All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him" (Matthew 11:27).
Divine Origin: The New Testament consistently portrays Jesus as having a divine origin and nature. In passages like John 1:1-18 and Colossians 1:15-20, Jesus is described as the pre-existent Word of God who became flesh (incarnation) and as the image of the invisible God, affirming his unique and divine status. These examples illustrate how in the New Testament, the title "Son of God" uniquely applies to Jesus Christ, emphasizing his divine origin, his role in salvation history, his authority, and his intimate relationship with God the Father. This title distinguishes Jesus from any other figure in Jewish or Christian tradition, highlighting his central role in Christian theology and belief.
Greco-Roman Context: In the Greco-Roman world, the term "Son of God" was used for emperors and other significant figures who were believed to have a divine status. By using this title, early Christians were making a bold statement about Jesus's authority and divinity in a context where such claims were familiar but applied uniquely to Jesus.
· Roman Emperors:
Emperor Augustus: Inscriptions and coins from the time of Augustus (63 BC – AD 14) refer to him as "Divi Filius" (Son of the Divine) or "Divi Filius Augustus" (Augustus, Son of the Divine). See this article on the British Museum's website: Augustus: The divine authority of the emperor.
Emperor Caligula: Caligula (AD 12–41) famously declared himself a god and demanded to be worshipped. He referred to himself as "Neos Helios" (New Sun) and "Theos" (God).
Emperor Nero: Nero (AD 37–68) was also depicted as a divine figure on coins and in official propaganda, often using the title "Deus et Dominus" (God and Master). Coins of Nero.
The Meaning of Son of Man
The title "Son of Man" is one of Jesus’s favorite self-designations in the gospels, and it carries deep theological and eschatological significance.
Eschatological Role:
For Jesus, being called the "Son of Man" connects him to the vision in the Book of Daniel, where a heavenly figure appears before God to receive everlasting dominion and authority over all peoples. This connection suggests that Jesus sees himself as more than just a human being; he is also a divine figure with a crucial role in the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
· Old Testament Background: The phrase "Son of Man" appears in the Old Testament, especially in the Book of Ezekiel, where it is used to refer to the prophet Ezekiel himself, emphasizing his humanity. However, its most significant use is in Daniel 7:13-14, where "one like a son of man" comes with the clouds of heaven and is given authority, glory, and sovereign power. This figure represents a heavenly, eschatological deliverer.
· New Testament Usage: In the New Testament, Jesus frequently refers to himself as the "Son of Man," using this title to convey different aspects of his identity and mission. This designation emphasizes his deep connection with humanity and his identification with the human condition, as seen in passages such as:
Matthew 8:20: "The Son of Man has no place to lay his head."
Mark 8:31: "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected."
Furthermore, Jesus uses "Son of Man" to highlight his sacrificial role and the necessity of his suffering. This is evident in his statement in Mark 8:31, where he foretells his rejection and suffering. Additionally, the title points to his future exaltation and divine authority, as illustrated in Mark 14:62:
Mark 14:62: "You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."
These passages collectively underscore Jesus' complex and multifaceted identity as both fully human and divinely appointed, reflecting his earthly ministry, sacrificial mission, and ultimate role in the fulfillment of divine prophecy.
Theological Significance of the Son of God and Son of Man
The dual use of "Son of God" and "Son of Man" highlights the mystery of Jesus’s identity as both fully divine and fully human:
Son of God:
The title "Son of God" underscores Jesus’s divinity and unique relationship with God the Father, affirming that he is not merely a human being but the incarnation of God. This title signifies Jesus as the divine Son who came to earth to reveal God's love and mercy to humanity. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus's actions and teachings reflect his divine authority, from performing miracles to forgiving sins, which were acts typically reserved for God alone. His title as the Son of God emphasizes his pivotal role in the divine plan of salvation, offering redemption and eternal life to all who believe in him. This profound connection to God as Father highlights Jesus's sacrificial love and the depth of his mission to reconcile humanity with God.
In the Old Testament, Isaiah prophesied about the coming Messiah, describing him as "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6), pointing to Jesus's divine nature long before his birth. In the Gospels, John declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14), illustrating how Jesus's incarnation fulfilled ancient promises. The New Testament further clarifies Jesus's divine status, stating, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word" (Hebrews 1:3), emphasizing his role in creation and redemption. The theologian Karl Barth echoed this understanding, emphasizing Jesus's identity as the divine Son of God, pivotal to Christian faith and understanding of salvation.
Son of Man:
Conversely, the title "Son of Man" highlights Jesus’s complete identification with humanity, emphasizing his earthly life and experiences. While Jesus is acknowledged as divine, the Son of Man title underscores his voluntary embrace of human limitations and vulnerabilities. He experienced hunger, fatigue, and temptation, demonstrating empathy and solidarity with human suffering and struggles. This title reveals Jesus's willingness to share in the full spectrum of human existence, from the joys and triumphs to the pains and sorrows, thereby establishing a profound connection with humanity.
The Old Testament prophet Daniel foretold a vision of "one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven" (Daniel 7:13-14), symbolizing Jesus's future role as the eschatological judge and redeemer. Jesus himself declared, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45), illustrating his sacrificial mission. In Revelation, John envisions Jesus as "someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest" (Revelation 1:13-14), emphasizing his future glory and authority. The theologian N.T. Wright (Jesus and the Victory of God, Fortress Press, 1996) elaborates on Jesus as the Son of Man, interpreting his role in Daniel’s prophecy as central to understanding Jesus’s mission and future judgment over humanity, highlighting Jesus’s dual identity as both the suffering servant and the exalted judge who will establish God’s kingdom on earth.
Conclusion
The titles "Son of God" and "Son of Man" reflect the dual nature of Jesus Christ. "Son of God" emphasizes his divinity and unique relationship with the Father, while "Son of Man" highlights his humanity and eschatological role. Together, these titles provide a comprehensive understanding of Jesus’s identity, mission, and significance within the Christian faith. They reveal Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, the embodiment of divine love and mercy, and the mediator between God and humanity.
