|
Jesus’ favourite way of referring to himself is as the Son of Man. He uses the term over eighty times. It carries an interesting mixture of meanings. We shall look at a number of passages to draw out some of those meanings.
A. Suffering Servant Read Matthew 20:17-19, 24-28
1. What did Jesus say would happen to the Son of Man? (Matthew 20:18,19)
2. What makes the Son of Man different from other prominent figures? (Matthew 20:25-27)
3. For what reason did the Son of Man come? (Matthew 20:28)
4. The Old Testament had foretold the coming of one who would be like this. He is described as a suffering servant. Read Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12 for one such description.
5. As a suffering servant, Jesus lays aside the glory of his deity and lives in humility as a man. While he really is God (as we have seen), he is also fully human. So he suffers as a man on behalf of men. Read John 4:6-8; 11:35; 12:27; 19:34. What do they tell us about Jesus’ humanity?
Do you remember from an earlier study [II.1] what God’s original purpose was for man? Read Hebrews 2:5-10 again to remind yourself that Jesus has gone ahead as the man leading the way for his followers to take their proper place. We now look at a different meaning of Son of Man which draws out this aspect of who he is.
B. Exalted King Read Matthew 24:29-31; 25:31-34; 26:63,6
1. These passages speak of Jesus coming back to earth again. When he does, it will not be as a suffering servant; as what will he come?
2. Who will appear before him? (Matthew 25:32)
3. What will the King do? (Matthew 25:34)
4. Read John 5:22,27; Acts 10:42; 17:31; Hebrews 2:14-18; 4:14-16. How does Jesus’ humanity enable him to judge fairly?
5. Read Matthew 9:1-8. This passage also speaks of the Son of Man in terms of authority rather than humility. What authority does he claim here?
Spend time praising God that the King who will judge the earth is the Son of Man who understands what it is like to be a man, and who has authority to forgive sins. Imagine what it would be like if that were not true!
|
