God’s voice was heard coming from heaven at Jesus’ baptism, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) God, himself, declared Jesus his Son—the Son of God. But throughout the New Testament Jesus refers to himself as the Son of Man—human! Jesus was God incarnate—in flesh.

Paul states Jesus, being in very nature God, didn’t consider his position as God but humbled himself and identified himself one of us. (Philippians 2: 6-8)

There is another reference to the term Son of Man used in the Old Testament. I am convinced Jesus was also pointing to these references when he called himself the Son of Man.

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” Daniel 7:13-14 (NIV)

Jesus proclaimed the coming of the Kingdom of God, which was inaugurated with a crown of thorns at his crucifixion and glorified at the resurrection. The author of Hebrews says this of the Son of Man.

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. Hebrews 1:1-3 (NIV)

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say Iam?”

Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself. Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name. Restore us, Lord God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. Psalm 80: 17-19 (NIV)