Why Did Jesus Call Himself the Son of Man?
He chose the title not to hide who He was — but to reveal it in the deepest, most powerful way.
Maybe you’ve read the Gospels and wondered: Why doesn’t Jesus just come out and say He’s God? Why does He so often refer to Himself as “the Son of Man”? Not “the Son of God,” not “the Messiah,” not even “the Savior” — but the Son of Man?
It might sound like a humble title — even ordinary. But in reality, “Son of Man” is one of the most profound names Jesus ever used, one that opens a door to His identity, His mission, and His eternal glory.
If you’ve ever felt confused about who Jesus really is — if you’ve struggled with doubt, spiritual emptiness, or longing to know the truth — this one title might change everything. Because when Jesus calls Himself the Son of Man, He is inviting us to see both His humanity and His divinity — and why that matters eternally for you.
So let’s step into this mystery. Because this isn’t just about understanding a title — it’s about meeting the Savior who bears it.
✨ One Central Truth: Jesus Called Himself “Son of Man” to Reveal That He Is the Divine Savior Who Became One of Us — to Save Us.
📖 1. “Son of Man” Was Jesus’ Favorite Title for Himself
Out of all the titles Jesus could have used, “Son of Man” was His most frequent self-description. He uses it over 80 times in the Gospels. That’s not by accident.
Why would Jesus choose such an unusual and often misunderstood title?
Let’s be clear: He didn’t use it because He was trying to downplay who He was. In fact, this title is loaded with meaning. It’s the key that opens a door into the heart of the Gospel — a door that shows us both the humility and the majesty of Christ.
Look at these examples:
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” – Luke 19:10
“The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” – Mark 2:10
“You will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” – Mark 14:62
Each time, Jesus uses “Son of Man” to proclaim His authority, His purpose, and His coming glory. Far from being a humble way to avoid attention, it was a divinely chosen name that pointed directly to His mission and His identity.
📜 2. The Prophetic Roots: Daniel’s Vision of the Glorious Son of Man
To understand why this title matters so much, we need to go back centuries before Jesus — to the Old Testament book of Daniel.
In Daniel 7:13–14, the prophet has a vision:
“Behold, with the clouds of heaven
there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before him.
And to him was given dominion
and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him…”
This was no ordinary human figure. This “son of man” is divine — receiving worship, ruling all nations, and reigning forever.
So when Jesus called Himself the Son of Man, He was identifying Himself with this prophetic, exalted figure. He was saying, “That’s Me. I am the One Daniel saw. I am the King who has come from heaven.”
This wasn’t hidden. This was revelation.
✝️ 3. The Son of Man Came to Suffer — For You
But here’s the mystery — and the mercy.
The glorious Son of Man didn’t come first in clouds of power, but in swaddling cloths, born into poverty, walking dusty roads, misunderstood, rejected — and finally crucified.
Jesus didn’t only quote Daniel when He said “Son of Man.” He also said:
“The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected… and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” – Luke 9:22
“Even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45
This is the heart of the Gospel.
The glorious Son of Man from Daniel 7 — the One who deserves all worship — chose to become the suffering servant of Isaiah 53. He laid aside His rights to take on your shame.
He became fully man — not just to understand your pain, but to carry your sin, die your death, and offer you His resurrection life.
🪞 4. He Knows What It’s Like to Be You
The name “Son of Man” doesn’t only speak of divine glory — it speaks of human experience.
Jesus was fully God, but also fully man. He called Himself “Son of Man” to show that He entered into every part of our humanity:
- He hungered (Matthew 4:2)
- He wept (John 11:35)
- He felt loneliness (Mark 14:50)
- He endured temptation (Matthew 4:1)
- He suffered rejection (John 1:11)
But He never sinned. And because of that, He can be your perfect substitute and Savior.
Hebrews 4:15 says:
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
He understands you. He came as the Son of Man so you could know that you’re not alone — and that there is One who can rescue you.
🌍 5. The Son of Man Will Return in Power
The first time Jesus came, He came in humility.
But He is coming again — and this time, not as a suffering servant, but as the reigning King.
Jesus said:
“Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man… and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” – Matthew 24:30
Every eye will see Him. Every knee will bow. And every heart will finally know that this Jesus — the Son of Man — is Lord of all.
This is not a myth. It’s not a metaphor. It’s your future, and mine. The question is: will we be ready?
🤲 6. What the Title Means for You
So why does all this matter?
Because this name — Son of Man — shows that Jesus is everything you’ve ever needed:
- The Divine King who rules with justice and mercy
- The Human Savior who knows your pain
- The Suffering Servant who bore your sin
- The Risen Lord who conquered death
- The Returning Judge who will make all things right
And He did it for you.
He called Himself the Son of Man not to confuse you — but to draw near to you, to speak in a language you could understand, and to say:
“I know what it’s like to be you.
I walked where you walk.
I died so you could live.
I am coming again — and I want you with Me.”
✝️ Will You Follow the Son of Man?
You were made to know Him — not just as a teacher or example, but as your Lord, your Savior, your everything.
But the truth is, we have all turned from Him. We’ve chosen our own way. We’ve tried to be our own gods. And that sin separates us from the Son of Man who came to save.
Yet He didn’t leave us in our rebellion. He came down — God in human flesh — to live the life we couldn’t, die the death we deserved, and rise again in power.
He is calling you — right now — to turn from sin and trust in Him.
“Whoever believes in the Son of Man will have eternal life.” – John 3:15
You don’t need to fix yourself first. You don’t need to understand everything. You need only to say:
“Jesus, Son of Man — I need You. Save me.”
A Simple Prayer
Lord Jesus,
I believe You are the Son of Man — God who became man for me.
I confess that I have sinned and gone my own way.
Thank You for dying in my place and rising again.
I turn from my sin and put my trust in You.
Be my Savior, my King, my Lord.
Help me follow You from this day forward.
Amen.
📖 What Now?
- Talk to God like He’s listening — because He is.
- Read the Gospel of John to learn more about Jesus.
- Find a church that teaches the Bible and follows Jesus.
- Tell someone about your decision.
The Son of Man has come — for you.
Will you follow Him?