Week #2: He Came Low to Lift Us High: The Son of Man
Blog Series Intention Recap
This series explores two titles Yeshua (Jesus) used—and others used of Him—“Son of God” and “Son of Man.” Both reveal vital aspects of His mission, identity, and relationship with the Father and with humanity. Through the Synoptic Gospels, we learn how Yeshua (Jesus) embraced divine authority while walking fully among us in suffering and service. These titles are not abstract theological concepts; they are deeply woven into the fabric of Yeshua’s (Jesus) words, works, and ways. By studying them closely, we gain a clearer picture of who He is and what it means to follow Him.
This page is a post in the series “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Yeshua (Jesus) in the Gospels.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #2:
The Son of Man: Heaven’s Servant on Earth… Yeshua’s (Jesus) use of the title “Son of Man” reveals the mystery of His mission: He came in humility to suffer and serve, but He will return in glory to reign. In the Synoptic Gospels, this title ties together His humanity, authority, suffering, and exaltation. It emphasizes that He did not distance Himself from human weakness, but fully entered into it—identifying with the lowly, the outcast, and the burdened. Yet at the same time, “Son of Man” carries echoes of Daniel’s vision of a heavenly figure who is given dominion and glory by the Ancient of Days. This title allowed Yeshua (Jesus) to speak both of His present humility and His future majesty. As the Son of Man, He forgives sins, endures suffering, and claims authority to judge the world. His path of descent—marked by service and sacrifice—is the very road that leads to His exaltation.
Why it Matters:
“Son of Man” is Yeshua’s (Jesus) favorite title for Himself, rooted in Daniel 7.
It reveals both His humanity and His divine authority.
Yeshua (Jesus) embraced suffering as the Son of Man to bring salvation to many.
His mission invites us to walk the same path: humility now, glory later.
Go Deeper:
Scripture Focus:
Jesus’s Favorite Title
In all four Gospels, “Son of Man” is the title Yeshua (Jesus) uses most often for Himself—over 80 times. Strikingly, almost no one else uses it of Him. Why?
Unlike “Son of God,” which carries immediate divine implications, “Son of Man” is ambiguous. It emphasizes Yeshua’s (Jesus) humanity while hinting at something greater. This paradox—human yet exalted—is exactly why Yeshua (Jesus) used it.
The phrase comes from Daniel 7:13–14:
“Behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man… And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom…”
Yeshua (Jesus) adopted this phrase to express both His mission and His identity—one who looks like us but comes with divine authority.
The Humble Son of Man
In the Synoptics, “Son of Man” underscores Yeshua’s (Jesus) humanity. In Matthew 8:20, He says:
“The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
He identifies with the poor, the homeless, the rejected. The title speaks not only to His appearance but to His lived experience.
As the Son of Man, Jesus came to serve—not to be served (Mark 10:45). He walked dusty roads, wept at tombs, and bore griefs. Isaiah called Him the man of sorrows (Isaiah 53:3); Yeshua (Jesus) lived that role.
Even in His miracles, the title grounds His actions in humility. In Mark 2:10, Yeshua (Jesus) heals a paralyzed man and says:
“The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”
Rather than declaring Himself divine in the abstract, Yeshua (Jesus) uses “Son of Man” to show how God’s power comes through a human frame.
The Suffering Son of Man
The Synoptic Gospels regularly pair “Son of Man” with Yeshua’s (Jesus) suffering and death:
“The Son of Man must suffer many things… and be killed, and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31).
“The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men” (Matthew 17:22).
This was not what the people expected. They hoped for a conquering king, not a crucified servant.
Yeshua (Jesus) flips the messianic script. His authority comes through obedience. His glory follows suffering.
The disciples struggled with this. Peter even rebuked Yeshua (Jesus) for saying it (Mark 8:32). But Yeshua (Jesus) insisted—He came not to escape death but to embrace it. The Son of Man would give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).
The Exalted Son of Man
The Son of Man doesn’t remain in suffering. Daniel’s vision in chapter 7 ends in glory:
“To him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom…” (Daniel 7:14).
Yeshua (Jesus) claims this explicitly at His trial. When asked if He is the Messiah, He replies:
“You will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62).
The high priest tears his robe. Why? Because Yeshua (Jesus) was quoting Daniel and applying it to Himself. He claimed to be the heavenly figure who will rule forever.
The Son of Man will return—not in weakness, but in judgment and majesty (Matthew 24:30). His first coming was in humility; His second will be in glory.
How does this help me understand, “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Jesus in the Gospels?”
Yeshua (Jesus) Knows What It Means to Be Human
When Yeshua (Jesus) calls Himself the Son of Man, He identifies with us completely. He grew tired, hungry, and sorrowful. He understands your pain. You are not alone in your suffering—He has walked the same road.
God’s Power Works Through Humility
Yeshua’s (Jesus) path wasn’t to power, but through powerlessness. His victory came by a cross, not a sword. In following Him, we too are called to humility and service before glory.
Judgment and Redemption Are Coming
The Son of Man who suffered will return. Those who trust Him now will share in His kingdom. Those who reject Him will face His judgment. His return will make all things right.
The Gospel Is a Story of Reversal
The Son of Man came down so we could be lifted up. He laid down His life so we could live. In a world obsessed with status and strength, Yeshua (Jesus) calls us to follow Him in the way of meekness, mercy, and eternal hope.
How do I apply this to my life?
Follow the path of the Son of Man.
Humble yourself. Serve others. Endure suffering with hope.
The road Yeshua (Jesus) walked leads to resurrection, renewal, and a kingdom that will never end.
Daniel 7:13–14 – See the original vision of the Son of Man.
Mark 8–10 – Watch Yeshua (Jesus) link His suffering to His identity.
Matthew 24 – Read Yeshua’s (Jesus) teaching on His return in glory.
1. Embrace the Humanity of Jesus in Your Suffering
Yeshua (Jesus), the Son of Man, knows what it means to be tired, lonely, and rejected. He wept, hungered, and suffered. When you walk through difficulty, remember that He has walked there first. Bring your pain to Him, not as a distant deity, but as the One who understands and cares.
2. Choose Humility Over Status
The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). In a culture that prizes recognition, power, and influence, Yeshua (Jesus) invites us to stoop low. Look for ways to serve without seeking credit. True greatness in God’s kingdom comes through humility.
3. Trust the Suffering Servant Who Will Judge in Glory
Yeshua’s (Jesus) first coming was marked by suffering; His second will be marked by power. Trust Him now—even when life feels uncertain—because the Son of Man will return to make all things right. The humble Savior is also the righteous Judge.
4. Walk the Path of Obedience, No Matter the Cost
Yeshua (Jesus) obeyed the Father even when it meant betrayal, beating, and death. Following the Son of Man means dying to ourselves daily (Luke 9:23). Ask God for courage to obey, knowing that resurrection hope follows every cross you carry.
