Son of Man
Devotional by Jeremy Hamblen
Read Matthew 21:23-26:5 (key Scriptures listed below)
Ezekiel 2:1
And he said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.”
Daniel 7:13-14
13 “I saw in the night visions,
and 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.
14 And to him was given dominion
and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him;
his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom one
that shall not be destroyed.
Matthew 21:23-27
23 And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” And they discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.
Matthew 25:31-46
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
Devotional
As we have seen over the last two days, the names and titles of Jesus are deeply important and intimately tied to his identity. He made this identity manifestly known by word and deed during the week leading up to his death and resurrection. Today’s name is no exception, but one could argue that it is uniquely exceptional because here we focus on the name that Jesus handpicked for himself, the one he used most frequently during his earthly ministry: the Son of Man.
A word study of this name could (and does) occupy volumes of academic research, but I hope you will find here a useful, albeit abbreviated, summary of three key understandings of his self-designation, “Son of Man.”
Humanity
It is simply Jesus illuminating the human side of his dual nature. In fact, “Son of Man” simply means “human,” in the Old Testament, an example we see throughout Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2:1).
Divinity
It underscores Jesus’ divinity and authority through alignment with Daniel 7:13-14, showcasing his eternal authority and role as the divine judge over all kings and kingdoms, a truth further emphasized in Mark 2:10 (forgives sins) and Matthew 25:31-46 (final judge). This title transcends humanity and affirms Jesus as the fulfillment of messianic prophecy.
Mediator
It embodies Jesus as the crucial link between heaven and earth, a role alluded to in his conversation with Nathanael through reference to Jacob’s Ladder (John 1:51; Genesis 28:12). Not only is the Son of Man human and divine, but he is the link that brings them together.
So where do we see the Son of Man revealed in today’s passage? Well, there’s no shortage of places to look! Tuesday was a busy day for Jesus. Documented in 211 verses across nearly five chapters (Matthew 21:23-26:5), the third day of the Holy Week represents 20% of the entire Gospel of Matthew. From teaching in the temple and demonstrating his authority before a rotating carousel of crafty religious and civic leaders to revealing a prophetic glimpse of things to come in the late stillness on the Mount of Olives, these dense chapters serve as his de facto closing arguments as the plot to kill him takes its final form. For the Son of Man, there could be no “senioritis” on his last day of public ministry.
We see his humanity generally displayed in his physical appearance and actions, but also more specifically in Jesus’ active engagement in teaching (Matthew 21:23-27, 22:15-46), in the depth of emotion of his lament for Israel (Matthew 23:37-39), and implicitly in the plot to kill him, which was an effort to rob him of his humanity (Matthew 26:3-4).
We see his divinity displayed in his authoritative teachings and parables (Matthew 21:23-22:14), his wisdom in confronting religious leaders (Matthew 22:15-46), and his prophetic insights from the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25). He is the divine authority, judge, and fulfillment of messianic prophecies.
We see him displayed as a mediator in his discussions on the greatest commandment, bridging God’s law and human action (Matthew 22:34-40); his prophetic lament for Jerusalem, expressing a desire to gather his people as a hen gathers her chicks (Matthew 23:37-39); and in his query to the Pharisees on whose son is the Christ (Matthew 22:41-45). Anywhere we see the intersection of God and man, there we see Christ!
We all understand that what Jesus says is important, but remember that Jesus is the Word, and it was by the Word that creation was formed. So, when the incarnate God chooses words to reveal himself to us, words so unique that no one else in the New Testament uses them in direct reference, we should savor them. The gravitational pull of their holy weight draws us closer to him and into the expressed intimacy by which he has always known and identified his person in the eternal, triune Godhead. The incarnate Son of Man—fully human (he knows us), fully God (he provides for us)—and the perfect mediator between both realms (he is for us). What a joy it is to know our Lord on his terms!
The realization that Jesus fully embraced his humanity alongside his divinity is a profound reminder of his intimate connection with us. His deliberate choice of a title that encapsulates both aspects invites us to ask: How does acknowledging a God who truly understands our human experience transform our dialogue with him, influencing both our requests and our expressions of faith?
I absolutely loved this devotional this morning as it truly highlights the impact and meaning of what Jesus has done for us and why he continues to do the things he does. He truly does love us and he’s always here for us even in the most worst situations or even situations we would’ve never thought that he would be but he’s always there.
Amen
I find COMFORT knowing that Jesus has experienced the same emotions I may be struggling with. I can go to Him completely transparent, laying it ALL at His feet and He will LOVE me through whatever it is I’m struggling with. HALLELUJAH ❤️🙏🏾
I’m grateful today for the Lord’s provision of His Son to not only understand the sufferings and conditions of humanity but then, by His authority, He speaks insight and victory over them all. He demonstrated His ability to not only identify with us but to also display the truth of God’s Word regarding it all, strengthening our faith in the Father to trust Him in and for all things!
As we strive to go closer to our Father in Heaven may our will decrease and His will increase in us.
I ask for His forgiveness for all of the times I have disapointed my Father.
I praise Hiim for prayers answered. I await His coming with anticipation.
I pray for my family that they will come to know Jesus and shall be eternally saved.
I love you Father in Heaven and your son who gave His life for us.
How many times I have failed You. Forgive me and give me peace.
Help me to walk in Your ways and do Your will!
Thank you Thank you and Praise You Heavenly Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!
As Jeremy states in today’s devotional, Jesus’ “Son of Man” self-designation underscores his Divinity.
“It underscores Jesus’ divinity and authority through alignment with Daniel 7:13-14, showcasing his eternal authority and role as the divine judge over all kings and kingdoms, a truth further emphasized in Mark 2:10 (forgives sins) and Matthew 25:31-46 (final judge). This title transcends humanity and affirms Jesus as the fulfillment of messianic prophecy.”
When Jesus comes in all his glory as the King and he gathers all the nations before him, he will bless all of us who helped him during our lifetimes, but he will curse those who showed him no love. Our Lord and savior Jesus will judge us according to how we treat other people who need a helping hand. Jesus says that when we show mercy to the needy, we are showing our love for him.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 32: 8-9
This Matthew 25 passage always challenges me to try to be a little more introspective. Whenever I encounter the homeless, hungry and even the numerous immigrants flooding across our borders, I often feel perplexed at what my proper response should be. Compassionate or hard-nosed? The Matthew 25 passage seems to me to quite straight forward. I’m thankful for our church’s CMC ministry. I always look forward to being able to participate in a ministry which directly ministers to the hungry. Thank you, CMC workers!
Lord Jesus thank you so much for Your title Son of Man, for You came to my granddaughter yesterday and heard her 8year old prayer to accept You as her Lord and Savior. Your plan of Salvation so simple yet so mighty at the same time. During this Holy Week I say Hallelujah to the Son of Man who takes away the sins of the world. Praise Your holy Name Jesus. King of Glory Amen.
l:)
I think of what I was taught is that we are witnesses to the ends of the earth from Acts 1:8
JESUS’ hyperstatic Union; all GOD all man; Divine & human. I don’t understand it, but I trust & believe that HE is. To GOD be glory.
As I read and reflect on the work of the Cross and how my life has been drastically changed by Christ is extremely humbling. What He went through is extremely heartbreaking 💔. BUT…The fact that He got up with ALL POWER has changed my life FOREVER 😊❤️🙏.
Thank you Jesus for the blood applied.
Thank you Lord Jesus❤️🙏🏾
Shirley McMillian
When I think of the humanity of God it makes me much more sensitive to the needs of the poor and lost. His divinity offers courage and confidence in spreading the plan of salvation to those who need to hear it. God is so merciful and faithful and is my hope for everything in this earthly life. To God be the Glory
When I think of the humanity of God it makes me more sensitive to the needs of the poor and lost His divinity offers courage and confidence in spreading the plan of God for salvation to those who need to hear it. God is so merciful and faithful and His love for us is more than we can comprehend and He is my hope for everything in this earthly life. So grateful for a home in heaven someday, to God Be the Glory
Father, thank you for empathizing with me through Jesus’ humanity, strengthening me through your divinity and giving me hope as my mediator to eternal life.
The awesomeness of it all! God has tied everything together in such a Perfect Package. Only God could have thought of it; planned it; put it in motion….to provide for my salvation and a way to communicate with Him!