Synoptic title: Son of Man Flashcards
How often does the term appear in the New Testament?
85 times, mostly in Matthew and Luke, less often in Mark and least of all in John
What similar hebrew expression appears over 100 times in the OT?
Ben-adam
From what language does the phrase originate?
Aramaic, the language Jesus and his disciples spoke
Why do many scholars believe that this was Jesus’ favourite term for himself?
Because the expression is not used in other NT letters and books, nor in any of the other Jewish and Christian writings from the same time. Many scholars therefore believed it to be the ipsimma verba - how Jesus actually talked
What is the ipsimma verba?
The true words or actual voice of Jesus
State Matthew 20:8
‘The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many’
How is Jesus being portrayed in being called the Son of Man?
Refers to Jesus’ humanity, rather than his divinity. It means Jesus has a human life within the human environment of 1st century Palestine, with all the troubles, difficulties, joys and challenges that involves
Explain the Christian belief that Jesus is both fully God and fully human
- As God, Jesus is all powerful and all-knowing, in control of every situation and assured of what will happen in the future; as a human being, he is frail and limited, powerless in the face of tyranny and limited by fears and doubts
What is the significance of Luke 22: 44?
Upon waiting his arrest, Jesus prays to be spared of the ordeal ahead, becoming so distressed that he sweats blood. This helps in illustrating the humanity of Jesus
What three categories does the use of the phrase fall into within the Synoptics?
- The coming Son of Man who will arrive on judgement day
- The suffering Son of Man who will be tortured and killed
- The faithful Son of Man who is God’s humble servant
When did Jesus often describe the Son of Man as appearing?
In the future, on judgement day. Although it may sound like he is talking about someone else in these expressions, given the context it is clear he is talking about himself
What is the coming son of man idea based on?
The prophecies of Daniel in the OT
State Daniel 7:13
‘In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven’
Who is the Son of Man in the visions of Daniel?
Someone who has been led into the presence of God and given the authority to rule the world. This prophecy describes the Messiah
What does Jesus do by calling himself the Son of Man according to the prophecies of Daniel?
He is claiming this messianic authority for himself; he has been given God’s authority over the world and will be the judge on judgement day
