Jesus' Identity: How Did Jesus Understand Himself?

Hey everyone! Welcome to your study notes for a really fascinating and important topic: Jesus’ understanding of Himself. Ever wonder how Jesus saw his own mission and identity? It’s a huge question! In this chapter, we’re going to unlock this by focusing on a very special title Jesus used for himself: the Son of Man.

Understanding this title is key to acing your exams because it reveals Jesus’ unique claims about his authority, his purpose, and his ultimate destiny. Don't worry if it seems a bit mysterious at first – we'll break it down step-by-step. Let’s get started!


The Mystery of the "Son of Man" Title

First things first, why is this title so important? Jesus uses the title "Son of Man" to refer to himself many times in the Gospels, especially in the Gospel of Mark. It’s his favourite self-designation!

What does it mean? It's clever because it works on two levels:

1. On the surface: It can simply mean "a human being" or "someone." It sounds humble, right? This allowed Jesus to talk about himself without immediately causing a riot or being misunderstood as a political king.

2. The deeper meaning: For those who knew the Jewish scriptures (the Old Testament), it connected to a powerful, divine figure from the book of Daniel (Daniel 7:13-14). This figure was a heavenly being who would be given authority, glory, and sovereign power by God to judge the world and rule forever.

So, by using this title, Jesus was both identifying with humanity and hinting at his divine authority and mission. It’s a perfect summary of his identity! The syllabus points to five specific ways Jesus used this title to explain who he was. Let's explore them.


The Five Meanings of "Son of Man"

1. The Son of Man has Authority to Forgive Sins

Key Scripture: Mark 2:10

The Scene: Jesus is teaching in a packed house. Some men bring their paralyzed friend, but they can't get in. So, they climb onto the roof, dig a hole, and lower him down to Jesus! Instead of healing him immediately, Jesus says, "Son, your sins are forgiven."

The Problem: The religious teachers (scribes) were shocked! In their culture, only God could forgive sins. They thought, "Who does this guy think he is? That's blasphemy!"

Jesus' Response: Knowing their thoughts, Jesus asks them what's easier: to say "your sins are forgiven" or to say "get up and walk"? Then, to prove he has the authority to do the first, he does the second. He says, "...so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins..." and then he tells the paralyzed man to get up and walk. And he does!

What this tells us: By linking his identity as the Son of Man with the power to forgive sins, Jesus was claiming to have an authority that belongs to God alone. He was showing that his mission wasn't just about physical healing, but about spiritual restoration.

Analogy Time!

Imagine a random person walks up to you and says, "Don't worry, I've just cancelled all your student debt." You wouldn't believe them, because only the government or the bank has that authority. For Jesus to claim he could forgive sins was like him claiming to have the authority of God Himself. By healing the man, he provided the 'official proof' that his claim was real.

Key Takeaway for Point 1:

The title Son of Man signifies Jesus’ divine authority on earth, specifically the power to forgive sins, a role traditionally seen as exclusive to God.


2. The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath

Key Scripture: Mark 2:28

The Scene: Jesus and his disciples are walking through some grain fields on the Sabbath (the holy day of rest). His disciples are hungry, so they start picking heads of grain to eat.

The Problem: The Pharisees (a strict religious group) see this and accuse them of "working" on the Sabbath, which was against the Law.

Jesus' Response: Jesus defends his disciples by reminding the Pharisees of a time when King David broke a religious rule when he and his men were in need. He then makes a groundbreaking statement: "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." He finishes with a powerful conclusion: "So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." (Mark 2:27-28).

What this tells us: The Sabbath law was one of the most important pillars of Jewish life, given by God. For Jesus to call himself "Lord" of the Sabbath meant he was claiming to have authority over this sacred law. He was saying he understood its true purpose (to be a gift for humanity, not a burden) and that he had the right to interpret it. This is another claim to divine authority.

Key Takeaway for Point 2:

As Son of Man, Jesus claims authority over the most sacred religious laws, like the Sabbath, placing human need and his own authority above rigid religious tradition.


3. The Son of Man Must Suffer

Key Scripture: Mark 8:31

The Scene: This is a major turning point. Peter has just correctly identified Jesus as the Messiah. Everyone is probably expecting Jesus to talk about victory and glory. But he completely flips their expectations.

The Shocking Prediction: Jesus begins to teach them that "the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again."

The Reaction: Peter is so horrified that he pulls Jesus aside and scolds him! This wasn't the powerful, conquering Messiah he was expecting.

What this tells us: Here, Jesus redefines what it means to be the Messiah. He connects the powerful, glorious "Son of Man" from Daniel with the idea of a Suffering Servant (from the book of Isaiah). He taught that his path to glory was not through power and conquest, but through suffering, rejection, and death. This was a core part of his self-understood mission.

Common Mistake Alert!

Don't think that the disciples just didn't get it. NO ONE was expecting a suffering Messiah. The Jewish hope was for a king like David who would defeat their enemies. Jesus' teaching that the Son of Man MUST suffer was radical and completely new.

Key Takeaway for Point 3:

The title Son of Man is not just about glory; it is central to Jesus' identity as one whose mission involves necessary suffering, rejection, and death, followed by resurrection.


4. The Son of Man Came to Serve

Key Scripture: Mark 10:45

The Scene: The disciples James and John ask Jesus for the best seats in his future kingdom, seats of power and honour. The other disciples get angry and jealous.

The Lesson on Leadership: Jesus uses this as a teaching moment. He tells them that worldly rulers "lord it over" their people. But in his kingdom, it's the complete opposite. To be great, you must be a servant.

The Ultimate Example: He then holds up himself as the prime example, defining his entire mission in one sentence: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

What this tells us: This is perhaps the clearest explanation of Jesus' purpose. The glorious, authoritative Son of Man has a mission of ultimate humility and sacrifice. His greatness is shown not in being served, but in serving others to the point of giving his life. The word "ransom" is crucial – it means to pay a price to free someone. Jesus saw his death as a purposeful act of liberation for humanity.

Key Takeaway for Point 4:

Jesus understands the Son of Man's mission as one of selfless service and sacrifice. His purpose is not to gain power, but to give his life to save and free others.


5. The Son of Man Will Return in Glory

Key Scripture: Mark 14:62

The Scene: This is the climax of Jesus' trial before the high priest and the Sanhedrin (the Jewish council). They are trying to find a reason to condemn him to death.

The Direct Question: The high priest finally asks him directly, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?"

Jesus' Unambiguous Answer: For the first time, Jesus gives a clear, public "Yes." He says, "I am... and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."

What this tells us: This statement is explosive! Jesus is directly quoting from Daniel 7. He claims two things:

  • He will be exalted to God's right hand (a position of ultimate power and authority).
  • He will return as the glorious, heavenly judge of all humanity.

This is the ultimate expression of the Son of Man's divine glory. In his moment of greatest human weakness (as a prisoner on trial), he speaks of his ultimate divine power and destiny. This claim is what the high priest calls blasphemy and uses to sentence him to death.

Key Takeaway for Point 5:

Jesus identifies the Son of Man as the ultimate, divine judge who will be vindicated by God and will return from heaven in power and glory to fulfil his cosmic role.


Quick Review & Summary

Let's put it all together. Jesus’ use of the title Son of Man is a masterful summary of his identity. It's like a key that unlocks who he is.

The 5 Meanings of SON OF MAN:

S - Sovereign Authority: He can forgive sins (Mark 2:10) and is Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28).
O - Obligated to Suffer: He must be rejected, killed, and then resurrected (Mark 8:31).
N - Not to be served, but to serve: His mission is one of service and self-sacrifice (Mark 10:45).

O - One who will return: He will come back from heaven in glory.
F - Final Judge: He will sit at God's right hand and judge the world (Mark 14:62).

(Memory Aid: Try to remember the acronym S.O.N. O.F. Man, even if the words don't fit perfectly, it helps group the ideas!)

This title shows that Jesus saw himself as fully human yet possessing unique divine authority. He understood his mission was not to be a political king, but to be a suffering servant whose death had a saving purpose. And he was confident that his suffering would lead to ultimate glory and vindication when he returned as the judge of all. Good luck with your studies!