How Cool Is That?

As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed. [Daniel 7.13-14]

Daniel evidently saw Jesus. Consider some of the phrases Daniel used above as they relate to Christ.

Son of man: This is a term Jesus used regularly for Himself: 28 times in Matthew, 14 times in Mark, 27 times in Luke, and 12 times in John (these number may vary across different translations). Jesus used this phrase to identify His works on earth as one of a man doing the works of God. Jesus' insistence upon referring to Himself as the "Son of Man" serves to confirm Him as a model and example to all men. The scriptures that support this claim are made by none other than Jesus Himself:

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. [John 14.12]

Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” [John 20.21]

And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.” [Matthew 16.19]

If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” [John 20.23]

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [Matthew 28.18-20]

There was however another Bible character for whom the term "son of man" was used more than Jesus! It was Ezekiel (some 92 times). The interesting thing about Ezekiel in contrast to Jesus, is that in not one instance (that I observed) did Ezekiel use this term for himself, but rather, it was the name God addressed Ezekiel by. Every instance Ezekiel was called "son of man," it was God calling him that.

Authority, honor, and sovereignty: Jesus was emphatic that He was given authority:

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [Matthew 28.18-20]

As seen here in Matthew 28.18-20, Jesus was not only given authority, but He delegated (gave) it to His followers!

 All the nations of the world: There is no mistaking that Jesus' mission included all the world.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [John 3.16]

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [Matthew 28.18-20]

It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ [Luke 24.47]

God established the phrase, "son of man" for mankind in His repeated addresses to Ezekiel as such. Jesus made a point to identify Himself with the same phrase to be certain His followers understood He was a man submitting to and therefore doing the works of God (not simply God doing the works of God). Daniel tied this all neatly together in advance in his vision of Jesus' eternal rule: a kingdom that will never be destroyed (that's where His followers doing His work come in).

How cool is that?

Father, thank You for Your Word and the Truth it offers.