Who is the Son of Man?

Throughout the New Testament, the term, "Son of Man" is used many times by Jesus Christ. The first time Jesus mentions this title is in Matthew 8:20; when a teacher of the law says that he would follow Jesus wherever he goes. Jesus responds, "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head" (Matthew 8:20, NIV). Jesus used the term/title, "Son of Man" and applied it to Himself, every time Jesus uses this title, it is in application to Himself. The question is, what does this title mean?

The answer to this question can be found in the book of Daniel. When reading Daniel chapter 7, specifically 7:9-14, we can see the Holy Trinity. In Daniel 7:9, God the Father is the Ancient of Days and in 7:0, the river of fire flowing from God's throne is the Holy Spirit. Now, 7:13-14 states, "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshipped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed (NIV).

Daniel sees, "one like a son of man" meaning he sees someone who resembles a human being. The description of this being is a Messianic Prophecy, as in it has to do with the Messiah. Mark 14:60-65, when Jesus has been arrested and is being questioned by the high priest, who asks Jesus if He is the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One (indicating that in Jewish theology, the Messiah is the Son of God). Jesus responds in Mark 14:62, "'I am,' said Jesus. 'And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven'" (NIV).

Jesus knew exactly how He was answering this question. Jesus was claiming to be the Son of Man described in Daniel 7:13-14, while simultaneously claiming to be the Messiah and the Son of God (which is also one of many times where Jesus claims to be God).

It is worth noting the other instances where the term, "son of man" is used is in the book of Ezekiel. However, the context of Daniel 7:13-14 does not apply to the instances given in Ezekiel because the LORD is specifically speaking to Ezekiel, a mortal who does not fit the description of Daniel 7:13-14.