Understanding Jesus: The Divine Authority of the Son of Man

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound identity of Jesus as the "Son of Man," a title he frequently used to describe himself. This term is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Daniel, where it signifies a figure who is both divine and human, a king and a priest. Jesus' use of "Son of Man" is not merely a self-reference but a declaration of his divine authority and mission. It connects him to the vision in Daniel 7, where the "Son of Man" is given authority, glory, and sovereign power, and is worshipped by all nations. This title encapsulates Jesus' dual nature as both God and man, his role as a mediator between heaven and earth, and his mission to establish a kingdom characterized by worship and obedience.

The sermon also delved into the implications of Jesus' identity for us as believers. As followers of Christ, we are invited to participate in his kingdom, a kingdom that is both present and future, heavenly and earthly. This kingdom is not marked by the violence and oppression of earthly empires but by worship and obedience to God. Jesus, as the "Son of Man," not only claims his divine kingship but also shares his authority with us, his saints, empowering us to live out his kingdom values in our daily lives.

The question Jesus posed to his disciples, "Who do you say the Son of Man is?" remains a pivotal question for us today. Our response to this question can transform our lives, as it did for Peter, who recognized Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God. This recognition invites us into a deeper relationship with Jesus, where we acknowledge him as our king and priest, and commit to living under his reign.

Key Takeaways:

1. Jesus as the "Son of Man": Jesus' frequent use of the title "Son of Man" is a profound declaration of his identity as both divine and human. This title connects him to the vision in Daniel 7, where the "Son of Man" is given authority and worshipped by all nations, signifying Jesus' divine authority and mission. [55:03]

2. The Kingdom of God: Jesus' kingdom is characterized by worship and obedience, contrasting with the oppressive and violent nature of earthly empires. As followers of Christ, we are called to participate in this kingdom, living out its values in our daily lives and recognizing Jesus as our king and priest. [01:18:25]

3. Authority and Empowerment: Jesus, as the "Son of Man," not only claims his divine kingship but also shares his authority with us, his saints. This empowerment enables us to live out his kingdom values, bringing healing, justice, and the good news of the kingdom to the world around us. [01:12:41]

4. The Present and Future Kingdom: The kingdom of God is both present and future, heavenly and earthly. Jesus' reign is established now, yet it is also a kingdom that is coming, inviting us to live in the tension of the "now and not yet" of God's kingdom. [01:21:39]

5. Personal Response to Jesus: The question "Who do you say the Son of Man is?" challenges us to recognize Jesus' true identity and respond with faith and commitment. Our answer to this question can transform our lives, as we acknowledge Jesus as our king and priest, and commit to living under his reign. [01:23:44]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [52:04] - Prayer for Eli
- [53:14] - The Importance of Identity
- [55:03] - Jesus as the "Son of Man"
- [56:38] - The Vision in Daniel 7
- [58:28] - The Ancient of Days
- [59:24] - Authority and Worship
- [01:00:35] - Jesus' Divine Identity
- [01:01:42] - Jesus as King and Priest
- [01:03:18] - Worship and Obedience
- [01:05:06] - The Kingdom of God
- [01:06:49] - Jesus' Kingship
- [01:10:15] - Priesthood and Intercession
- [01:12:41] - Empowerment of the Saints
- [01:14:44] - Favor from the Ancient of Days
- [01:17:06] - God's Favor and Kingdom
- [01:18:25] - Characteristics of the Kingdom
- [01:19:49] - Fulfillment in Acts
- [01:21:39] - The Now and Not Yet Kingdom
- [01:23:44] - Personal Response to Jesus
- [01:25:35] - Commitment to the Kingdom

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Daniel 7:13-14
2. Matthew 16:13-16
3. John 13:3-5

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Observation Questions:

1. How does Daniel 7:13-14 describe the "Son of Man" and what authority is given to him?
2. In Matthew 16:13-16, what question does Jesus ask his disciples, and how does Peter respond?
3. According to the sermon, how often does Jesus use the term "Son of Man" in the Gospels, and what significance does this have? [55:03]
4. What imagery is used in Daniel 7 to describe the empires and the "Son of Man"? How does this imagery contrast with each other? [56:38]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the title "Son of Man" reveal about Jesus' identity and mission according to the sermon? [01:01:42]
2. How does the vision in Daniel 7 relate to Jesus' role as both king and priest? What implications does this have for understanding his authority? [01:10:15]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' kingdom differs from earthly empires? How is this reflected in the characteristics of worship and obedience? [01:18:25]
4. How does the sermon interpret Jesus' question, "Who do you say the Son of Man is?" in terms of personal faith and commitment? [01:23:44]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the question Jesus asked his disciples: "Who do you say the Son of Man is?" How would you personally answer this question today, and what impact does your answer have on your life? [01:23:44]
2. The sermon describes Jesus' kingdom as characterized by worship and obedience. How can you incorporate these values into your daily life, especially in situations where you face challenges or opposition? [01:18:25]
3. Jesus shares his authority with his followers. In what areas of your life do you feel empowered to live out kingdom values, and how can you actively do so this week? [01:12:41]
4. The concept of the "now and not yet" kingdom invites us to live in a tension between the present and future. How do you experience this tension in your spiritual journey, and how can you embrace it more fully? [01:21:39]
5. Consider the role of Jesus as both king and priest. How does this dual role influence your understanding of his presence and work in your life? [01:10:15]
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus as our king and priest. What practical steps can you take to deepen your relationship with him in these roles? [01:25:35]
7. How can you actively participate in Jesus' kingdom on earth, especially in areas where you see injustice or need for healing? What specific actions can you take this week to bring about positive change? [01:12:41]

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus as the Divine and Human "Son of Man"
Jesus frequently referred to himself as the "Son of Man," a title that holds deep significance. This term is rooted in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Daniel, where it describes a figure who is both divine and human, a king and a priest. By using this title, Jesus was not merely identifying himself but was making a profound declaration of his divine authority and mission. The vision in Daniel 7 portrays the "Son of Man" as one who is given authority, glory, and sovereign power, and is worshipped by all nations. This title encapsulates Jesus' dual nature as both God and man, his role as a mediator between heaven and earth, and his mission to establish a kingdom characterized by worship and obedience. [55:03]

Daniel 7:13-14 (ESV): "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. 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."

Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as both divine and human impact your understanding of his role in your life today?

Day 2: The Kingdom of God: A Realm of Worship and Obedience
The kingdom of God, as established by Jesus, stands in stark contrast to the oppressive and violent nature of earthly empires. It is a kingdom characterized by worship and obedience to God. As followers of Christ, we are called to participate in this kingdom, living out its values in our daily lives. This means recognizing Jesus as our king and priest, and committing to a life that reflects his teachings and example. The kingdom is both present and future, inviting us to live in the tension of the "now and not yet" of God's reign. [01:18:25]

Isaiah 2:2-3 (ESV): "It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, and many peoples shall come, and say: 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.' For out of Zion shall go the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in God's kingdom today, embodying its values of worship and obedience?

Day 3: Authority and Empowerment in Christ
Jesus, as the "Son of Man," not only claims his divine kingship but also shares his authority with us, his saints. This empowerment enables us to live out his kingdom values, bringing healing, justice, and the good news of the kingdom to the world around us. As believers, we are called to be active participants in God's mission, using the authority given to us by Christ to make a positive impact in our communities and beyond. This shared authority is a profound gift that calls us to action and responsibility. [01:12:41]

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV): "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"

Reflection: How can you use the authority and empowerment given to you by Christ to bring about healing and justice in your immediate environment?

Day 4: Living in the Present and Future Kingdom
The kingdom of God is both present and future, heavenly and earthly. Jesus' reign is established now, yet it is also a kingdom that is coming, inviting us to live in the tension of the "now and not yet" of God's kingdom. This dual reality calls us to live with hope and expectation, knowing that while we experience God's presence and power today, there is a future fulfillment that awaits us. As believers, we are called to live faithfully in the present, while keeping our eyes fixed on the promises of what is to come. [01:21:39]

Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV): "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."

Reflection: How can you live faithfully in the present while keeping your hope anchored in the future promises of God's kingdom?

Day 5: Personal Response to Jesus' Identity
The question "Who do you say the Son of Man is?" challenges us to recognize Jesus' true identity and respond with faith and commitment. Our answer to this question can transform our lives, as we acknowledge Jesus as our king and priest, and commit to living under his reign. This recognition invites us into a deeper relationship with Jesus, where we are called to align our lives with his teachings and example. It is a personal and transformative journey that requires intentional reflection and action. [01:23:44]

Matthew 16:15-16 (ESV): "He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'"

Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with Jesus and align your life more closely with his teachings?

Quotes

1. "Identity's really important, isn't it? There's a whole load of stuff around who I am, who I really am, who I want to be known as, who I want you to think I am. And then there's a whole load of identity. There's a whole load of identity stuff behind that as to whether I want you to really know who I am. And so identity's really important. And we're doing a little series on Jesus' identity and how he saw himself." [53:14] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "And when Jesus talked about himself, he normally said, I, which is not unusual because that's what we all do, isn't it? But sometimes Jesus would say, I am. And the I am was really important because the I am came from when Moses was in the desert and there was a bush that didn't burn up and Moses heard a voice from the bush and Moses went over to find out what was going on and then he has a conversation with God and he asks God what his name is. And God says, I am who I am or Yahweh, which is I am, Yahweh, Jehovah, depending on how you spell it." [53:14] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Jesus, about once every chapter in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, uses the phrase son of man. That's an average, but that works. It's about the same number of chapters as there are uses of that term, the son of man. Obviously, he means. I is just using it for dramatic effect, like any good storyteller would. And that's fair enough. And maybe just means I. And the evidence for that would be in Ezekiel, where God's whenever God speaks to Ezekiel, it seems that God says son of man when he means Ezekiel." [56:38] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "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 peoples, nations and men 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." [59:24] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Jesus knew when he said, I'm the son of man. He knew where he'd come from. He'd come from God. That he was going to. To God. Son of man. Jesus identifies himself closely with this mysterious figure. Who comes down with the clouds of heaven. Approaching the ancient of days. Therefore, going up. And there's so much more here. And I want to talk about some of that this morning. God coming down. Entering our world. Incarnation. Christmas. God has moved into the neighborhood." [01:00:35] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Implying that Jesus is human. He's a person. That he is a human being. Son of man. It's human. And Jesus confirms that when he uses this phrase all the time. That I'm a man. One amongst you. A man amongst the people. But in Daniel's mysterious vision, this is one like a son of man. Coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the ancient of days and was led into his presence. Maybe you've been there. He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power. Had an anointing. Authority, glory, sovereign power. And all people's nations and people of every language worshipped him." [01:03:18] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "The son of man is God with us. And of course it would never not have got him into a huge amount of trouble because it's son of man. But actually every time he uses that it's a claim to be divine. Does Jesus ever claim to be God? Yes. Every time he uses that phrase. There's a claim that this is the one who is worthy to be worshipped and we only worship God." [01:05:06] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "So we have this up down God man image, this picture in Daniel chapter 7. We ask what is this God man doing? Well he's approaching the ancient of days and he's given authority and glory and sovereignty. He's given power. He's given a kingdom. That's what sovereign power is, isn't it? He's given a kingdom. He's given a kingdom. Every Jew wanted a king like David. David because David was ruler when we were the top and not the bottom. David was the ruler when we were the head and not the tail. David was the ruler who when he led us into battle we knew that we had half a chance at least of winning. David was our hero. He was the ruler when we were the greatest of the nation." [01:06:49] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "When Jesus said son of man, he understood that he was the rightful king. He was the rightful king. Not just king of the Jews but king of the nations. Didn't he say when I come in my glory, all the nations will be gathered before me? separate the sheep from the goats I am the king and you can take this seriously or not you can take these claims seriously or not you can recognize that Jesus is using this phrase son of man and came to be God with us claims to be the rightful king." [01:06:49] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Jesus asked loads of questions. But one of the most important I think was the question that he asked his disciples when they were walking along the beach one day. And he said. He simply said. Who do people say the son of man is? Who do people say the son of man is? Then he focused. Got a few answers. And then he focused on them and said. What about you? What about you? Who do you say the son of man is? Peter gave his reply. He says you are the Christ the son of the living God. And that was life changing for Peter. Changed his life. It changed the destiny of the church. The kingdom came at that point. The church came at that point. All sorts of stuff happened at that point as Peter gave that answer. That was seismic for Peter." [01:23:44] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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