(remember, these are unedited/draft show notes, not a transcript — listening is always better…and if you listen AND follow along below, you’ll see how)
Focus Question:
How did Jesus’ accusers hear “Son of Man?”
Intro:
Every once in a while you will hear the objection, “Jesus never claimed to be God.” Answering that, of course, usually means referring to his “I AM” statements in the book of John where He refers to Himself in the same way that God identified Himself to Moses from the burning bush.
So — spoiler alert! — when I pose today’s focus question, “How did Jesus’ accusers hear “Son of Man?,” you know what the answer is.
Still, it’s useful to keep in mind to better understand the context of the kangaroo court scene we’ll hear about in today’s passage.
New Testament segment:
Passage: Matthew 26:47-27:10
Translation: CSB (Christian Standard Bible)
Verses: 39
Words: ~824
Jesus’ use of “Son of Man” language in the New Testament Gospels draw on Jewish traditions regarding the phrase found in both the Old Testament and apocalyptic literature. In particular, Jesus’ “Son of Man” sayings reflect the connection between the themes of suffering, enthronement, and authority that appear in the narrative of Daniel’s vision. There are four general ways in which Jesus uses “Son of Man” language in the New Testament Gospels: 1) to refer to Himself; 2) to describe His authority and earthly ministry; 3) to anticipate His suffering and death; and 4) to anticipate His future exaltation and glory.(1)
Jesus is not merely “a son of man” (an ordinary male human being), but he repeatedly (over 80 times in the Gospels) calls himself the Son of Man, suggesting the greatest, most notable son of man of all time. “The Son of Man” is thus a messianic title that refers back to the mysterious, human-divine figure of “one like a son of man” in Dan. 7:13–14, one who would be given rule over all the nations of the earth forever (cf. Matt. 26:64). The Son of Man will be “lifted up” by being crucified (see note on John 3:14), will provide divine revelation (6:27), and will act with end-time authority (5:27; 9:39).(2)
26:65 tore his robes. Normally prohibited for the high priest (Lev. 10:6; 21:10), but this astounding claim by Jesus evokes a vehement response. blasphemy. A reference to Jesus’ claim of divine status as the Son of Man.(3)
26:65 tore his clothes. Represents extreme sorrow at what was perceived as blasphemy. blasphemy. In pre-70 Judaism it included not merely pronouncing the divine Name, as was also true later, but also a variety of statements or actions that transgressed a perceived boundary between humanity and deity. For Jesus to associate himself with Daniel’s heavenly son of man could have been seen as blasphemy by those who rejected Jesus’ claim.(4)
Old Testament segment:
Passage: Isaiah 28-29
Translation: CSB (Christian Standard Bible)
Verses: 53
Words: ~1446
Wisdom segment:
Passage:
Translation: CSB (Christian Standard Bible)
Verses:
Words: ~
The bottom line:
Love you!
Roger
ForTheHope is a daily audio Bible + apologetics podcast and blog. We’ve got a passion for just keepin’ it real, having conversations like normal people, and living out the love of Jesus better every single day.
Roger Courville, CSP is a globally-recognized expert in digitally-extended communication and connection, an award-winning speaker, award-winning author, and a passionately bad guitarist. Follow him on Twitter -- @RogerCourville and @JoinForTheHope – or his blog: www.forthehope.org.
Sources and resources:
(1) Leslie T. Hardin and Derek Brown, “Son of Man,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).
(2) Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 2022.
(3) Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 1883.
(4) D. A. Carson, “The Gospels and Acts,” in NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible, ed. D. A. Carson (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2018), 1757.