Day 12 of 21
The Son of Man: Daniel's Vision
The One Who Receives an Everlasting Kingdom
Scripture Readings
Today's Reading
In Daniel 7, the prophet receives a night vision of four terrifying beasts — representing human empires that rise and fall in violence and cruelty. But then the scene shifts to the throne room of God, and a figure appears who is unlike any earthly ruler: "One like a son of man" who comes "with the clouds of heaven" and receives "dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him" (Daniel 7:13-14).
Reflection
Daniel's vision is one of the most important Messianic passages in the Old Testament, and it became Jesus' favorite self-designation. He called Himself "the Son of Man" more than eighty times in the Gospels — more than any other title. This was not a claim to ordinariness; it was a claim to the vision of Daniel 7.
The "son of man" figure in Daniel is mysterious and transcendent. He comes "with the clouds of heaven" — language that in the Old Testament is consistently associated with God Himself (Psalm 104:3; Isaiah 19:1). He approaches "the Ancient of Days" — God the Father — and receives an everlasting kingdom. "His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed" (Daniel 7:14). This figure is human in appearance but exercises divine authority.
At His trial before the high priest, Jesus makes the connection explicit. When asked, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" Jesus responds: "I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven" (Mark 14:62). The high priest tears his robes and declares it blasphemy. He understands exactly what Jesus is claiming — the authority and identity of Daniel's heavenly Son of Man.
Spurgeon noted that in calling Himself the Son of Man, Jesus was claiming the title from Daniel 7 — the heavenly figure to whom God gives dominion over all peoples and nations. It was a title that combined humanity and divine authority in a single figure, perfectly capturing the mystery of the incarnation.
Goldsworthy observes that Daniel 7 presents a figure who is both human and divine — one who receives universal and eternal authority. Jesus' use of this title was a veiled but unmistakable claim to deity. Those with ears to hear Daniel's vision recognized what Jesus was saying. Those without that framework heard only a humble reference to humanity. The title was both a revelation and a concealment — hiding in plain sight.
Going Deeper
The Son of Man in Daniel 7 stands in deliberate contrast to the beasts that represent human empires. Where the beasts rise from the sea (chaos) and rule by violence, the Son of Man comes from heaven and receives His kingdom from God. Where the beasts' kingdoms are temporary and destructive, the Son of Man's kingdom is eternal and life-giving. Jesus' claim to be the Son of Man is a claim that the kingdoms of this world will one day give way to a kingdom of justice, peace, and worship — the kingdom of God.
Key Quotes
“When Christ called himself the Son of Man, he was claiming the title from Daniel 7 — the heavenly figure to whom God gives an everlasting dominion over all peoples and nations.”
“Daniel 7 presents a figure who is both human and divine — one who comes with the clouds of heaven to receive universal and eternal authority. Jesus' use of this title was a veiled but unmistakable claim to deity.”
Prayer Focus
Lord Jesus, Son of Man, all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to You. Help me to live today under Your reign and for Your glory.
Meditation
Jesus chose 'Son of Man' as His primary self-designation. Why do you think He preferred this mysterious title over more obvious ones like 'Messiah' or 'King'?
Question for Discussion
Daniel 7 contrasts the brutal beast-kingdoms with the gentle authority of the Son of Man. How should this contrast shape the way Christians exercise authority and influence in the world today?