While the phrase “Son of Man” is a reference to Jesus’ humanity, it is not a denial of His deity. By becoming a man, Jesus did not cease being God. The incarnation of Christ did not involve the subtraction of deity, but the addition of humanity. Jesus clearly claimed to be God on many occasions (See Matthew 16:16, 17; John 8:58; 10:30). But in addition to being divine, He was also human (See Philippians 2:6-8). He had two natures (divine and human) conjoined in one person.

1 – John on the Isle of Patmos

The Isle of Patmos was a small rocky island about 10 miles long and 6 miles wide off the coast of modern-day Turkey.

The Emperor Domitian exiled John to the island and although elderly he was forced to labour in the mines of Patmos. He was shut off from Christian contact. But God was still with him! The final written revelation was given to the Apostle John while suffering for Christ and the gospel. This has happened elsewhere in the Bible.

• Moses – Wrote the Pentateuch in the wilderness.
• David – Wrote many Psalms while pursued by Saul.
• Isaiah – Wrote during difficult times and was eventually martyred.
• Ezekiel – Wrote in exile.
• Jeremiah – Wrote while facing trials and persecution.
• Peter – Wrote 2 letters shortly before martyrdom.

2. The Title “Son of Man” in the Bible

Notice its use:-

• Mankind – “Son of Adam or “Daughter of Eve”. Often refers to the weakness and frailty of mankind. See Job 25:6 – “…a son of man, who is only a worm”. Used often to Ezekiel to remind him of his human weakness.
• The Messiah – Daniel 7:13ff. (See Hebrews 2:14-18) The title shows the true humanity of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Son of Man is God from heaven, in human form on earth, and at the same time in heaven. God in and with man reconciling man to God.
• The New Testament – It was Jesus’ favourite title for Himself. He avoided the political or military interpretations of some of the Jewish people at this time. The disciples themselves recognised that the title “Son of Man” meant that He was claiming to be the Messiah. See Matthew 16:13-20.

3. The Vision of the “Son of Man”

It is abundantly clear that the Son of Man is more than just a man. What a majestic description of Christ returning in power and in glory.

• Clothing – “Clothed with a garment to His feet”. The clothing of a priest and judge. Like Aaron’s robe it was designed “for glory and beauty”. (Exodus 28:2). “Golden girdle” – used by the high priest to bind his garments to his chest allowing greater freedom of movement, in keeping with the dignity and majesty of the high priest. The high priest’s girdle had a golden thread in it, but here it is made entirely of gold! We have the sombre presence of Christ in the midst of His churches.
• Head and hair – “Head and hair as white as snow” (See Daniel 7:9 – The Son is the exactly the same as the Father. God almighty. See Hebrews 1. We see the complete purity and eternity of God.
• Eyes – “eyes as a flame of fire” (See Daniel 7:13-14 – Searching for righteousness and divine judgement.
• Feet – “feet unto fine brass, burned in a furnace”. Brass symbolises divine judgement. (See Exodus 38:30 – Searching for righteousness and divine judgement upon all that is impure.
• Voice – “his voice (boomed) as the sound of many waters” This shows His majesty and power.
• Right hand – “in His right hand were seven stars” These “seven stars” seem to refer to the leaders of these seven churches who are responsible for the spiritual welfare of these churches. They are in the right hand of the Son of Man, indicating possession, protection and sovereign control. As the churches were to emit light as a lamp stand, the leaders of the churches were to project light as stars!
• Mouth – “a two-edged sword proceeded out of his mouth” (See Revelation 19:15). This speaks of divine judgement upon the wicked. The type of sword is a large one used for killing the enemy, not wounding.
• Face – “sun shining in its strength”. Like Paul had seen on the road to Damascus. His eyesight apparently was damaged by this incident.

The second coming of Christ will be glorious. It is no surprise that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord!

Categories: Revelation