Sometimes, in the New Testament, Jesus refers to Himself of the "Son of God." Other times, He says, the "Son of Man." It is surely tempting to see the former as a more profound statement. But actually, quite the opposite is true. After all, all Christians (at least, all Christian males) may correctly refer to themselves as sons of God. But the term, "Son of Man," was an obvious allusion to the prophecy in Daniel 7, in which "one like a son of man" is awarded eternal kingship. So I would view the term, "Son of Man," as the more profound of the two. Comments?
Maybe it was the "Sun of Man"? Malachi 4:2 (TLB) = “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture."
I think Son of Man is referring to how Jesus came out of a womb of a female just as any other person is brought into this world. Son of Man-kind as well as Son of God. The only difference is that the ovum of his mother, Mary, did not come into contact with a male gamete, or sperm cell. And God Himself declared Jesus Christ as His Only Begotten Son. No one else.. Not even Angels. Hebrews 1:5 "For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?"
If you want special status why not call yourself the "son of God"? It's a great marketing plan and instantly elevates the claimant above the competition.
"son of" in Hebrew means borne out of/ descended - or derived from (there are numerous usages in the OT). "Son of man", in the context of this tradition, would seem to suggest the synoptic gospel writers are highlighting the humanity of Jesus (though obviously not John, who is averse to such corporeality).
An author can create a character that knows that the author is his author. The author can create a dialog with the character. Such a dialog is not a conversation; it is a condescension. There is another way that an author can condescend to his characters. The author can write himself into his novel work as himself, the author. His character would be no less a character than any of the other characters, and the author would be no less the author because he is also a character. Jesus is God's character incarnate. Jesus epitomizes the characteristics attributable to God. God's character reveals God's character. As a character, Jesus is the son of man. In His character, Jesus is the Son of God.
