This title was often on the lips of the Lord Jesus when here on earth. It occurs about 80 times, mostly in the Gospels, once in the Hebrews, and three times in the Book of the Revelation. The only other person described as the son of man is the prophet, Ezekiel, which occurs, over 80 times, and designates his earthly origin, and is marked by the absence in the original of the definite article. In the case of our Lord it is definitely a title, speaking of Him as Man being the Head of the creation of God, and always carries with it in the original the definite article.
It is mentioned three times in the Old Testament, throwing great light on its meaning. (1) Psa. 8 refers prophetically to our Lord as the Son of Man, made a little lower than the angels when He stooped to man's estate for God's glory and our blessing. Yet the angels were ordered to worship Him (Heb. 1:77And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. (Hebrews 1:7)). Psa. 8 tells us dominion over the vast creation, over all the works of God's hand, are His heritage. (2) Psalm 80:1717Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself. (Psalm 80:17) refers to the Son of Man, whom God made strong for Himself. (3) In Dan. 7:13,14,13I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:13‑14) we read of One like unto the Son of Man, to whom was given dominion over all peoples, nations, and languages, an everlasting kingdom, which will never pass away. This of course was prophetic, and is still waiting fulfillment. So we see the exalted place that was reserved for Him, who came into this world to bless men. Is it not touching then that such an One should repeatedly speak of Himself as about to be crucified by wicked men, and be put to death? yet prophesying His ultimate victory in that He would rise the third day. Our Lord knew full well that first must come the sufferings, and then would come the glory. How many true subjects would there be in the Lord's kingdom, were it not for His atoning work on the cross? Not one! Thank God, our Lord will yet reign as the Son of Man over the whole earth. It is only as mercy is despised, and set at naught, that He will execute judgment. The Father has given the Son authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man. (John 5:2727And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. (John 5:27)).
In contrast to judgment how touching are the words of the Lord Himself, "The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:1010For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10)).