The Lord constantly spoke of Himself as “the Son of Man,” a title that connected Him with universal headship, and not merely with Israel, especially in view of His sufferings and resurrection and kingdom. Though walking about this earth He could say, “The Son of Man which is in heaven” (John 3:13). He, though God, became truly man: could be weary and hungry, and sleep. He prayed as one in dependence on God; was forsaken of God, and died. Yet He was the righteous One—of another order morally from all other men: the Second man—out of heaven (1 Cor. 15:47).
According to Hebrews 2 Christ became Son of Man in order to—
1. “taste death for everything;”
2. to annul “him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;”
3. “to make propitiation for the sins of the people;” and
4. to be “able to succor them that are tempted.”
He is set as Son of Man over all the works of God’s hands, heir of all things, according to the counsels of God; He will reign until all enemies are under His feet, and be hailed as “King of kings and Lord of lords.” The Lord said, “The Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father, with His angels” (Matt. 16:27). In the meantime we do not find the title used in the Epistles and the Revelation except in Hebrews 2:6, a quotation from Psalm 8, which speaks of His universal dominion; and in Revelation 1:13 and Revelation 14:14, where He is ready for judgment. See JESUS CHRIST.