What does "Son of Man lifted up" mean? Definition and Overview The phrase “Son of Man lifted up” refers to the crucifixion and exaltation of Jesus, who repeatedly identified Himself as the “Son of Man.” The term “Son of Man” is most prominently found in the Gospels where Jesus uses it to describe His divine authority and future glory. The specific wording “lifted up” highlights both the literal act of Christ being raised onto the cross and His ultimate elevation to a place of honor and victory over death. Below is a comprehensive exploration of this phrase, its grounding in the Old Testament, its fulfillment in the New Testament, and key points of historical, archaeological, and manuscript evidence. Old Testament Foundations Daniel 7:13 records a vision of “One like the Son of Man” who approaches the Ancient of Days and is given dominion and glory. Though not yet speaking of a crucifixion, this passage points to a figure who is both human (the “Son of Man” aspect) and divine (having eternal authority). Early Judeo-Christian interpreters connected this vision to the Messiah. Another key text is Numbers 21:8–9, describing Moses lifting up the bronze serpent in the wilderness. Though not explicitly messianic in its original context, it prefigures a future, saving “lifting up,” which Jesus references in the Gospels (John 3:14–15). The Old Testament “lifting up” theme (see also Isaiah 52:13) sets the framework for understanding Jesus’ statement about how He must be lifted up. New Testament References to “Lifted Up” 1. John 3:14–15: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.” • This draws a direct parallel between the bronze serpent event (Numbers 21) and Jesus being lifted up on the cross. The serpent on the pole physically healed those who looked upon it. Jesus, lifted up on the cross, provides spiritual healing and eternal life to all who believe. 2. John 8:28: “So Jesus said, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He.’” • Here, “lifting up” again signifies crucifixion. It emphasizes that through this sacrificial act, Jesus’ identity and mission would be fully recognized. 3. John 12:32–33: “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” He said this to indicate the kind of death He was going to die. • This passage underscores that the cross is both a scandal and a beacon—drawing humanity towards salvation. Jesus’ death was not merely an execution but a divine act that leads to reconciliation with God. Connotation of “Lifted Up” The phrase “lifted up” carries dual significance: 1. Physical Crucifixion: Being raised on the cross. 2. Exaltation and Glory: The risen and ascended Christ is enthroned at the right hand of God. The early church recognized this twofold meaning—His crucifixion was not a defeat but a pathway to exaltation (Philippians 2:8–9). Paul and other New Testament writers regarded this as the core of the gospel: that God’s redemptive plan was ultimately displayed in Christ’s sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection. The Son of Man and Messianic Identity The expression “Son of Man” occurs throughout the Gospels, signifying Jesus’ link to humanity and fulfillment of Messianic prophecies. Archaeological and manuscript evidence—such as the fragments of the New Testament in early papyri (e.g., P52 for the Gospel of John) and the discovery of first-century gospel portions—corroborates that these statements about Jesus as “Son of Man” have been preserved with remarkable fidelity through the centuries. The Dead Sea Scrolls and other Second Temple writings attest to a heightened expectation of a Messianic figure. Although these sources do not explicitly connect “Son of Man” to crucifixion, they reflect the cultural backdrop wherein passages like Daniel 7:13 were deeply studied in Messianic anticipation. Historical and Manuscript Evidence 1. Dead Sea Scrolls Context: Demonstrates that many Old Testament texts (including Isaiah, Daniel, and Numbers) were faithfully preserved and revered, supporting the continuity of prophetic expectation into the time of Jesus. 2. Early Gospel Fragments: Provide strong evidence for the authenticity of Jesus’ statements regarding being “lifted up” (John 3:14, 8:28, 12:32). Careful study by textual critics shows these references date back to our earliest manuscripts. 3. Jewish and Roman Historical Records: Historians such as Josephus and Tacitus corroborate the crucifixion of Jesus under Pontius Pilate, offering an unsympathetic yet important external witness that these events indeed took place as described. Theological Implications and Purpose Jesus’ death on the cross was not an accidental tragedy but the central event in God’s plan of redemption. By stating He must be “lifted up,” Jesus linked His sacrificial work to Old Testament foreshadowings and grounded salvation in Himself. The crucifixion stands as the hinge-point of biblical history, culminating in the resurrection—an event that numerous scholars and firsthand testimonies affirm changed the entire course of early believers’ lives. In contemporary times, the phrase challenges individuals to recognize Jesus’ unique role as both Messiah and Savior, “lifted up” so that those who look to Him in faith receive eternal life. Scientific and Archaeological Support While “Son of Man lifted up” primarily addresses a theological truth, several areas of scientific and archaeological study intersect with the biblical narrative and underscore its reliability: 1. Archaeological Discoveries: Excavations confirming the historical settings of the Gospels (e.g., sites such as the Pool of Bethesda in John 5, discovered aligning with John’s description). 2. Geological Findings Consistent with a Young Earth: Advocates of a straightforward biblical timeline point to stratigraphic anomalies and well-preserved fossil specimens as indications that the earth’s geological features can be explained within a reduced timescale. 3. Intelligent Design: Advances in biology such as the complexity of DNA and the fine-tuning of physical laws suggest a purposeful creator consistent with a biblical worldview that sees Christ as the Creator who entered His creation to redeem it. These discoveries and studies do not “create” faith, but they can encourage trust in the biblical record, reinforcing confidence that the same Jesus spoken of in Scripture is indeed the divine “Son of Man.” Practical and Devotional Application 1. Looking to Jesus for Healing: Just as the Israelites looked at the bronze serpent and were healed, so we are invited to look to Christ. Belief in His sacrificial death and resurrection grants eternal life (John 3:15). 2. Understanding Christ’s Authority: Embracing “Son of Man” language enlarges our view of Christ as both fully divine and fully human, fulfilling the prophecy of one with an everlasting kingdom who was “lifted up” for our sake. 3. Proclaiming the Cross: The crucifixion is not merely a historical event but the means by which humanity can be reconciled to God. Sharing this truth remains central to the Church’s mission. Conclusion “Son of Man lifted up” encapsulates the essential works of Jesus Christ: His crucifixion and exaltation. In these few words, the Scriptures unite Old Testament prophecies, New Testament fulfillment, and the life-saving power of His sacrifice. From the physical evidence of archaeological finds to the consistent manuscript tradition of the Bible, the record of this powerful phrase has stood scrutiny. As generations continue to pass, the call remains the same: each person is invited to look upon the “Son of Man” lifted up, to recognize the path of redemption He opened, and to share in the promise of eternal life. |
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