Daniel: Far From HomeSample

In the previous study we saw Daniel’s vision of one ‘like a son of man’. The same phrase is used of Ezekiel (see Ezek. 36:1). However, in the Gospels the phrase is used by Jesus ninety times to identify Himself! There is no doubt that Jesus saw Himself to be the character of Daniel’s vision.

In Luke 17, Jesus sees the kingdom of God and the days of the Son of Man being fulfilled at His return (see Luke 17:22–37). In the section of Luke where it comes (17:11 – 19:27), Jesus is concerned that people understand how to be ready for that day, how to have a place in the eternal kingdom; He asks, ‘…when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?’ (Luke 18:8).

In the passage we have read, Jesus is on trial before the Sanhedrin. In verse 61 they directly ask Him whether He is the Christ. Notice the echoes of Daniel 7 in Jesus’ reply. Jesus is saying, as He had to the disciples in Mark 8:38, that the day of the Son of Man is a day of inescapable judgement. Stephen, when put to death, sees the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:56). Jesus is already in the position of all authority. We await His return as Son of Man, to bring salvation for those who are ready, and judgement for those who have rejected Him.

In the last book of the Bible, John is given a ‘revelation’ of the future, of ‘what must soon take place’ (Rev. 1:1). He is told to write to the seven churches of Asia. He turns to see who is commanding him. The one speaking to, and standing among, the churches is one ‘like a son of man’. Again the echoes of Daniel 7 are clear. As John sees the future, and as he sees the judgement on the world in the sixth seal (see Rev. 6), so he also sees people from every nation, tribe and tongue standing before the Lamb, singing in praise (Rev. 7:9,10).

It means we can be even more certain than Daniel that the promised kingdom will come, because the Son of Man has already been born, has died and has been raised to God’s right hand. We wait eagerly for the days of the Son of Man.

Reflection

Is this how you think of Jesus? Ponder what impact this vision of Jesus ought to have on our lives. Further, given that every knee will bow before Jesus (see Phil. 2:10), what does this mean for our personal evangelism?