When you read the Bible, one of the biggest themes you’ll notice is this title “Son of Man.” It’s not just a phrase—it’s a thread that runs through the Old and New Testaments and then explodes in Revelation. In this study we’re going to see how the Son of Man is revealed in His glory, His suffering, His authority, His return, and His role as the true representative of mankind.
Every section will tie into Jesus, and the question we’ll keep asking is: Do you see Jesus revealed? Do you understand what Revelation is stating about Him?
1. Cloud-glory and the Ancient of Days
Daniel 7:13–14 shows “one like the Son of man” coming with the clouds and receiving everlasting dominion. Revelation 1:13–14 echoes that same glory, connecting Him with the Ancient of Days Himself (Daniel 7:9).
Jesus told the high priest, “Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds” (Matthew 26:64). Revelation 1:7 says, “He cometh with clouds.” Zechariah 12:10 foretold Israel looking upon the One they pierced.
Do you see how Revelation reveals Jesus as the cloud-coming King? He is not less than God—He shares the Ancient of Days’ glory.
2. Judgment, Harvest, and Kingdom Authority
Revelation 14:14–16 shows the Son of Man on a cloud with a golden crown and sharp sickle. Joel 3:13 said, “Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe.” Jesus Himself explained it in Matthew 13:37–43: the Son of Man sows, His angels reap, and judgment comes at the end of the world.
Matthew 16:27 and John 5:22–27 say He rewards every person. Matthew 19:28 says He will sit on His throne and the apostles will judge Israel.
See how Revelation is stating that Jesus isn’t only Savior—He’s also Judge and King.
3. Priestly and Prophetic Presence Among the Lampstands
Revelation 1:12–13 shows the Son of Man walking among the lampstands. That’s church language. He’s tending His people like a priest. Zechariah 4 connects lampstands and the Spirit’s work.
Revelation 1:20 says those lampstands are the churches. Do you see Jesus revealed here? He’s not absent—He’s in the midst of His people.
4. The Son of Man’s Suffering and Exaltation
Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33–34 show the Son of Man suffering, dying, and rising again. Luke 24:26 sums it: suffering first, then glory.
Philippians 2:6–11 shows the pattern—humility to exaltation. Hebrews 2:6–9 quotes Psalm 8:4–6 to show that Jesus, the true Son of Man, was made lower than angels but is now crowned with glory.
Do you see how Revelation’s exalted Son of Man is the same One who suffered?
5. Authority on Earth Right Now
Mark 2:10—Son of Man forgives sins. Matthew 12:8—Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath. John 6:27—Son of Man gives everlasting bread.
Revelation shows Him active among His churches. Do you see how Jesus is revealed not just in the future but right now?
6. Ascension and Heavenly Advocacy
Stephen in Acts 7:55–56 saw “the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” Psalm 110:1 is fulfilled in Matthew 22:41–45 and 26:64—Jesus sits at the right hand of power.
That means Jesus is revealed as the heavenly Advocate, watching over His people.
7. Jacob’s Ladder and the Open Heaven
John 1:51 shows angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man. Compare Genesis 28:12–17. Jacob saw a ladder, but Jesus is the living ladder, the house of God, and the true gate of heaven.
Revelation ties this back when heaven is opened and the Son of Man is revealed.
8. Lifting Up, Glory, and Universal Draw
John 3:13–15 says the Son of Man must be lifted up so all who believe will live. John 12:23, 32–34 says the Son of Man is glorified when lifted up, drawing all men to Himself.
Revelation shows Him exalted after being slain. See how Jesus is revealed—crucifixion to glory, weakness to universal draw.
9. The Son of Man Seeking and Saving
Luke 19:10—Son of Man came to seek and save the lost. Mark 10:45—He came to serve and give His life. Luke 7:34—He came eating and drinking among sinners.
This is Jesus revealed in mercy. Revelation shows Him as the Lamb slain but alive.
10. Watchfulness and the Unexpected Return
Luke 12:40 says, “Be ready, the Son of Man comes at an hour ye think not.” Matthew 24:27, 37, 44 says His coming is sudden and sure.
Revelation shows the same: He comes quickly. Do you understand what Revelation is saying? Jesus is revealed as the surprising King who calls us to be ready.
11. Representative Man and Second Adam
1 Timothy 2:5 calls Him “the man Christ Jesus.” Romans 5:15–19 and 1 Corinthians 15:45–49 call Him the Last Adam.
See how Jesus is revealed: the perfect man who restores what Adam lost. Revelation shows Him as the crowned Son of Man ruling forever.
12. Ezekiel’s “Son of Man” Pointer
Ezekiel was called “son of man” over and over. That title pointed to weakness and prophetic role. But Jesus is the true Prophet promised in Deuteronomy 18:15–19, confirmed in Acts 3:22–23.
Do you see how Revelation is stating that Jesus fulfills Ezekiel’s role perfectly? He is the ultimate Son of Man.
13. Revelation’s Two Final Pictures
Revelation 1:12–18 shows the Son of Man as high priest-king with eyes of fire and voice of many waters. That’s present oversight of His church.
Revelation 14:14–20 shows the Son of Man on a cloud with a sickle, reaping the earth. Isaiah 63’s winepress language connects here. That’s the future judgment.
Do you see Jesus revealed in both? Right now walking among His churches, and soon coming on the clouds to judge and reign.
Closing Thought
From Daniel to the Gospels to Revelation, the title Son of Man reveals Jesus as the true Representative, Judge, Savior, King, Priest, and Prophet. Revelation ties it all together: the same One who suffered is now glorified, the same One who walked among men now walks among His churches, the same One who was lifted up on the cross will be lifted up in the clouds.
So let me ask—do you see Jesus revealed? Do you understand what Revelation is stating? He is the fulfillment of all these things, and that’s the confidence we stand in.
Call to Action: The Question That Demands an AnswerIn Acts 2:37 Peter and the Apostles were asked the question – What Shall We do? And in Acts 2:38 Peter answered, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Do you understand this? After hearing the gospel and believing, they asked what should would do. The answer hasn’t changed friend, Peter clearly gave the answer. The question for you today is, Have you receieved the Holy Spirit Since you believed? If you’re ready to take that step, or you want to learn more about what it means to be born again of water and Spirit, visit: Come, and let the Spirit make you new. |
