Preface
The Master asked His disciples, “Who do the people say the Son of Man is?” This is found in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Gospels of Matthew (Matthew 16:13), Mark (Mark 8:27), and Luke (Luke 9:18). This question is significant in the context of the broader narrative of Jesus’ ministry and the disciples’ understanding of His identity.
The term “Son of Man” is a title Jesus frequently used to refer to Himself. This title has its roots in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Daniel (Daniel 7:13-14), where it is associated with a figure who is given authority and dominion by God. In using this title, Jesus may have been emphasizing His humanity while also alluding to His divine mission and role as the chosen one.
When Messiah asked His disciples about the people’s opinions regarding the Son of Man, He was probing for their understanding of His identity in the broader community. It was a strategic moment for Jesus to address any misconceptions or popular opinions circulating about Him. The disciples’ responses would reveal the prevailing views and help set the stage for Jesus to clarify His own identity and mission.
This pivotal moment in the Gospels serves to highlight the disciples’ recognition of the Master as more than just a teacher or prophet. It underscores the confession of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and the divine Son of God. Jesus’ subsequent teachings and actions further clarify His role, mission, and the nature of the kingdom He came to establish.
The Goal of this Blog Post
In an ongoing expository study of the Letter of Hebrews, this blog post offers some of the major titles and prophetic callings and identities of Jesus of Nazareth. Overall, the interpretation of Jesus in modernity is multifaceted, reflecting diverse theological, historical, cultural, and individual perspectives. Different people and communities engage with Jesus in ways that align with their values, beliefs, and cultural contexts within the broader framework of the modern world.
As a warning, any distorted view or identity of Christ can have significant consequences in both individual and larger religious and theological contexts. Such as theological misunderstanding, misguided faith and worship, impaired personal relationship with God, ethical and moral implications, division and schisms within the Body of Christ, personal spiritual stagnation, and the loss of hope and assurance.
For those who are familiar with the Letters of Hebrews, falling away from the faith was one of the central focus of the author’s concerns as noted in Hebrews 6:4-6.
The goal of this blog post is to present the very best multifaceted Biblical-based identity of the Son of Man in His current and future roles for God and His body of faithful followers. Amen
The Blessing of Intercession
We are greatly blessed in having a great High Priest one who ever lives to make intercession for us. One of His beloved disciples, John describes Him as our “Advocate with the Father” (1 John 2:1-2). Our Master understands our weaknesses without Himself being weak. There is no one closer to God than He. Through Him, we can come to God and find the utmost grace.
Therefore consider this spiritual encouragement, “Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). And again, “Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith…” (Hebrews 10:22).
Grace and Peace
Ministering in the True Tabernacle
A Study of Hebrews 8
Now the main point in what such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister in the sanctuary, and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. [verses1-2]
Definition
Before looking at the first two verses of the text, let us define a couple of words.
The “sanctuary” refers to the place of God’s glorious presence, typified by the Holy of Holies of the Jewish tabernacle and temple, where the mercy seat and ark were kept as symbols of God’s presence with his church. On the other hand, the “true tabernacle” refers to the third heaven, which is called the true tabernacle or habitation of God, to distinguish it from the Mosaic tabernacle, which was only its representation of shadow. [biblehub.com/commentaries/hebrews/8-2.htm].
The word “pitched” in Hebrews 8:2 is used to express the setting up of a “tent”. In the context of the verse, it refers to the Lord’s preparation of the true Tabernacle in heaven, which is the permanent dwelling of God. The Lord constructs the true Tabernacle and has a true High Priest (Jesus) interceding for us, not the Levitical priests. [Hebrews 8:1-2, meaning_1_TheBibleSays.com.]
The Crowning Affirmation
The author of Hebrews communicates to his audience, “Here is the main point that the Body of Christ has a High Priest who sat down at the place of honor beside the throne of majestic God in heaven. The focus falls upon what the high priest offers and where He performs His ministry.
The centrality of Yeshua’s superiority throughout chapters 1-7 communicates that He is over angels, the prophets, Abraham, Moses, and David. His humility was on full display and the penalties of some of the believers rejecting Him have been noted.
Now, within the text, Messiah functions in the likeness of the office of Melchizedek-, the writer discloses how Yeshua priesthood has brought the redeemed of God in this second generation of followers up to our current faithful followers up to His second return.
This crowning affirmation is not simply that Believers have a high priest who has taken His seat at God’s right hand, but that He is the ministering priest in the heavenly sanctuary. The remark that Yeshua has sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in Heaven is a major indication of how much power the Son of Man actually and truly has.
Note some of the powerful Scriptural references that communicate the power that Yeshua has been granted by His Heavenly Father.
Matt. 28:17-18–And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some were doubtful. Then Yeshua came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.
Isaiah 9:6– For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Matthew 26:64
You have said it yourself, Yeshua answered, But I say to all of you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power and coming on the clouds of heaven.
Luke 1:33
And He will reign over the House of Jacob forever, His Kingdom will never end!
John 3:31
The One who comes from above is above all. The one who is from the Earth belongs to the Earth and speaks as one from the Earth. The One who comes from heaven is above all.
Messianic Prophecy
Throughout the Letter of Hebrews study, the author has multiple times referenced Psalm 110:1, “The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet” [cf. 1:13].
How many times is Psalm 110 quoted in the New Testament?
- Jesus’ ministry partially fulfills this psalm through the Body of Christ after His resurrection. Psalm 110 is the Old Testament passage most quoted in the New Testament. It is directly quoted six times (Mt. 22:44; Mk 12:36; Lk 20:42; Acts 2:34; Heb. 1:13; 10:13) and has a total of twenty-five direct or indirect allusions to it.
If we look and compare Zechariah 6:13, we can see the quote, 12- then say to him, thus says the Lord of hosts, behold, a man whose name is Branch, for He will branch out from where He is. and He will build the temple of the Lord.
13- Yes, it is He who will build the temple of the Lord, and He who will bear the honor and sit and rule on His throne. Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices.
Zechariah 6:9-15 is known as the messianic prophecy which depicts Yeshua as:
The Branch, the coming future descendant or shoot of the house of David, will play a significant role in the restoration and building of God’s Kingdom.
See Revelation 5:5,[and one of the elders said to me, Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, has overcome to open the book and its seven seals.] Gen. 49:9, the Root of David, cf. Isa. 11:1, 10.
The High Priest and Kingly Roles: The combination of the role of high priest and king on the same individual, as mentioned in verses 13, is seen as a foreshadowing of Messiah, who, in our study of the Letter of Hebrews, is both the ultimate High Priest and the King of Kings.
Building the Temple of the Lord: The imagery of building the temple in verses 12 and 15 is often associated with spiritual rebuilding and restoration.
John 2:19-21 (New International Version): “Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.’ They replied, ‘It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you will raise it in three days?‘ But the temple he had spoken of was His body.”
In this passage, Jesus metaphorically refers to His own body as the temple that will be raised again in three days, alluding to his resurrection. This is often understood as a symbolic representation of the spiritual rebuilding of the temple through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Additionally, the apostle Paul, in his letters, also speaks about believers as the temple of God. One notable passage is found in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (New International Version):
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
These verses emphasize the idea that believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, collectively form the spiritual temple of God.
Counsel of Peace: The mention of the “counsel of peace” between the priest and the ruler verse 13, is seen by some as a representation of the reconciliation and harmony brought about by the Messiah in the Rule of Christ.
Multiple Titles and Roles of Messiah
Shepherd of Israel The shepherd metaphor emphasizes Messiah’s role as a caring and guiding figure for His people, drawing on the pastoral imagery found in the Old Testament, especially in Psalms and Ezekiel. Yeshua focuses on caring, guidance, protection, and intimate relationships with His followers as a shepherd. John 10
King of Israel: The title King, emphasizes Messiah’s sovereignty, authority, and rulership. It draws on the messianic expectations of a descendant of David who would establish a Kingdom. As King, Messiah is seen as the ruler and Lord. This title underscores His authority over all creation and His role as the one who brings about the Kingdom of God. The kingdom Messiah establishes is not political or earthly, but a spiritual reign over the hearts of believers.
High Priest of Israel: The high priestly role draws on the Old Covenant priesthood, mainly the Levitical priesthood. The High priest served as a mediator between the people and God, making atonement for sins through sacrifices. Yeshua as High Priest is understood as the ultimate atonement for sins. The Letter of Hebrews in the New Covenant extensively explores Messiah’s high priestly role, emphasizing His once-for-all sacrifice and His ability to sympathize with human weaknesses. Hebrews 4:14-16
Throughout the Holy Scriptures, Jesus is referred to by various roles and titles that highlight different aspects of his identity and mission. Here are some of the key titles and roles ascribed to Jesus in both the Old and New Testaments:
- Messiah/Christ: “Messiah” is the Hebrew term, and “Christ” is the Greek equivalent, both meaning “Anointed One.” Jesus is often called the Messiah or the Christ, signifying his role as the promised Savior and Redeemer.
- Son of God: This title emphasizes Jesus’ divine nature and his unique relationship with God the Father. It’s a central concept in Christian theology.
- Son of Man: This title is used by Jesus to describe himself in a way that emphasizes his humanity. It also has Messianic connotations, especially in the book of Daniel.
- Immanuel: Prophesied in Isaiah 7:14, “Immanuel” means “God with us.” It underscores the incarnation of God in the person of Jesus.
- Savior: Jesus is often called the Savior, signifying his role in saving humanity from sin and reconciling them with God.
- Lamb of God: This title is used in the New Testament, especially in the Gospel of John, highlighting Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb whose death atones for sin.
- King of Kings and Lord of Lords: This royal title emphasizes Jesus’ sovereignty over all creation, as described in Revelation 19:16.
- The Word: In the opening verses of the Gospel of John, Jesus is called the Word (Logos) through whom all things were created. This emphasizes his role in creation and revelation.
- Rabbi/Teacher: Jesus is often addressed as Rabbi, signifying his role as a teacher and spiritual guide.
- High Priest: The book of Hebrews portrays Jesus as the ultimate High Priest who mediates between God and humanity, offering himself as the perfect sacrifice.
- Alpha and Omega: In Revelation 1:8, Jesus refers to himself as the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, signifying his eternal nature.
- Good Shepherd: Jesus is described as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep, emphasizing his care, protection, and sacrificial love.
- Light of the World: Jesus is called the Light of the World, symbolizing his role in bringing spiritual illumination and truth.
Closing Remarks
Our Master is more than just a teacher or prophet. Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah and the divine Son of God. Any distorted view or identity of Christ can have major significant consequences in both individual and the larger religious and theological contexts.
Hebrews 8:1-2 focuses on the powerful authority and the spiritual realities of Jesus as the high priest, and His exalted position at the right hand of God. He now operates as interceding on behalf of the Body of Christ while serving in the true Tabernacle.
This is the reformational and the divine establishment of the Messiah’s new and superior priesthood now and will be fully established upon His second advent when God will make Your enemies a footstool for His feet.” Amen
Grace and Peace
Brother Alonzo Thornton
Some supportive study references and material that assisted this blog post: The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Craig S. Keener, The Words and Works of Jesus Christ, J. Dwight Pentecost, and Hebrews: For the Practical Messianic, Notes and Commentary by J.K. McKee.