James, the “Son of Man” is one of those terms that is just loaded with meaning (different emphasis pointing in the same direction) Of coarse, there is the meaning or refrence to a person’s humanity - it’s another way of saying he’s human. But in a biblical context and building from the Book of Daniel, there are strong ties with the “Son of Man” as Messiah, King and Jugde - all with strong apocalyptic connections. Here, apocalyptic in the sense of the final time - end of the earth, which both in Daniel and Revelation is something Believers should be looking forward to because it means the final judgement and hopefully our resurrected bodies will be reunited with our souls eternally in heaven. The “Son of Man” is the term, I think, Jesus used most often for himself. To keep it short, the way He used itseemed to combine the two common understanding amoung the jews of his time concerning the Messiah. Some held the Messiah would be a conquering hero and would rid Israel of the Roman and replace the Roman empire with the House of David and Israel. Other saw the Messiah as the Judge at the final times. Jesus in the “Son of Man” was able to combine both concepts but in a totally unique way to express the Nature of His true Messiahship - He was a conquer but He conquered through his humility, service and ultimately through His Paschal Sacrifice and Resurrection. He is the one who would usher in the final times but as we believe this will be permeated with God’s mercy for those who don’t reject God’s Love. A final note Stephen at his death used the term “Son of Man” clearly to express Jesus’ divinity.
