Project – The Son of Man in the Synoptic Gospels: A Christological Study of Gospel of Mark

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The title “Son of Man” is one of the most significant and debated Christological designations in the New Testament. Among all the titles attributed to Jesus—such as Messiah, Son of God, Lord, and Christ—the expression “Son of Man” occupies a unique position because of its frequency on the lips of Jesus Himself and its rich theological background. Within the Synoptic tradition (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), the title appears predominantly in sayings attributed directly to Jesus, often in contexts relating to His authority, suffering, death, resurrection, and future glory.

The Gospel of Mark, widely regarded as the earliest of the Synoptic Gospels, provides a foundational narrative framework for understanding the identity and mission of Jesus. Mark’s Christology is both implicit and explicit, presenting Jesus as the suffering Messiah and authoritative Son of God. However, the title “Son of Man” in Mark introduces a complex theological dimension that intertwines humility, suffering, authority, and eschatological vindication.

The background of the “Son of Man” concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. In the Hebrew Scriptures, the term “son of man” (Hebrew: ben adam) can simply mean “human being” (cf. Ezekiel 2:1). However, in Daniel 7:13–14, the phrase takes on apocalyptic significance, describing “one like a son of man” who comes with the clouds of heaven and receives dominion, glory, and an everlasting kingdom. This Danielic vision profoundly influenced Jewish apocalyptic expectations and forms a crucial backdrop for interpreting Jesus’ use of the title. Many scholars argue that Jesus deliberately drew upon this imagery to redefine messianic expectations (Morris, 1995).

In Mark’s Gospel, the “Son of Man” sayings can be grouped into three primary categories: (1) sayings concerning present authority (e.g., Mark 2:10, authority to forgive sins), (2) predictions of suffering and death (e.g., Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33–34), and (3) sayings about future glory and eschatological coming (e.g., Mark 13:26; 14:62). These categories reveal a paradoxical portrait: the same Son of Man who possesses divine authority also undergoes rejection and crucifixion before ultimate vindication.

The Christological significance of this title has generated extensive scholarly debate. Scholars such as Rudolf Bultmannquestioned whether the “Son of Man” sayings authentically originated with the historical Jesus or were later creations of the early Church. Conversely, scholars like Larry Hurtado and N. T. Wright argue that the title reflects Jesus’ self-understanding within a Jewish apocalyptic framework.

Within the Synoptic Gospels, Mark’s presentation is often considered the most direct and theologically raw. Mark emphasizes secrecy and misunderstanding surrounding Jesus’ identity—a theme often called the “Messianic Secret.” The title “Son of Man” functions within this framework as a self-designation that both reveals and conceals. It avoids politically charged messianic terminology while gradually unveiling Jesus’ divine authority and redemptive mission.

Theologically, the Son of Man in Mark integrates themes of humanity and divinity. On one hand, the title underscores Jesus’ solidarity with humanity, especially in suffering and death. On the other hand, its Danielic allusions suggest exaltation, judgment authority, and participation in divine prerogatives. For example, in Mark 2:10, the Son of Man exercises authority to forgive sins—a function traditionally reserved for God alone. Similarly, in Mark 14:62, Jesus references Daniel 7:13 and Psalm 110:1 before the Sanhedrin, asserting that the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven. This declaration carries profound theological implications regarding Jesus’ identity.

Historically, early Church councils such as the Council of Nicaea and the Council of Chalcedon affirmed the full divinity and full humanity of Christ, though they did not focus specifically on the “Son of Man” title. Nevertheless, Mark’s Christology contributed to the broader doctrinal formulation of the hypostatic union—the union of divine and human natures in one person.

Modern biblical scholarship continues to explore the literary, historical, and theological dimensions of the Son of Man in Mark. Some interpret the title primarily in apocalyptic terms; others emphasize its function as a narrative device within Mark’s Gospel. Still others view it as a bridge between historical Jesus research and post-resurrection Christology. These diverse interpretations underscore the need for careful exegetical analysis grounded in textual, historical, and theological contexts.

This study therefore seeks to examine the Son of Man in the Gospel of Mark as a Christological title that encapsulates authority, suffering, and eschatological glory. By focusing specifically on Mark’s presentation within the Synoptic tradition, this research aims to contribute to a clearer understanding of Jesus’ self-identity and mission.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite extensive scholarship on the Son of Man, significant interpretative challenges remain. One major issue concerns whether the title reflects Jesus’ own self-understanding or the theological development of the early Christian community. Critical scholarship, particularly in the twentieth century, questioned the authenticity of the Son of Man sayings, proposing that they were retroactively attributed to Jesus to express the Church’s post-resurrection faith. Such claims create tension between historical Jesus research and canonical Christology.

Another problem lies in the ambiguity of the term itself. In some contexts, “Son of Man” appears to mean simply “human being,” while in others it carries strong apocalyptic and exalted connotations. The lack of clarity has led to divergent interpretations, ranging from purely human identification to overt claims of divine authority. Without careful exegetical analysis, these variations can produce inconsistent or incomplete Christological conclusions.

Furthermore, the integration of suffering and glory within the Son of Man concept presents theological difficulty. In Jewish apocalyptic literature, the Son of Man figure is primarily triumphant and exalted. However, in Mark’s Gospel, the Son of Man must suffer and die. This reinterpretation challenges prevailing messianic expectations and raises questions about how Mark understood and presented Jesus’ mission.

In contemporary theology, misunderstandings of the Son of Man may lead either to an overemphasis on Jesus’ humanity at the expense of His divine authority or to an exaggerated apocalyptic reading detached from His historical ministry. Both tendencies risk distorting Mark’s intended Christological portrait.

Therefore, the central problem this study addresses is the persistent ambiguity and scholarly disagreement regarding the meaning and function of the Son of Man in the Gospel of Mark. There is a need for a comprehensive Christological study that examines the textual, historical, and theological dimensions of the title within Mark’s narrative framework.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The primary purpose of this study is to examine the Son of Man in the Gospel of Mark as a Christological title. Specifically, the study aims to:

1. Analyze the Old Testament and Jewish apocalyptic background of the Son of Man concept.

2. Examine the various categories of Son of Man sayings in Mark.

3. Explore the relationship between suffering, authority, and glory in Mark’s Christology.

4. Evaluate the theological implications of the Son of Man for understanding Jesus’ identity.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the Old Testament and Jewish background of the Son of Man title?

2. How does Mark employ the Son of Man sayings within his narrative structure?

3. In what ways does the Son of Man in Mark integrate suffering and eschatological glory?

4. What are the Christological implications of this title in the Synoptic tradition?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant for biblical scholars, theologians, seminary students, and church leaders. It contributes to ongoing discussions in Christology and Synoptic studies by offering a focused analysis of Mark’s presentation. The research also provides clarity for theological education and preaching by grounding interpretation in careful exegesis rather than speculative reconstruction.

1.6 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This research focuses specifically on the Son of Man sayings within the Gospel of Mark. While comparative references to Matthew and Luke may be made where necessary, the primary emphasis remains on Mark’s narrative and theological framework. The study is limited to exegetical and theological analysis and does not provide an exhaustive survey of all Son of Man references in Jewish literature.

1.7 Definition of Key Terms

Son of Man – A Christological title used by Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels, with roots in Daniel 7:13–14 and broader Jewish apocalyptic tradition.

Christology – The theological study of the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Synoptic Gospels – The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, so called because they present a similar perspective on the life and ministry of Jesus.

Apocalyptic Literature – A genre characterized by symbolic imagery and revelation concerning divine intervention and the end of history.

Project – The Son of Man in the Synoptic Gospels: A Christological Study of Gospel of Mark