The Son of Man

If someone asked you who you were what would you say?  How would you describe yourself? A mother, a surgeon, a songwriter, a brother...maybe a kind person, a diligent worker, an entrepreneur, or an optimistic encourager?   Mostly good though right?    We all, weather we realize it or not, when given the chance talk ourselves up.  Make ourselves sound better then we are.   describe ourselves in a way that leaves people thinking about our good qualities and not our bad.   Just think about the last time you filled out a resume....you point out all of your strengths and abilities, even if they are not relevant to the job you are applying to because it makes you look more competent, intelligent and ultimately more qualified for the job.     Recently I was reading the book of Luke.  I came across a verse in chapter 5 that stuck out to me.   In Luke 5:24 Jesus says "But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins".    I was instantly struck by the title He gave Himself "Son of Man".   Throughout the new testament He has many names given to Him by His disciples and those who loved and followed Him.   He even asks Peter "who do you say I am?"  "You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God" is He replies.    but Jesus, uses this name "Son of Man" more then any other title for Himself, 30 times in Matthew alone.  It is thought to be in reference to Daniel 7 where it says "Behold, one like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven!".  And while there is certainly intentionality there, I can't help but think, Jesus did not have to use that designation so many times.     Surely once or twice would have gotten the point across , but instead He used it most often.    We know that Jesus is the humble King.   Come down from heaven, as man and God, to take on the sins of the world, dying in the most horrific, humiliating way for us.   He could have spent His time talking Himself up, reminding us of His All God ness.   His power and authority certainly earned the title, Son of God, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, All Mighty Savior.    He chose instead to remind us of His humanness.    To relate to us with a name that pointed out that He is All Man.   The tremendous amount of humility...the tremendous amount of grace for our humanness it must have taken.   An example like none other of obedience without self seeking.    And while this doesn't mean we should start signing our resumes with "Bad at math" or "loves chocolate too much" It should make us stand that much more in awe of the One who Saves us.   He already died for us, and has already made a way for us to be with Him in eternity, but the more I learn of His character, of His heart for us, the more I realize His humility, and sacrifice deserves our all and our everything.