0789. Christ's Identification with Humanity As Son of Man

Christ’s Identification with Humanity As Son of Man

"And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head" (Luk_9:58).

It is quite remarkable in studying the Gospels to observe how the expression "Son of Man" connects our Lord with His service in behalf of man, as the God-man. We will mention a few of these.

1. The Son of Man had no where to lay His head (see Luk_9:58). There is a beautiful song we have always loved:

"Foxes found their rest,

And the birds their nest.

In the shade of a cedar tree;

But Thy couch was sod,

Oh, Thou Son of God,

In the deserts of Galilee."

The poet speaks of Christ as "Son of God," because God rhymes with sod; the Bible, says Son of Man. Of course, He was the Son of God, but Christ, as God, is not poor; Christ as God is not without place to lay His head. It is God as man, God manifest in flesh, Who needs somewhere to lay His head.

2. The Son of Man came eating and drinking (see Luk_7:34). Of course, He was eating and drinking because He had a body dependent upon food. He became thirsty as well as hungry. This was all true because He was the Son of Man. It was not true because He was born of Joseph; it was true because He was found in form as a man.

3. As Son of Man Christ sowed the good seed (see Mat_13:37-41). The sowing of the seed had to do with Christ’s service in behalf of man, therefore He is spoken of as Son of Man. As Son of Man He walked up and down the land, seeking to save; for "the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which is lost." Who is there but is filled with joy as he remembers this identification of Christ with the human race? There is One, Who to-day is seated at the right hand of authority and of power, Who was once down here. He knows all about the peculiar trials and the misunderstandings, the poverty and the toil, for He became flesh and dwelt among us. He is able therefore to succor and to strengthen.

"Poor art thou?

He, though rich above,

Yet laid aside His wealth, in love,

Left the bright glories of the skies,

For an estate which men despise;

A servant’s form, love made Him take–

Can’st thou be poor for Jesus’ sake?"

4. As Son of Man He came to destroy men’s lives (see Luk_9:56). Jesus Christ was identified with the needs of the race. He walked among men with an eye full of pity; His hand was always outstretched to the helpless; His heart was always touched by the sorrowing; He sought the pool of Bethesda and healed the man thirty-eight years sick; He sat down with the publicans and sinners and ate with them. In the home of Simon He received the devotion of a once sinful woman, as she wiped His feet with her flowing tresses. Truly Jesus Christ was the Son of Man.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR