How does Daniel 7:13 connect to Jesus' identity in the New Testament? “I continued watching in the night visions, and I saw One like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence.” Setting the Stage • Daniel’s vision takes place after four beastly kingdoms rise and fall (7:1-12). • The scene shifts from earthly chaos to the heavenly courtroom where God—“the Ancient of Days”—sits in judgment. • Into that setting strides “One like a Son of Man,” a human-looking figure granted access to God Himself. Key Details in the Verse • “Son of Man” – a truly human yet exalted person. • “Coming with the clouds of heaven” – a divine mode of transport in Scripture (Psalm 104:3; Isaiah 19:1). • “Approached the Ancient of Days” – suggests both distinction from and fellowship with God. • The next verse (7:14) clarifies His universal dominion: “All peoples, nations, and men of every language shall serve Him.” Jesus’ Favorite Title for Himself • Over eighty times in the Gospels Jesus calls Himself “the Son of Man.” • Examples: – Matthew 8:20; 9:6; 12:8 – authority on earth. – John 5:27 – authority to judge. – Luke 19:10 – mission to seek and save. • By choosing this title, Jesus openly aligns Himself with Daniel 7:13. “Coming with the Clouds” • Jesus applies Daniel’s imagery to His return: – Matthew 24:30 “the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” – Mark 14:62 “you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” • At His ascension He is taken up in a cloud (Acts 1:9-11), prefiguring the same manner of His return. • Revelation 1:7 pictures every eye seeing Him “with the clouds.” Universal Authority and Dominion • Daniel 7:14 – “His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away.” • Jesus echoes this after His resurrection: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18). • Paul affirms the same worldwide reign (Philippians 2:9-11). Distinction Yet Unity with the Father • Daniel sees the Son of Man approach the Ancient of Days—two divine Persons. • In the New Testament Jesus prays, “Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed” (John 17:5). • Stephen sees “the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). • Hebrews 1:3 describes Him as “the radiance of His glory,” yet distinct. Worship Rendered to the Son • Daniel 7:14 states that all nations “will serve (worship) Him.” • Revelation 5:12-13 and 7:9-10 show people from every nation praising the Lamb. • Such worship fulfills Daniel’s prophecy and confirms Jesus’ divine identity. Putting It Together • Daniel 7:13 introduces a heavenly “Son of Man” who is both human and divine. • Jesus deliberately appropriates that title, that imagery, and that authority. • The New Testament repeatedly presents Him fulfilling every aspect of Daniel’s vision: coming on clouds, receiving universal dominion, sharing glory with the Father, and being worshiped by all. |
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