How does Daniel 7:13-14 connect to Jesus' authority in John 5:27? Setting the scene with Scripture “I kept 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. And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” “And He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.” Why Daniel matters for John’s Gospel • Daniel speaks of a literal figure—“One like a Son of Man”—receiving universal, eternal authority from the Ancient of Days (the Father). • Jesus, calling Himself “the Son of Man,” applies Daniel’s prophecy directly to Himself (John 5:27). • The Father’s gift of judgment to Jesus in John 5 mirrors the Father’s gift of dominion in Daniel 7, grounding the claim of authority in fulfilled prophecy. Shared themes that tie the passages together • Identity – Daniel: “Son of Man” steps into God’s throne room. – John: Jesus openly claims that same title, revealing Himself as the prophesied figure. • Transfer of authority – Daniel: Authority is granted by the Ancient of Days. – John: Authority is granted by the Father to the Son. • Scope of rule – Daniel: “all peoples, nations, and languages.” – John: Jesus’ authority covers life, death, resurrection, and eternal judgment (John 5:21-29). • Permanence – Daniel: “everlasting dominion… will never be destroyed.” – John: Jesus’ judgment determines unending destinies (John 5:28-29), showing the same eternal reach. Additional Scriptures reinforcing the link • Matthew 28:18—“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” • Philippians 2:9-11—Every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord. • Revelation 1:13; 14:14—John’s visions echo Daniel’s “Son of Man” imagery, confirming His royal, judging role. Key takeaways • Jesus’ use of “Son of Man” is not casual; it is a deliberate, literal claim to the Danielic throne and authority. • The Father’s delegation of judgment in John 5:27 fulfills Daniel 7:13-14, proving Jesus’ right to rule both now and forever. • Believers can rest in the certainty that the same Savior who died for them also reigns with unchallengeable, everlasting dominion. |
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