Who is the "Son of Man" referred to in John 9:36? Old Testament Foundations Daniel 7:13-14 pictures “One like a Son of Man” receiving everlasting dominion from the Ancient of Days. Jewish apocalyptic literature (e.g., 1 Enoch 62–69) echoes this royal, heavenly figure. Ezekiel uses “son of man” for the prophet (Ezekiel 2:1), establishing a contrast between frail humanity and divine commission. Intertestamental Expectation Second-Temple writings (4 Ezra 13; Dead Sea Scroll 4Q246 “Son of God” text) anticipate a deliverer titled “Son of Man.” By the first century the phrase carried both human and transcendent overtones. Usage in the Synoptic Gospels Jesus employs “Son of Man” about eighty times, linking it with authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:10), lordship of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28), suffering (Mark 8:31), and eschatological glory (Matthew 24:30). The title thus unites humiliation and exaltation. Johannine Employment of “Son of Man” John records the phrase thirteen times. Key themes: • Heavenly origin and descent (John 3:13). • Necessity of being “lifted up” (John 3:14; 8:28; 12:34). • Eschatological judgment (John 5:27). • Revelation of divine glory (John 1:51). Immediate Literary Context: John 9 John 9 recounts Jesus healing a man born blind. The narrative climaxes in verses 35-38: “Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when He found him, He asked, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ “(John 9:35). The healed man replies, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” (v. 36). Jesus answers, “You have seen Him; in fact, He is the One speaking with you” (v. 37). The man worships Him (v. 38). Identification in John 9:35-38 The speaker is Jesus; the questioner is the formerly blind man. When the man asks “Who is He, Lord?” Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as the Son of Man. The man’s immediate worship confirms John’s intent: the Son of Man is none other than Jesus the Messiah, worthy of divine honor. Theological Significance of the Title in John 9 1. Messianic Authority—Jesus, like the Danielic figure, exercises dominion by granting sight and passing judgment (cf. John 9:39). 2. Revelation of Deity—The man’s worship aligns with earlier Johannine claims: “the Word was God” (John 1:1). 3. Soteriological Focus—Belief in the Son of Man secures salvation (John 3:14-18). The healed man models saving faith. Patristic Testimony • Irenaeus, Against Heresies 4.28: Jesus “revealed Himself as Son of Man who bestows sight.” • Augustine, Tractates on John 44: “He was Son of Man that He might be approached, Son of God that He might be worshiped.” Systematic Implications: Christology and Soteriology The title safeguards both natures: truly human, yet wielding divine prerogatives. Hence Hebrews 2:17 links His humanity to atonement, while Philippians 2:6-11 declares His exaltation. Related Prophecies and Fulfillments Isaiah 35:5 prophesies that Messiah will open blind eyes; John 9 records fulfillment. Psalm 146:8 credits Yahweh with giving sight; Jesus’ act implicitly claims that prerogative. Practical and Devotional Applications 1. Assurance—Because the Son of Man grants sight and salvation, believers trust Him amid opposition. 2. Worship—Like the healed man, respond in adoration. 3. Mission—Proclaim the Son of Man who brings light to spiritual blindness. Conclusion In John 9:36 the “Son of Man” unmistakably refers to Jesus Christ Himself—the incarnate, crucified, risen Lord who embodies Daniel’s eschatological figure, fulfills messianic prophecy, and invites all to believe and worship. |
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