In Matthew Jesus is the Son of David, The Son of God, and The Son of Man. Son of Man was deliberately ambiguous, Jesus was able to mold the phrase into whatever he wanted it to mean. Although it was used in the Old Testament (Dan 7) to refer to a glorious ruler Jesus used it to mold a picture of who the Anointed One of God would be. Increasingly through Matthew, Jesus reveals that the Son of Man is a transcendent character. He shows more and more authority over people and the environment. Demons obey him.
Son of God is a title taken carefully and subtly by Jesus. He often comes at it indirectly by calling God his Father. The NIV Aplication commentary points out that jesus calls God his Father 23 times.
Son of David brings to mind a promised figure who would return to David’s throne.
Questions
- What are some of the titles that Jesus is given in Matthew?
- Why is Jesus given these titles?
- How would Jewish people react to Jesus’ claims about himself?
- What titles would you give Jesus?
- How do these titles fold into Jesus’ right to be Lord of your life?
Plymothian 
Hi Peter – just a couple questions about today’s posting:
1. Did Jesus refer to God as his father 23 times in the book of Matthew, or 23 times throughout the Bible?
2. Would you mind giving a bit of history on King David and why Jesus would be returning to his throne? Was this traditionally spoken of among the Jews? It also made me think of the star of David – what is the significance of that symbol, what does it mean?
Thanks!!
These would be good questions to deal with on Sunday. I think everyone would benefit.