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What Is 'Son of God'?
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughEven while He was alive, there was controversy about who Jesus Christ was. In Matthew 16:13, when Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am? They responded with various guesses, such as John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets, showing they had no clear idea of His true identity. This term, Son of Man, reveals a major portion of His nature, mission, and identity when analyzed in the context of its use in the New Testament. Jesus referred to Himself most often as the Son of Man, a term found 84 times in the New Testament, invariably pointing to Him. In the Gospels, He is nearly always the speaker using this title, emphasizing its significance. The meaning of Son of Man generally conveys someone just like us. In Hebrews 2:14-18, it is shown that He had to be made like His brethren in all things, sharing in flesh and blood, to destroy the power of death held by the devil and to become a merciful and faithful High Priest, making propitiation for the sins of the people. Through suffering and temptation, He is able to aid those who are tempted. This necessity of being like us allowed Him to represent humanity perfectly, paying the debt of sin that all have amassed, as no one but Jesus Christ has lived without sin. In Philippians 2:5-8, it is described how Jesus, being in the form of God, made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant and coming in the likeness of men. He humbled Himself, became obedient to the point of death on the cross, and subjected Himself to the limitations of mortal man—hunger, thirst, weakness, pain, weariness, and temptation. As the Son of Man, He identified with humanity, becoming our blood kinsman-redeemer, living with us on our terms, struggling under the same weaknesses and burdens, yet overcoming the world sinlessly to pay for all sins for all time. The title Son of Man also signifies the great reward and preeminent place He earned through His sacrifice. Various scriptures highlight His authority and roles as the Son of Man: He can forgive sins, is Lord of the Sabbath, will return in glory as King of kings, serves as Savior, Messiah, Judge, dispenser of eternal life, is glorified, stands at God's right hand, has authority over all things, and walks among the lampstands as Head of the church. Thus, Son of Man means someone just like us, implies the restrictions and weaknesses all men face, and yet also reflects the potential for glory, as Jesus, our perfect Creator God, paid the price for our redemption and set an example for all to follow.
A Son Is Given
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe names of God reveal His character and attributes, and so also with Jesus. The reasons for Jesus Christ's incarnation are revealed in His names.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Twelve)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGoats are aggressive, sneaky and disobedient; they are loners, uncooperative, and stingy. The sheep enter God's Kingdom because they show compassion to others.
The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe identical actions of the Lord and the Angel of the Lord show they are the same Being. The God known by Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses was Jesus Christ.
Hebrews (Part Thirteen): Chapter 2, A Mind-Bending Purpose (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Jewish converts to the Way, although having had the benefit of Messianic prophecies, did not recognize the powerful significance of Psalm 8.
The Helper and the Angel of the Lord
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeChrist frequently used 3rd person titles, such as the Son of Man and the Helper. Just as Christ sent the Helper—Himself—so Yahweh sent His Angel—Himself.
Hebrews (Part Twelve): Chapter 2, A Mind-Bending Purpose (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)To counteract complacency, Hebrews warns against neglecting God's invitation of salvation, which He does not guarantee until sanctification has run its course.
Spotlight on Luke
Article by StaffLuke, the writer of the gospel of that name and the book of Acts, is more significant to the New Testament than it may first appear.
God the Father in the Old Testament
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Hebrew Scriptures reveal the existence of the Father. Deuteronomy 6:4 refers to God as one, signifying unity of purpose and identical character.
Psalms: Book One (Part Five)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBook One of the Psalms, parallel with the spring season, focuses on the Messianic prophecies, revealing God's plan to redeem Israel by crushing Satan.
The Book of Daniel (Part Five)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsDaniel 7-8 is full of overlapping images and visions. Both chapters show the certainty of the end of Gentile kingdoms, replaced by God's eternal Kingdom.
Four Views of Christ (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLuke's gospel portrays Christ as the son of man, the high priest of man, and the savior of man, having all the feelings, compassions, and aspirations of man.
Why Did the Jews Hate Jesus?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe elites' jealousy over losing political power fueled their hatred of Jesus. Conflict between those who have power and those who want it is a way of life.
John (Part Nineteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe key to the real abundant life is to follow Christ's example of forcing His will into submission to the Father's will, even to the point of death.
John (Part Ten)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWhen God removes an infirmity or gives a blessing, He also gives a responsibility to follow through, using the blessing to overcome and glorify God.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Five): Thyatira
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Thyatira epistle carries a central theme for all seven churches, namely the tendency to syncretize or mix worldly ideas with the truth of God.
Faithful Stephen
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsChrist does not want His staff to exercise Gentile patterns of tyrannical, top-down leadership, but to humbly serve people without striving for greatness.
Why the Transfiguration?
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughPeter, James, and John heard the Father's praise of Jesus, declaring Him to be more important than the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah).
Amos (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Amos is addressed to the ones who have made the new covenant with God. Having made the covenant, we must remember that privilege brings peril.