Why is Christ referred to as the “Son of man”?

Before his birth as a human being, Christ was not called the Father’s son (with the exception of certain Old Testament prophecies [for example, Psalm 2:7 and II Samuel 7:14, both having dual applications and both cited in Hebrews 1:5]). Neither was God referred to as the Father before then. The Father’s existence was not even fully understood until after Christ came (Matt. 11:27; Luke 10:22).

It was not until his birth to a human mother that Christ was given the title “Son of man.” Emptying Himself of His glory so that He could become the sacrifice for our sins was necessary for Christ (our High Priest [Heb. 4:15]) to fully understand our weaknesses and trials as human beings. This was an integral part of God’s Master Plan of salvation for mankind.

This title reveals one of Christ’s many important characteristics. There were many titles by which He was known in the Old Testament. Since Old Testament times, He has also claimed the title “Son of man.”