During World War II, the Allies were planning a massive invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe, codenamed Operation Overlord. In order to ensure the success of the invasion, the Allies needed to keep the Germans guessing about when and where the attack would take place. This led to the creation of Operation Fortitude, a complex web of deception designed to mislead the Germans about the true location of the invasion.
At the heart of Operation Fortitude was a series of elaborate deceptions, including a massive fake army, complete with inflatable tanks and trucks, radio traffic, and even dummy paratroopers. These decoys were intended to make the Germans believe that the Allies were planning to attack Calais, rather than Normandy, which was the true target.
In addition to the decoys, the Allies also used double agents to feed false information to the Germans. This included convincing the Germans that the real attack would come at a different time and place, and even planting misinformation about the Allied forces’ strength and location.
The operation was a resounding success, and on June 6th, 1944, the Allies launched the largest amphibious invasion in history, landing over 150,000 troops on the beaches of Normandy.
The element of surprise, which was made possible by the deception of Operation Fortitude, played a crucial role in the success of the invasion.
From the very beginning of time, God has been working to redeem humanity from the consequences of sin, culminating in the sending of his son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. Just as the Allies used the element of surprise to throw off their enemies and gain the upper hand in battle, God used the unexpected, sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus to conquer sin and death and offer salvation to all who believe.
As we continue with our series, it’s time we look at the Son of Man in Daniel 7. We can see a clear connection to God’s plan of redemption for humanity, which is the story line of the Bible from Genesis chapter 3.
Let’s begin…
So What is The Son of Man?
The concept of the Son of Man may seem confusing at first, as it typically refers to a human being.
However, in this case, it takes on a much deeper meaning that reveals the true identity of the Messiah and provides a clearer understanding of God’s ultimate plan for our salvation. Let us dive deeper into Daniel 7 to uncover the significance of the Son of Man.
In Daniel chapter 7, the prophet has a vision of four beasts that represent four world empires: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. These beasts are described as ferocious, powerful, and terrifying, and they represent the oppressive nature of these empires. However, the final scene of the vision introduces a new character, the Son of Man.
“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him.His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.“
Daniel 7:13-14
The Son of Man is not a beast, but a divine figure who is given authority, glory, and sovereign power over all nations and peoples. He is described as coming with the clouds of heaven and being presented before the Ancient of Days, who gives him this authority. The Son of Man then receives worship and obedience from all people, and his kingdom is everlasting and unending.
What is significant about this description of the Son of Man is that the Aramaic word used for “serve” in verse 14 is “pelach,” which specifically means to worship a deity. This word appears 10 times in the Hebrew Bible, and each time it refers to the worship of a deity, not a human being.
This is a key reason why we can conclude that the Son of Man is a divine figure and not just a human being.
Although the term “son of man” typically means human, in this case, it is being used to describe a figure who is divine and worthy of worship.
Furthermore, the fact that the Son of Man is presented before the Ancient of Days, who is often understood to represent God, suggests that this figure is intimately connected to God and shares in his divinity.
So What Does This Have to Do With Jesus?
Let’s connect the dots to Jesus…
Throughout the four Gospels, Jesus refers to himself as the Son of Man numerous times. This title is significant because it refers to the divine figure prophesied in Daniel 7:13-14, who is given authority, glory, and sovereign power over all nations by the Ancient of Days.
One of the earliest references to the Son of Man is found in the Gospel of Matthew 8:20, where Jesus says,
“Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” This statement not only shows the humility of Jesus, but also implies that he is above the physical needs of this world, and that he has a heavenly purpose.“
Matthew 8:20
In Mark 2:10, Jesus says to a paralyzed man,
“But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”
Mark 2:10
This claim to forgive sins is significant because it shows that Jesus has the divine authority to grant eternal salvation and that he is not just a human being.
Another important reference to the Son of Man is found in Luke 19:10, where Jesus says,
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Luke 19:10
This statement shows that Jesus is fulfilling the divine mission to save humanity, as prophesied in Daniel 7.
In John 3:13, Jesus says,
“No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.”
John 3:13
This verse shows that Jesus is not just a human being, but that he is a divine figure who came from heaven.
Furthermore, in Matthew 26:64, Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin and is asked if he is the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus responds by saying,
“You have said so. But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Matthew 26:64
This statement is a direct reference to the Son of Man prophecy in Daniel 7, where the Son of Man is given authority and power to judge and rule over the nations.
Another verse that shows internal evidence that Jesus is referring to the Son of Man prophecy is found in Mark 14:62, where Jesus is asked by the high priest if he is the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One. Jesus responds by saying,
“I am, and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Mark 14:62
This statement confirms that Jesus is not just a human being, but that he is the divine Son of Man prophesied in Daniel 7.
So, the numerous references by Jesus to himself as the Son of Man throughout the Gospels are significant because they confirm his divine identity and his mission to save humanity. The internal evidence in the verses also shows that Jesus was intentionally referring to the Son of Man prophecy in Daniel 7, further confirming his divine identity and purpose.
Are You Convinced Yet?
So are you?
Was Jesus God?
Why would God hide a plan like this? Look at this verse:
No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God — His plan that was previously hidden, even though He made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. This is what the Scriptures mean when they say, ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.’
1 Corinthians 2:7-9
Love to know your thoughts from here. Comment in the comment section.
Most people like to find the message in plain site. The fact is, Jesus was conducting an operation that involved letting only the people who were close to him to know. When the plan was complete. The whole world, including the enemies, figured it out.
For modern readers, this is definitely not plain site to us. But this is why the Bible requires a level of patience to dissect all the information it is feeding us.
Let’s Conclude This For Now
Operation Fortitude was a masterful example of military deception that played a significant role in the success of the D-Day invasion. It relied on a combination of elaborate decoys and double agents to mislead the Germans and maintain the element of surprise.
Similarly, God’s plan of redemption for humanity required an unexpected and sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus, which was initially confusing but ultimately revealed Jesus as a divine figure.
The term “Son of Man,” which typically refers to a human being, takes on a deeper meaning in Daniel 7, where it is used to describe a divine figure who is given authority, glory, and sovereign power over all nations by the Ancient of Days.
Throughout the four Gospels, Jesus refers to himself as the Son of Man, and these references reveal his divine authority to forgive sins and grant eternal salvation.
God’s plan to rescue humanity needed to be done based on the narrative pattern of the Bible.
But it needed to be done in a way where there was an element of surprise. Therefore, the enemy couldn’t interfere with the plan at hand.
This is why, as Christians, we believe that our God and Creator is absolutely committed to us. He will go by any means necessary to be reconnected with His Creation. Even if it means, He has to do it Himself.
We’ve covered a lot of ground in this series, exploring the evidence and clues that point to the existence of the Holy Trinity. However, we’re not quite finished yet.
In our next post, we’ll take an in-depth dive into the connection between the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ death, and resurrection.
By examining this connection, we’ll be able to fully understand the complex and mysterious relationship between the three aspects of the Trinity.
So, stay tuned for the final chapter of this series, where we’ll unlock the secrets of the Holy Spirit and leave no stone unturned in our quest for the truth.
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Get ready for an exciting and enlightening conclusion to our journey!
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