Episode Overview

Main Theme:
This episode of Things Unseen with Sinclair B. Ferguson, titled "The Triumphant Son of Man," examines the biblical title "Son of Man" as used by Jesus. Dr. Ferguson explores its deep scriptural roots, especially in Daniel 7, and reveals why it's Jesus’ favored way to describe his own ministry—not merely emphasizing his humanity, but his messianic mission, exaltation, and triumph on behalf of his people. The episode encourages listeners to see Jesus not just as Son of God and Messiah, but also as the glorious Son of Man who fulfills history’s hopes and ascends to reign.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jesus’ Identity and the Titles Used (00:08–02:15)

• Ferguson recalls the crucial question Jesus posed at Caesarea Philippi: "Who do you say that I am?"
• Simon Peter’s answer introduced two crowning titles: "the Christ, the Son of the living God."
• Ferguson highlights a third title—“Son of Man”—not used by Peter but central to Jesus’ own self-revelation.

2. The Uniqueness of the Title "Son of Man" (02:16–03:30)

• Out of over 80 uses in the Gospels, "Son of Man" is almost exclusively uttered by Jesus about himself; only Stephen (at his martyrdom) and, indirectly, a crowd in John 12:34 also use it.
• This highlights the title’s personal significance for Jesus and its rarity on others’ lips, even those closest to him.
• Quote (Dr. Ferguson, 02:55):

  “We could say it's not only Jesus’ unique way of describing himself because basically nobody else uses the title. It's actually his favorite way of talking about his own ministry.”

3. Misunderstandings and True Meaning (03:31–04:45)

• Many Christians assume "Son of God" = Jesus’ deity and "Son of Man" = his humanity, but the biblical meaning is richer.
• Jesus calls himself the Son of Man—a specific, recognizable figure from the Hebrew Scriptures—rather than just a son of man.

4. Daniel 7 and the Son of Man Vision (04:46–07:23)

• Ferguson unpacks Daniel 7: Daniel’s vision of the Ancient of Days and "one like a Son of Man" coming with the clouds, receiving dominion, and establishing an everlasting kingdom.
• The Son of Man is given authority over all nations and shares kingdom riches with “the saints of the Most High.”
• Quote (Dr. Ferguson, 06:40):

  “Jesus is the one who's going to the throne of God in triumph. He's the Son of Man.”

5. The Ascension: From Suffering to Reign (07:24–09:38)

• Jesus clarifies to his disciples that the Son of Man will reach the throne through suffering and death; this work undoes Adam’s failure and restores dominion.
• Ferguson points out that this vision is not primarily about Jesus’ return (second coming), but his ascension—his coronation as king (Psalm 68:18, Ephesians 4:8).
• Quote (Dr. Ferguson, 08:52):

  “He's not coming from heaven; he’s going to heaven. It's a picture of his ascension. It’s a vision of him going to his coronation.”

6. Sharing the Victory and Dominion (09:39–11:02)

• Jesus’ ascension means sharing victory and kingdom gifts with his people through the Spirit—fulfilling Daniel’s vision and Paul’s teaching.
• Jesus, as Son of Man, perfects humanity, regains lost dominion, and now spreads his reign in believers’ lives.

7. Worship and Invitation (11:03–12:07)

• Ferguson concludes with worshipful language, quoting familiar hymn lines:
  • Quote (Dr. Ferguson, 11:30):

    “Angels and men before him bow and crown him, Lord of all, we sing.”

• He encourages listeners to join this praise and anticipate a blessed Lord’s Day.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Jesus’ preferred title:
  “It’s actually his favorite way of talking about his own ministry.” (Dr. Ferguson, 02:55)

• On Daniel’s vision:
  “Daniel sees God's enemies being subdued… and then he sees one like a Son of Man coming to the throne and being presented to God... This Son of Man is given dominion. All peoples, nations and languages serve him.” (Dr. Ferguson, 05:22)

• On ascension, not second coming:
  “He's not coming from heaven; he’s going to heaven. It's a picture of his ascension. It’s a vision of him going to his coronation.” (Dr. Ferguson, 08:52)

• On the cosmic significance:
  “To undo what Adam did and to do what Adam failed to do, to regain dominion over all things, and to bring to completion the purposes of the Most High.” (Dr. Ferguson, 10:24)

• Closing invocation:
  “Angels and men before him bow and crown him, Lord of all, we sing… Angels and men and me too before him, bow and crown him Lord of all.” (Dr. Ferguson, 11:30)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 00:08 – Recap of the week and introduction to the "Son of Man"
• 02:16 – Rarity and significance of Jesus’ use of "Son of Man"
• 03:31 – Common misconceptions and biblical meaning
• 04:46 – Daniel 7 explained: the throne room vision
• 07:24 – Ascension and coronation, not the second coming
• 09:39 – Victory shared with believers
• 11:03 – Worshipful conclusion and hymn quote

Summary

This episode offers a thoughtful meditation on the title "Son of Man," urging believers to recognize Jesus as the glorious, triumphant ruler who fulfills Daniel’s prophetic vision. By tracing the biblical storyline, Sinclair Ferguson deepens our understanding of Jesus’ ascension, ongoing reign, and the kingdom hope he shares with his people—inviting listeners to both reflect and worship.