Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”
Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.”
In today's passage, Jesus reveals himself as the Son of Man. Awed by Jesus' knowledge of him, Nathanael declares, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel." Jesus responds, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that." Then, he continues with a somewhat enigmatic statement: "Very truly I tell you, you will see 'heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on' the Son of Man."
Why did Jesus refer to himself as the Son of Man? Was he not the Son of God? And what did he mean about angels ascending and descending on him? We need to go to the Old Testament to answer these questions.
The term "Son of Man" originates from the book of Daniel, where the prophet has a vision of one "like a son of man" coming with the clouds of heaven and receiving authority, glory, and an everlasting kingdom from the Ancient of Days (see Daniel 7:13-14). This figure is depicted as a divine being who would rule with power and authority.
By using the title "Son of Man," Jesus was affirming his divine nature and messianic role as the long-awaited figure from Daniel's vision. It highlighted his authority, kingship, and the establishment of his eternal kingdom. It also differentiated from the expectations often associated with the title "Son of God" as a political or military ruler. Jesus' choice to identify as the Son of Man helped redirect the focus onto his divine purpose and mission of salvation and spiritual restoration.
As for the angels moving up and down the ladder, Jesus was referring to the vision of Jacob's ladder, where Jacob sees a ladder reaching from earth to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it (see Genesis 28:12). The ladder represents the pathway between heaven and earth, signifying divine access and communication.
By calling himself the Son of Man upon whom the angels of God ascend and descend, Jesus was establishing a direct connection between himself and the heavenly realm. Jesus would be the bridge enabling humanity to have direct access to the heavenly realm. Through Jesus, we can experience the presence of God, receive divine revelation, and engage in a profound spiritual relationship with the Father.
Additionally, the ascending and descending angels signify the continuous interaction and communication between heaven and earth. Jesus, as the Son of Man, serves as the conduit through which blessings, guidance, and messages flow. Let us embrace the fullness of divine revelation, divine communication, and divine presence through Jesus Christ and be blessed beyond measure.
God be with you.