Of all the names and titles that Jesus has, his preferred self-designated title is Son of Man. He uses it over 80 times in the gospels, far more than any other title. I've always thought that it was a strange title until I read up on it and learnt more about what it means.
The phrase the "son of man" is used two ways in the Old Testament. In places like Psalm 8:4 and Ezekiel 2:1, the phrase distinguishes mere humans from God. However in Daniel 7:13–14, the "son of man" reference is different.
Daniel 7:13–14
"I saw in the night visions,
behold, with the clouds of heaven
there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before him.
And to him was given dominion
and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him;
his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom one
that shall not be destroyed."
This son of man seems to be greater than any human. The fact that he comes on the clouds is a clear symbol of his divinity (see Psalm 104:3, Isaiah 19:1). This son of man is given dominion and glory and a kingdom that will last forever! Clearly, this son of man shares qualities that only God has and therefore is God. This is the title that Jesus uses on himself. Jesus is claiming that the role of the son of man is his to fulfill. And this was exactly what he said to Caiaphas the high priest when he was on trial.
Matthew 26:63b—65
The high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy..."
Here, when questioned directly, Jesus speaks up after a long period of silence. He basically tells Caiaphas, "Yes, I'm the son of God. And not only that, I am the Son of Man. You may judge me now, but I am the one who will return on the clouds and be your judge." Jesus is of course referencing Daniel 7 here and Caiaphas knows it. Hence, the high priest's statement that Jesus is uttering blasphemy (and tearing his own robes).
Once again, God has impressed upon me, the fullness of Jesus' deity and his position as Lord and judge over all. Such meaning in the title, the Son of Man. And best of all, the book of Revelation describes just how Jesus, the Son of Man, will come on the clouds to deliver judgment.
Revelation 19:11—16
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
