Did You Know?

While Jesus was on earth, He was called a “man” in two different ways. Obviously, Jesus was a male, and as such was called a “man” by His cousin, John the immerser (John 1:30). The Greek word for a male is aner. (Interestingly, every time the word “husband” appears in the New Testament, it is the same Greek word).

But Jesus, while on earth, was also a human. He frequently identified Himself as “the Son of man,” or more literally, “the Son of a human.” You’re probably more familiar with this Greek term (almost always translated as “man” or “men” in the New Testament)—it is anthropos (as in anthropology).

But now Jesus is in heaven at the right hand of the throne of God. So, is Jesus still “man” in either way? 2 Corinthians 11:2, Paul tells the church that he has espoused (betrothed) them to one “husband,” Jesus Christ. The Greek word there is aner, a male. So Jesus is still described as a “man” in that way, even though He is in heaven. But what might surprise you is 1 Timothy 2:5: “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” In this verse, Paul describes the current role of Jesus as Mediator in heaven. And there, by inspiration, Paul says Jesus is human (anthropos). Jesus, though ascended and glorified in heaven, still retains His humanity so He can be our perfect mediator with the Father.

-Bradley S. Cobb