Look at the Book. The Son of Man

Pray that God will fill the Slavic believers with a hunger for His Word: "Desire the sincere milk of the Word" (1 Peter 2:2), and a spirit of prayer: "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Ask God to call many young men and women to serve Him sacrificially and sincerely in places of leadership. Pray that some will choose to serve in other Slavic countries as missionaries. Intercede for the Christian leadership in Eastern Europe that they will withstand the powers of darkness and remain stable in their spiritual roles.

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus declares fourteen times that He is the Son of Man. This title He takes upon Himself from the book of Daniel. "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came in clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought Him near before Him" (Daniel 7:13).

Jesus specifically states that "the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister; and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). This proclamation becomes the central theme of Mark's Gospel. With boldness, Jesus proclaims that "the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins" (2:10) Then, He asserts that "the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath" (2:28. These comments revealed His supreme control over all creation.

Jesus knew what was prophesized concerning the Son of man in the Old Testament. This Son of man will be the long-awaited Anointed One, the Messiah. He encouraged His disciples not to be ashamed of Him and His words, lest the "Son of man be ashamed" of them "when He cometh in the glory of His Father with the holy angels" (8:38). During His ministry, He taught His disciples that "the Son of man" must "suffer many things" (8:31). At first, they could not comprehend this conclusion, but Jesus clearly confessed "it is written that the Son of man must suffer many things" (9:12). Then, "the Son of man" will be "delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill Him; and after that He is killed, He shall rise the third day" (9:31).

As Jesus and the disciples traveled to Jerusalem for what would be the last time, He again told them that "the Son of man will be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn Him to death and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles" (10:33). Specifically in Jerusalem, "the Son of man goeth" and "the Son of man is betrayed" (14:21). And during this final fellowship with His friends, Jesus exclaimed, "Behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hand of sinners" (14:41). Jesus then was arrested and tried as a criminal.

During His trial, Jesus was asked if He was "the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" (14:61). He strongly said, "I am; and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven" (14:62). Nevertheless, He was condemned and crucified. But the disciples should not be disillusioned or discouraged, for on "the third day He shall rise again" (10:34). Truly, the Son of man experienced the resurrection from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father in heaven.

Following the resurrection, Jesus returned to the Father and sent the Holy Spirit to guide His disciples in all good things. Now, His followers must share the good news of salvation that the Son of man has brought to the world. After "the Son of man were risen from the dead," the disciples could tell everyone "what things they had seen" (9:9). The final warning in the words of the Son of man was "watch and pray" (13:33). For one day, the world will see "the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory" (13:26). Jesus will return again to judge this sinful and rebellious world with righteousness. "And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in Thy sickle and reap: for the time is come for Thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe" (Revelation 14:14-15). Yes, Jesus truly is the Son of man!

Rob Zapotoski,
SMS Acting Director

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"I am; and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven"

Mark 14:62

Pray that the Gospel will reach the millions in the Slavic countries that have not yet heard what Christ has done for them. Many small cities and towns still do not have an official place of worship. Ask God to help the Slavic churches be effective witnesses in their neighborhoods. Pray that souls will continue to be saved, baptized and discipled through the ministries of the church. Pray that the Holy Spirit powerfully and persistently will convict men of sin and lead many to believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.