Daniel and the Son of Man: Jesus’ First-Century Fulfillment

Why Daniel Matters in Jesus’ Teaching

Why did Jesus quote Daniel more than any other prophet when speaking about judgment and authority? That question matters because how we answer it shapes how we read Matthew 24 and the words “coming of the Son of Man.” Many modern readers assume Daniel points mainly to the end of world history. However, Jesus applied Daniel’s language to events His disciples would experience within their lifetime.

Daniel was not a distant mystery book to first-century Jews. Instead, it shaped their understanding of kingdoms, judgment, and hope. When Jesus spoke of the Son of Man, the abomination of desolation, and coming on the clouds, He expected His listeners to think of Daniel immediately. Therefore, understanding Daniel is essential if we want to understand Jesus.

From a partial preterist perspective, we read Daniel through Jesus’ own explanations. We do not begin with modern prophecy charts. Instead, we ask how Jesus applied Daniel’s imagery to the unfolding crisis of the first century. Matthew 24 becomes the central passage because Jesus explicitly ties Daniel’s visions to Jerusalem, the temple, and “this generation.”

This study will show that Jesus did not reinterpret Daniel. He fulfilled Daniel. When we follow Jesus’ use of Daniel, the timing, meaning, and purpose of these prophecies become far clearer. We also gain confidence that Jesus spoke truthfully about events that soon came to pass.

Daniel’s Vision: Son of Man & Kingdom Authority (Daniel 7)

Daniel 7 is the foundation for nearly everything Jesus said about the Son of Man. Therefore, we must begin there.

The Beasts and the Flow of History

Daniel sees four beasts rising from the sea, each representing a successive empire. These kingdoms dominate the world through violence and pride. However, their power is temporary. Daniel’s vision reassures God’s people that earthly empires do not rule forever.

The scene then shifts from earth to heaven. Thrones are set in place, and the Ancient of Days takes His seat. Judgment is rendered, and the beasts lose their authority. This courtroom setting is essential because it shows that the decisive action happens in heaven, not on earth.

The Son of Man Comes to the Ancient of Days

At this point, Daniel writes of “one like a son of man” coming with the clouds of heaven. He does not come down to the earth. Instead, he comes to the Ancient of Days. There, he receives dominion, glory, and a kingdom.

This detail matters greatly. The coming of the Son of Man in Daniel 7 is an ascension scene. It describes the transfer of authority from beastly kingdoms to a righteous ruler. The focus is not physical movement toward earth but heavenly vindication and enthronement.

The Kingdom Given to the Saints

Daniel also explains that this kingdom belongs to the saints of the Most High. The Son of Man represents faithful Israel, yet he also stands as a singular figure. This dual meaning prepares us for Jesus, who embodies Israel and reigns on her behalf.

When Jesus later speaks of the Son of Man coming on the clouds, He is pointing back to this moment of authority, judgment, and kingdom transfer described in Daniel 7.

Jesus Identifies Himself as Daniel’s Son of Man

Jesus did not leave the identity of the Son of Man vague. He claimed it openly, especially when facing opposition.

Why Jesus Preferred the Title “Son of Man”

Jesus used “Son of Man” more than any other title for Himself. This was not accidental. The title avoided political misunderstandings while still carrying deep prophetic meaning. Those familiar with Daniel would recognize the claim.

By using this title, Jesus connected His mission to Daniel’s vision of kingdom authority. He was not merely a teacher. He was the one receiving dominion from the Ancient of Days.

Confrontation With the Religious Leaders

This becomes clear during Jesus’ trial. When asked directly if He was the Christ, Jesus answered that they would see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven. This statement directly quotes Daniel 7.

The reaction was immediate. The high priest accused Jesus of blasphemy. Why? Because Jesus was claiming divine authority and judgment. He was declaring that those judging Him would soon face God’s judgment instead.

A Claim Rooted in First-Century Expectation

Jesus was not speaking in riddles meant for distant generations. He was speaking to leaders who understood Daniel well. His claim meant that the kingdom was about to shift. The old order centered on temple authority was nearing its end.

Therefore, Jesus’ self-identification as the Son of Man prepares us to understand His warnings in Matthew 24.

The Abomination of Desolation and Daniel’s Timeline

Jesus explicitly tells His disciples to look to Daniel when watching for coming judgment.

Daniel’s Language of Desolation

Daniel speaks repeatedly of desolation connected to Jerusalem and the temple. These references appear in Daniel 9, 11, and 12. They describe a profaning presence that leads to devastation.

Importantly, these passages are tied to specific historical events. They are not abstract symbols floating outside time. They concern real locations, real rulers, and real suffering.

Jesus’ Direct Appeal to Daniel

In Matthew 24, Jesus warns, “When you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place.” He then urges immediate action. Those in Judea must flee.

This warning makes no sense if fulfillment lies thousands of years away. Jesus expected His disciples to recognize the sign and respond quickly. Therefore, the abomination must occur within their lifetime.

First-Century Fulfillment

From a partial preterist view, the Roman presence in Jerusalem fits Daniel’s language precisely. Pagan armies, idolatrous standards, and the eventual destruction of the temple brought desolation in a very real sense.

Daniel’s timeline culminates in judgment on the city and vindication for God’s people. Jesus stands squarely within that timeline, not beyond it.

Matthew 24: Jesus Applies Daniel to His Own Generation

Matthew 24 is the clearest example of Jesus using Daniel to explain near-term events.

The Disciples’ Question

The disciples ask when the temple will be destroyed and what sign will mark these events. Jesus answers by describing wars, false messiahs, persecution, and upheaval. These are not signs of the end of the planet. They are signs of covenant judgment.

Time Statements That Cannot Be Ignored

Jesus repeatedly emphasizes nearness. He speaks of events that will happen “soon” and within “this generation.” These phrases had clear meaning in first-century Jewish speech. They referred to the people then living.

A partial preterist reading takes these words seriously. Jesus meant what He said. The judgment He described would arrive before that generation passed away.

Cosmic Language and Prophetic Imagery

Jesus describes the sun darkened, stars falling, and powers shaken. This language comes directly from Daniel and other prophets. It symbolizes the collapse of political and religious systems.

Such imagery was commonly used to describe national judgment. It does not require literal astronomical destruction. Instead, it signals the end of an era.

The Son of Man Revealed

Jesus then declares that the sign of the Son of Man will appear. This does not describe a visible descent to earth. It describes the visible result of His heavenly authority. Jerusalem’s fall would prove that Jesus had been enthroned.

This entire discourse fits squarely within the first-century fulfillment of Daniel’s visions.

Coming on the Clouds: Judgment, Not Physical Descent

The phrase “coming on the clouds” often causes confusion. However, Scripture provides consistent meaning.

Clouds in Old Testament Judgment Language

Throughout the prophets, God is said to come on clouds when judging nations. This imagery appears in passages about Egypt, Babylon, and Israel itself. It never describes a physical descent.

Clouds symbolize divine presence and authority. They indicate that God is acting in history.

Daniel’s Cloud Imagery Revisited

In Daniel 7, the Son of Man comes with the clouds to the Ancient of Days. This confirms that cloud-coming points to heavenly authority, not earthly arrival.

Jesus draws directly from this imagery when speaking of judgment on Jerusalem.

Jerusalem’s Fall as Visible Proof

The destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 served as public confirmation that Jesus was reigning. The old covenant order centered on the temple ended. A new era fully emerged.

Thus, the coming of the Son of Man was not invisible. Its effects were unmistakable. The city fell, the temple was destroyed, and the gospel went forth without restraint.

Closing Thoughts: Seeing Daniel Through Jesus’ Eyes

When we read Daniel through Jesus’ teaching, confusion gives way to clarity. Jesus did not point Daniel toward a distant, undefined future. He applied Daniel to the crisis of His own generation.

From a partial preterist perspective, this strengthens our trust in Jesus. His words came true. Jerusalem fell. The temple was destroyed. The kingdom was established in power.

This does not remove future hope. Instead, it grounds our hope in a King who already reigns. The Son of Man has received dominion, just as Daniel foresaw.

Therefore, we should read prophecy as Jesus taught it. We begin with fulfillment, not speculation. When we do, Daniel becomes not a source of fear but a testimony to God’s faithfulness and Christ’s authority.