Small Group Discussion Questions
Part A: Understanding the Core Principles
- Before this reading, what did the title “Son of Man” mean to you? How does Bishop Barron’s explanation, rooted in the Book of Daniel, change or deepen that understanding?
- Describe the vision from Daniel, Chapter 7. What do the four “beasts from the sea” represent, and what does the “one like a Son of man coming on the clouds” represent? Why is the contrast between them so important?
- According to Barron, what was Jesus claiming when he used the title “Son of Man” for himself, especially during his trial before the high priest? Why was this seen as blasphemy?
- How does the title “Son of Man” help us understand the “hypostatic union” (Jesus being fully God and fully man)? Is it a title of weakness or of authority?
- If Jesus is the kingly “Son of Man,” where is his kingdom? How does Barron identify this kingdom in the world today, and how is it different from the “beastly” kingdoms of the world?
Part B: Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Reflect on a current struggle or decision you are facing. How might viewing Jesus as the sovereign “Son of Man” who has authority over all earthly powers change your perspective or approach to that situation?
Barron presents a “dangerous” Jesus who is a divine warrior, judge, and king. How does this image of Jesus challenge or comfort you? Does it differ from the way you typically picture or pray to him?
The “beastly kingdoms” in Daniel’s vision represent corrupt, violent, and idolatrous world systems. Where do you see the dynamics of these “beastly kingdoms” at play in the world, in our culture, or even in your own life (e.g., the drive for power, wealth, honor, or pleasure apart from God)?
What does it mean for you, personally, to be a citizen of the Son of Man’s kingdom (the Church)? How does this primary allegiance shape your identity and your interactions with the worldly systems around you?
When Jesus asked, “When the Son of man returns, will he find faith on the earth?” 1, he was issuing a challenge. How does understanding him as the kingly Son of Man from Daniel’s prophecy change your sense of mission and urgency in sharing the faith?
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post