From Messiah to Divine Judge (Gospel of Matthew, ESV)
Location: Galilee | Audience: Crowds, Disciples, Pharisees
Explanatory Quote (Authority to Forgive):
"…the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." Matthew 9:6 (ESV)
This is Jesus's earliest, subtle, yet highly controversial self-designation, foreshadowing Daniel 7.
Location: Caesarea Philippi & Journeying | Audience: Disciples Only
Explanatory Quote (Predicting Suffering):
"From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things... and be killed, and on the third day be raised." Matthew 16:21 (ESV)
A crucial re-definition of the Messiah's role, shifting focus from earthly glory to sacrifice.
Location: Jerusalem (Triumphal Entry) | Audience: Crowds, Jewish Leaders
Explanatory Quote (Crowd's Acclamation):
"And the crowds... were shouting, 'Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!'" Matthew 21:9 (ESV)
An intentional, public fulfillment of Messianic prophecy (Zechariah 9:9) in the capital city.
Location: Jerusalem (Sanhedrin Trial) | Audience: The Religious Elite (High Priest Caiaphas)
The Final Reveal (Matthew 26:63-64):
High Priest: "Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God."
Jesus: "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."
Old Testament Foundation: Daniel 7:13-14 (ESV)
"I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days... And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom..."
The Claim: Jesus is claiming to be the Eternal King and Judge who receives universal, everlasting dominion directly from God ("The Ancient of Days").
Old Testament Foundation: Psalm 110:1 (ESV)
"The Lord says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.' "
The Claim: By referencing "the right hand of Power" (a Jewish circumlocution for God), Jesus claims a status of co-regency and authority with God, asserting divine equality.
Combining these two claims was an assertion of divinity, not just messiahship. This clear declaration that he would sit enthroned as the Divine Judge is why the High Priest immediately tore his robes and declared, "He has blasphemed!" (Matthew 26:65).