The Son of Man: Understanding the Victory Over the World's Beast

It’s amazing, isn't it, how much of our theology is built around a single, powerful title? When we study the scriptures, we often focus on the title 'Christ' (Messiah), and rightly so. But if you dig into the narrative, you'll notice that Jesus himself preferred a different title: the Son of Man. This isn't just a minor detail for a deep-dive lesson; it fundamentally shifts how we understand the nature of Christ's Atonement and, consequently, how we understand our own lives as Latter-day Saints.

As returned missionaries, we talk a lot about 'the work,' and we talk about the power of the Gospel. But the struggle we face—the spiritual 'beast'—is often more subtle than any physical enemy. It’s the beast of apathy, the beast of comparison, the beast of materialism. The question isn't just, 'What is Christ?' but 'How do I, as a disciple, conquer the beast in my own life?'

The vision of Daniel, as the video explores, paints a stark picture: humanity was given a divine partnership, only to fall into sin and attempt to rule the world by its own power—the beast's power. But the prophecy assures us that a human would rise up to confront this corruption. That figure is the Son of Man.

The Power in the Title: Son of Man

Why did Jesus emphasize this title? Because it points to his true, perfect humanity. He wasn't just a divine messenger; he was a man who could walk in our shoes, experience the temptation, and ultimately, defeat the beast not through divine force alone, but through a perfect, voluntary sacrifice. He modeled for us how to dominate the beast—not by fighting it with worldly power, but by giving up everything we had.

Think of it this way: the Son of Man teaches us that the greatest strength we possess is our willingness to be vulnerable. It’s the willingness to say, 'I will sacrifice my comfort, my time, my ego, for the sake of the gospel.' That is the Spirit guiding us, making us more Christlike in the field, whether we are in a formal missionary discussion or simply scrolling through social media.

From Daniel's Vision to the Internet Mission Field

This truth is profoundly comforting and practical for every member who wants to be an Internet missionary. The lesson from Daniel's struggle isn't about waiting for a grand, prophetic moment; it's about the daily, intentional effort to keep our souls pure and focused on God’s eternal plan. We are called to be the heirs of that covenant partnership.

The beast, today, often looks like the noise of the world—the endless distractions, the cynicism, the belief that doing good is exhausting or futile. When we feel overwhelmed by the size of the work, remember the Son of Man’s victory. It was achieved through a single, perfect act of obedience. Our victory is found in micro-moments of obedience.

✨ Mission Prep Skill: The Sacrifice Mindset. When you feel tempted to give up on a friend who seems resistant, or when you find yourself getting defensive in a conversation, pause. Ask yourself: 'What am I sacrificing right now? Am I sacrificing my pride? My time? My convenience?' The answer is your spiritual battlefield, and the Son of Man's power is the perfect model for overcoming it.

💡 Need Help Wrestling with the Hard Questions?

This is exactly where our AI co-pilot, Davee, shines. If you are preparing for missionary discussions and are worried about a tough question—say, one about pre-mortal life or the nature of the Atonement—don't panic. You can run a scenario through Davee using the AI Investigator role. He will walk you through the hardest angles an investigator might bring up, helping you craft an answer rooted in the Spirit and the scriptures. This is a lifesaver for any aspiring disciple who wants to be prepared.

Keep the Momentum Going

We are all disciples anywhere, all the time. Don't let this learning end here. I highly recommend revisiting the core principles of Christ's life. If you are looking for a deeper dive into the nature of the Atonement, check out the Book Club options in HolyPlaces, or join a local Book Club study group.

For those who want to deepen their understanding of the gospel and the Savior's role in our lives, I recommend reading *The Gospel of Christ* by an Iron Rod author. You can find it and more recommended spiritual readings in LivingBook.

What are you doing to conquer the beast today? Share your commitment in the comments below, and let's keep the momentum going!