Son of Man!

Commissioned for the USA Western Territory's Centenary Congress, 'Son of Man!' premiered in Los Angeles on 5 June 1983. It was the eighth musical by John Gowans and John Larsson and the first to be launched in the United States. The musical delves into Christ's dual nature – his complete humanity and his undeniable divinity – and seeks to convey the good news that ordinary people, through the Spirit of Jesus, can grow to be like him. It was initially published by the USA Western Territory and later by SP&S in London.

'Son of Man!' symbolically presents the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasising his preferred title for himself. Without attempting literal realism, the musical portrays the timeless experiences of those who follow Christ – their enthusiasms, ambitions, disappointments, and triumphs. It poses questions about Christ's extraordinary nature, his identity as both Son of Man and Son of God, and the possibility for humans to combine the human and divine. The narrative highlights Jesus' shared human experiences of tiredness, thirst, and frustration, alongside his divine power and calls listeners to receive his Spirit to reflect his qualities.