Do you wonder about the meaning behind the phrase “the anointed one”? This term is rich with significance for us as followers of Jesus Christ. In this post, we will explore the biblical meaning of anointing, how it applies to Jesus, and what it means for our lives today. Get ready to dive deep into this beautiful concept that tells us of God’s great love and the identity of His Son.
What Does “Anointed” Mean in the Bible?
In the Old Testament, prophets, priests, and kings were anointed with oil as a way to set them apart for service to God. The anointing oil was seen as a symbol of being filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered for ministry. As Psalm 133:2 (NKJV) says, “It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments.” The anointing oil consecrated and sanctified them for God’s work.
Anointing was an ancient practice, but the concept remains relevant. As believers in Jesus, we are called to be God’s anointed servants on the earth today. The same Holy Spirit who empowered Jesus and the first apostles lives in us!
Jesus as the Anointed One
In the New Testament, the phrase “the Anointed One” refers specifically to Jesus. Acts 4:26-27 (NKJV) says that Jesus is “His Christ,” or in other words, “His Anointed One.” The name “Christ” comes from the Greek word christos, meaning “anointed.”
So what does it mean that Jesus is the Christ, the Anointed One? Here are some key implications:
Commissioned and Empowered by God
As the Anointed One, Jesus carried God’s authoritative commissioning for ministry. After being baptized, the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus like a dove, marking the start of His earthly ministry (Luke 3:21-22). Jesus was then led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested and commissioned for His work (Luke 4:1). Just as the prophets and kings were anointed and sent by God in the Old Testament, Jesus was officially anointed and sent by God as the Messiah.
Anointed to Preach Good News
The Spirit of the Lord anointed Jesus to “preach good tidings to the poor” and to proclaim “the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18-19 NKJV). Jesus’ anointing included a mission to preach the gospel and bring restoration to broken lives. As the Anointed One, Jesus came to bring freedom, healing, and salvation through the message of the kingdom of God.
Equipped by the Spirit
Because He was anointed by God, Jesus moved in the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit. After being filled with the Spirit, Jesus returned to Galilee “in the power of the Spirit” (Luke 4:14). The Spirit equipped and empowered Jesus to fulfill His God-given assignment.
This same Spirit equips us to carry out God’s will! As 1 John 2:27 (NKJV) says, “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you…and as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.”
Set Apart as King
The Old Testament kings were anointed as a sign of their rightful authority to rule. Jesus is anointed by God as the true King. In fact, the name “Christ” or “Messiah” means “Anointed One” and also carries the meaning of kingship. During His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the crowds welcomed Jesus by crying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Luke 19:38 NKJV). Although He was crucified as the suffering servant, Jesus rose again and is now seated in authority at the right hand of God as King of kings!
Consecrated as High Priest
In the Old Testament, high priests were washed, anointed, and consecrated to make atonement for the people’s sins. Jesus is ordained by God as our great High Priest who offers Himself as the ultimate atoning sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 5:5-10). His shed blood cleanses us from sin and reconciles us to God. Jesus is also our intercessor who constantly prays and advocates for us before the Father (Hebrews 7:25).
Fulfills “The Anointed One” Prophecies
Throughout the Old Testament, prophets foretold the coming of a special Anointed One who would save, lead, and restore God’s people. Jesus is the fulfillment of these messianic prophecies. As Peter proclaimed in Acts 10:38 (NKJV), “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”
What Does This Mean for Us?
As we can see, the title “the Anointed One” is packed with meaning regarding Jesus’ identity and purpose. This truth should fill us with wonder and hope! Here are some key implications for our lives:
- Worship Jesus in His authority – As the Christ, Jesus is Lord of all. He is the anointed King! We surrender our lives to Him and declare, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16 NKJV).
- Walk in the Spirit daily – The same Spirit that anointed Jesus lives in us as believers. We are called and empowered to let the Holy Spirit guide, strengthen, and use us for His glory.
- Share the gospel – Jesus is anointed to preach good news and bring redemption. We have the privilege of carrying on His mission to share the hope of the gospel with the world.
- Rely on Jesus as your High Priest – You never have to fear approaching God because Jesus is your anointed High Priest who intercedes for you. Run to Him boldly!
- Have faith in His sovereignty – No matter what you face, take heart because the anointed King is on the throne and His plans cannot be thwarted!
Key Takeaways on “The Anointed One”
- In the Old Testament, priests, prophets and kings were anointed with oil to set them apart for service to God. Anointing represents being filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered.
- Jesus is the ultimate Anointed One, the Christ. “Christ” comes from the Greek word christos meaning “anointed.”
- Jesus was commissioned and equipped by the Holy Spirit to fulfill His ministry as the Messiah.
- As the Anointed One, Jesus is the King, High Priest, suffering servant and proclaimer of good news as foretold by the prophets.
- We worship Jesus as the anointed King and rely on Him as our Great High Priest who intercedes for us.
- As believers, we now carry the same Spirit who anointed Jesus to empower us for ministry.
I hope this overview on the meaning of “the Anointed One” has blessed and inspired you today! Jesus is the Christ, the long-awaited Anointed One who came to set us free and make us new creations. May we walk daily in the wonder of who He is and all He has done for us. God bless you!
