Topical Bible: Anointing: Symbolical of Jesus

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Anointing in the biblical context refers to the practice of pouring or smearing oil upon a person or object as a means of consecration or sanctification. This act is deeply rooted in the religious and cultural practices of ancient Israel and holds significant theological implications throughout the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, anointing was primarily associated with the consecration of priests, kings, and prophets, signifying their divine appointment and empowerment for service. However, the concept of anointing finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "Anointed One," or "Messiah" in Hebrew and "Christ" in Greek.

Old Testament Foundations

The practice of anointing is first introduced in the Old Testament, where it is used to consecrate individuals for specific roles. For instance, Aaron and his sons were anointed as priests, as described in Exodus 28:41 : "After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint them, ordain them, and consecrate them, so that they may serve Me as priests." Similarly, kings were anointed to signify their divine selection and authority, as seen in the anointing of Saul by Samuel in 1 Samuel 10:1 : "Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, 'Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?'"

Prophets, too, were anointed, as indicated in 1 Kings 19:16 , where Elijah is instructed to anoint Elisha as his successor: "You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel, and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to succeed you as prophet."

Messianic Prophecies and Fulfillment in Jesus

The Old Testament also contains numerous prophecies concerning a future anointed one, the Messiah, who would deliver and redeem God's people. Isaiah 61:1 is a key messianic prophecy: "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners."

In the New Testament, Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as the fulfillment of this prophecy. In Luke 4:18-21 , Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue and declares, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." This declaration affirms His identity as the Anointed One, sent to accomplish the divine mission of salvation.

Jesus as the Anointed One

The anointing of Jesus is not merely symbolic but is also a testament to His divine nature and mission. The Gospels recount the anointing of Jesus by the Holy Spirit at His baptism, marking the commencement of His public ministry. Matthew 3:16 states, "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him."

Furthermore, the title "Christ" itself means "Anointed One," underscoring the belief that Jesus is the fulfillment of the messianic hope. Acts 10:38 speaks to this anointing: "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him."

Theological Implications

The anointing of Jesus carries profound theological significance. It affirms His role as Prophet, Priest, and King—offices that were traditionally inaugurated through anointing. As the ultimate Prophet, Jesus reveals God's will and truth. As the eternal High Priest, He mediates between God and humanity, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. As the sovereign King, He reigns with authority over all creation.

Moreover, the anointing of Jesus signifies the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in His life and ministry. This anointing empowers Him to fulfill His redemptive mission, bringing healing, liberation, and salvation to all who believe. Through His anointing, believers are also invited to share in His mission, receiving the Holy Spirit as a seal and guarantee of their inheritance in Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 26:7-12
There came to him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.
Nave's Topical Index

John 12:3-7
Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Name Jesus and Also the Name Christ were Known from the ...
... Moses and after the completion of the symbolical worship which ... bestowed the name
of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, as a ... became, by the act of anointing, Christs in ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter iii the name jesus and.htm

Ceremonies of Baptism and Chrism.
... as a sacramental act representing the anointing of Jesus ... be anointed, and Cyril explains
the symbolical meaning in ... is given into the death of Jesus: the water ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/chapter iv ceremonies of baptism and.htm

(On the Mysteries. Ii. )
... by you in the inner chamber [2394] , were symbolical. ... who were baptized into Christ
Jesus, were baptized ... the ointment (muro), that the anointing (chrisma) may ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xx on the mysteries.htm

In Jericho and at Bethany - Jericho - a Guest with Zacch??us - the ...
... It is all deeply touching, and deeply symbolical. ... Jesus may have told her, as He
had told the disciples ... 5036] Her faith made it a twofold anointing: that of the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxiv in jericho and.htm

Use of Physical Agencies in the Cure of Diseases.
The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion. ... of saliva, [220] water, [221]
and anointing with oil. ... in the use of these ordinary means in symbolical way ...
/.../section 99 use of physical.htm

(On the Passion, viii. : on Wednesday in Holy Week. )
... It was not accidental, therefore, but symbolical and mystical ... it and will glorify
it again," Jesus in reply ... dignity and priests of holier anointing: because Thy ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon lix on the passion.htm

The Coming of the King to his Palace
... with sadness, and spoke in Mary's 'anointing of His ... of mere enthusiastic feeling
in reference to Jesus Christ ... characteristic, or we might say symbolical, act is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the coming of the king.htm

The Fourfold Symbols of the Spirit
... for the purpose of bringing out simply these symbolical references. ... the Water of
the Spirit, and the Anointing Oil of ... are united to Him by faith in Jesus Christ ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the fourfold symbols of the.htm

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
... me in the priest's office; for their anointing shall surely ... and satisfaction of these
in Christ Jesus and His ... No doubt, the colours were symbolical; but it is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the copies of things in.htm

Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... So the body of Jesus Christ, which is the Church, when the adversary is ... Nor could
this symbolical anointing be discontinued till the coming of Him who was thus ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm