Topical Bible: Anointing: Why Recommended by Christ in Times of Fasting

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Anointing, a practice deeply rooted in biblical tradition, holds significant spiritual and symbolic meaning. In the context of fasting, Jesus Christ's recommendation to anoint oneself is particularly noteworthy. This entry explores the reasons behind this practice, drawing from scriptural references and theological insights.

Biblical Context and Practice

Anointing in the Bible often involves the application of oil, symbolizing consecration, blessing, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is a practice seen throughout the Old and New Testaments, used for various purposes such as the consecration of priests (Exodus 28:41), the anointing of kings (1 Samuel 16:13), and the healing of the sick (James 5:14).

In the context of fasting, Jesus specifically addresses the practice of anointing in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 6:17-18 , He instructs, "But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Reasons for Anointing During Fasting

1. Spiritual Focus and Sincerity: Anointing during fasting serves as a reminder of the spiritual focus and sincerity required in this discipline. By anointing one's head, the individual is symbolically setting themselves apart for God, emphasizing the internal, spiritual nature of the fast over any external display.

2. Avoiding Hypocrisy: Jesus' instruction to anoint and wash one's face is a direct counter to the hypocritical practices of the Pharisees, who often fasted with disfigured faces to gain public admiration (Matthew 6:16). Anointing, therefore, becomes a means of maintaining humility and sincerity, ensuring that the fast is directed towards God rather than human approval.

3. Symbol of Joy and Renewal: In biblical times, anointing with oil was also associated with joy and celebration (Psalm 23:5, Isaiah 61:3). By anointing oneself during fasting, the believer embraces a spirit of joy and renewal, recognizing that fasting is not merely an act of deprivation but a time of spiritual refreshment and closeness to God.

4. Physical and Spiritual Cleansing: The act of washing and anointing signifies both physical and spiritual cleansing. It reflects the desire to be purified before God, aligning the body and spirit in a unified act of worship and devotion.

5. Intimacy with God: Anointing in secret, as Jesus advises, fosters a personal and intimate relationship with God. It underscores the private nature of fasting as a personal offering to the Lord, enhancing the believer's connection with the divine.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, anointing during fasting underscores the holistic nature of Christian worship, where physical actions are intertwined with spiritual intentions. It reflects the belief that true worship involves the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—dedicated to God. This practice also highlights the transformative power of fasting when approached with the right heart and attitude, as it becomes a means of drawing closer to God and experiencing His presence more fully.

In summary, anointing during fasting, as recommended by Christ, serves multiple purposes: it ensures the sincerity of the fast, maintains humility, symbolizes joy and renewal, and fosters a deeper intimacy with God. Through this practice, believers are reminded of the profound spiritual significance of fasting as a discipline that transcends mere physical abstinence, inviting them into a deeper relationship with their Creator.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 6:17,18
But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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Of Immediate Revelation.
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hath promised us better things ... But the anointing, which ye have received of him ...
/.../proposition ii of immediate revelation.htm

Homeward Bound
... for the first time in his life, the anointing of the ... I hand over to the Lord Jesus
Christ, to be ... Indeed, these were the true miracles which recommended Hugh to ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter x homeward bound.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... Anointing, metaphorically, for encouraging, [756]378. ... Friend, a faithful, how good,
[1459]330; times and places ... to have his friend so, [1462]ib.; Christ is the ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... little gleam of heavenly light falls upon those dark and gloomy times, from the ... in
his dreadful career of cruelty, while making havoc of the church of Christ. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... six in number: baptism, the eucharist, anointing or confirmation ... protection and
continuation of evil times, a strict ... by the mercy of Christ), everything which ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm