The term "His Anointed One" is a significant title in the Bible, referring primarily to the Messiah, who is understood to be Jesus Christ in Christian theology. The concept of anointing in the biblical context involves the consecration of an individual by God for a specific purpose or role, often signified by the physical act of pouring oil over the person. This act symbolizes the empowerment and setting apart of the individual by the Holy Spirit.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for "anointed" is "mashiach," from which the term "Messiah" is derived. Anointing was a common practice for priests, prophets, and kings, signifying their divine appointment and authority. For instance, Aaron and his sons were anointed as priests (Exodus 28:41), and Saul and David were anointed as kings of Israel (1 Samuel 10:1; 1 Samuel 16:13).

The anticipation of a future Anointed One, a Messiah, is woven throughout the Old Testament. In Psalm 2:2, we read, "The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One." This verse is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy, pointing to a future king who would be divinely appointed to rule and deliver God's people.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the Greek equivalent of "mashiach" is "Christos," from which the title "Christ" is derived. Jesus of Nazareth is identified as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Anointed One. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue, declaring, "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor." This passage underscores Jesus' role as the Anointed One, empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill God's redemptive plan.

The apostle Peter, in his sermon at Pentecost, affirms Jesus as the Anointed One, saying, "God has raised this Jesus to life, to which we are all witnesses. Exalted, then, to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear" (Acts 2:32-33). Peter's declaration emphasizes the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus as central to His identity as the Anointed One.

Theological Significance

The title "His Anointed One" carries profound theological implications. It signifies Jesus' unique role as the mediator between God and humanity, the one who fulfills the law and the prophets, and the one who inaugurates the new covenant through His death and resurrection. As the Anointed One, Jesus embodies the offices of prophet, priest, and king, each of which is essential to His mission of salvation.

In the book of Hebrews, Jesus is described as the ultimate high priest, anointed not with oil but with the Holy Spirit, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:11-14). His kingship is affirmed in Revelation 19:16, where He is called "King of kings and Lord of lords," highlighting His sovereign authority over all creation.

Conclusion

The title "His Anointed One" encapsulates the essence of Jesus' mission and identity. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promises and the establishment of His kingdom through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As believers, recognizing Jesus as the Anointed One is central to understanding His work of redemption and His ongoing reign as Lord and Savior.