The title "Anointed" is deeply significant in understanding the identity and mission of Jesus Christ within the biblical narrative. The term "anointed" is derived from the Hebrew word "Mashiach" (Messiah) and the Greek word "Christos" (Christ), both of which mean "anointed one." This title is foundational to the recognition of Jesus as the promised deliverer and king in the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Old Testament Background

The concept of anointing in the Old Testament is primarily associated with the consecration of individuals for specific roles, such as prophets, priests, and kings. Anointing with oil symbolized the empowerment and setting apart of a person for God's service. For instance, the anointing of David as king by the prophet Samuel is a notable example: "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward" (1 Samuel 16:13).

Messianic Expectation

The expectation of an "Anointed One" who would deliver Israel and establish God's kingdom is a recurring theme in the prophetic literature. Isaiah speaks of a future anointed servant who will bring justice and salvation: "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor" (Isaiah 61:1). This passage is later directly applied to Jesus in the New Testament, affirming His role as the fulfillment of this prophecy.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, Jesus is explicitly identified as the Christ, the Anointed One. The Gospel of Matthew opens with the genealogy of "Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham" (Matthew 1:1), establishing His messianic lineage. The title "Christ" is used throughout the Gospels to affirm Jesus' identity and mission. In a pivotal moment, Peter declares, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16), acknowledging Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.

Anointing by the Holy Spirit

The anointing of Jesus is not merely symbolic but is manifested through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. At His baptism, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him like a dove, and a voice from heaven declares, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). This event marks the divine endorsement of Jesus' ministry and His anointing by God Himself.

Role and Mission

As the Anointed One, Jesus fulfills the roles of prophet, priest, and king. He is the ultimate prophet who reveals God's truth, the high priest who offers Himself as a sacrifice for sin, and the king who reigns over God's kingdom. The Book of Acts affirms this multifaceted role: "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and He went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him" (Acts 10:38).

Eternal Kingship

The anointing of Jesus as the Christ also signifies His eternal kingship. The Book of Revelation presents Him as the "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Revelation 19:16), whose reign is everlasting. This title underscores the ultimate authority and sovereignty of Jesus as the Anointed One who fulfills God's redemptive plan for humanity.

In summary, the title "Anointed" encapsulates the divine appointment and mission of Jesus as the Messiah, the Christ, who fulfills the Old Testament prophecies and establishes God's kingdom through His life, death, and resurrection.Psalm 2:2
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... Saviour; lest, therefore, His manifold appellations should make ... Christ: for though
the titles are many ... is called by two names, Jesus Christ; Jesus, because He ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... There are also many other things which Jesus did, the ... itself could not contain the
fulness of Christ's teaching about ... seek to glory in it by the names we employ ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... calling things by their most forcible and popular appellations. ... As for those whose
names I mention, their crimes or ... to know and love; for Jesus Christ's sake. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

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