The term "Anointed One" is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, serving as a significant foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The concept of anointing in the Bible is rich with symbolism and meaning, often denoting someone set apart for a divine purpose. This entry explores the multifaceted role of the Anointed One as it unfolds throughout Scripture, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for "anointed" is "mashiach," from which we derive the term "Messiah." Anointing with oil was a common practice used to consecrate individuals for specific roles, such as priests, prophets, and kings. This act symbolized the empowerment and blessing of the Holy Spirit upon the individual.

1. Priests: The anointing of Aaron and his sons as priests is one of the earliest examples. Exodus 28:41 states, "After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so that they may serve Me as priests." This anointing set them apart for the sacred duty of mediating between God and His people.

2. Kings: The anointing of kings is another significant aspect. Saul, the first king of Israel, was anointed by the prophet Samuel, as recorded 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?'" Similarly, David was anointed, signifying God's choice and blessing upon him as king (1 Samuel 16:13).

3. Prophets: Prophets were also anointed, as seen in the case of Elisha, who was anointed to succeed Elijah (1 Kings 19:16). This anointing signified the divine authority and inspiration bestowed upon the prophets to speak God's word.

Messianic Prophecies

The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies that point to a future Anointed One, a Messiah who would deliver and redeem God's people. These prophecies create a tapestry of expectation and hope, anticipating the coming of a Savior.

1. Isaiah's Prophecies: Isaiah 61:1 speaks of the Anointed One: "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." This passage is later fulfilled in the New Testament by Jesus Himself (Luke 4:18-21).

2. Daniel's Vision: Daniel 9:25-26 provides a prophetic timeline for the coming of the Anointed One: "Know and understand this: From the issuance of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks... After the sixty-two weeks, the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing." This prophecy is often interpreted as pointing to the crucifixion of Christ.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the Anointed One, the Messiah. The Greek equivalent of "mashiach" is "Christos," from which we derive the title "Christ."

1. Jesus as the Anointed One: In the Gospels, Jesus is repeatedly identified as the Christ, the Anointed One. In Matthew 16:16 , Peter declares, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." This acknowledgment affirms Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.

2. Anointed by the Holy Spirit: At His baptism, Jesus is anointed by the Holy Spirit, marking the beginning of His public ministry. Matthew 3:16 describes this event: "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."

3. The Anointed King and Priest: Jesus fulfills the roles of prophet, priest, and king. As the Anointed King, He reigns over God's kingdom with justice and righteousness. As the Anointed Priest, He offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin, mediating a new covenant between God and humanity.

Conclusion

The concept of the Anointed One serves as a profound foreshadowing of Christ throughout the biblical narrative. From the anointing of priests, prophets, and kings in the Old Testament to the fulfillment of messianic prophecies in the New Testament, the Anointed One is ultimately revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, who embodies the fullness of God's redemptive plan for humanity.