The concept of the "Anointed One" is central to understanding the role of Jesus Christ in Christian theology. The term "Messiah" in Hebrew and "Christ" in Greek both mean "Anointed One," signifying a person chosen and consecrated by God for a specific purpose. In the Old Testament, anointing was a symbolic act that set apart prophets, priests, and kings for divine service. Jesus, as the Anointed One, fulfills all these roles, embodying the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King.

Prophet

In the role of a prophet, Jesus is seen as the ultimate messenger of God, bringing divine revelation to humanity. Deuteronomy 18:15 foretells a prophet like Moses, and Christians believe Jesus fulfills this prophecy. In the New Testament, Jesus is recognized as a prophet by the people (John 6:14) and by His own declaration (Luke 4:24). His teachings, parables, and sermons reveal the will of God and the path to salvation, as seen in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).

Priest

As a priest, Jesus serves as the mediator between God and humanity. The Book of Hebrews elaborates on this role, describing Jesus as a high priest in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:10). Unlike the Levitical priests, Jesus offers a perfect and eternal sacrifice—Himself. Hebrews 9:12 states, "He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption." His sacrificial death and resurrection provide atonement for sin, reconciling believers to God.

King

Jesus' kingship is a fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant, which promises an everlasting kingdom through David's lineage (2 Samuel 7:12-16). The New Testament affirms Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16). His kingship is both spiritual and eschatological, inaugurated through His resurrection and ascension, and to be consummated upon His return. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me," underscoring His sovereign rule.

The Anointing

The anointing of Jesus is not with oil, as in the Old Testament, but with the Holy Spirit. At His baptism, the Spirit descends upon Him like a dove, and a voice from heaven proclaims, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). This event marks the beginning of His public ministry and signifies His divine appointment.

Fulfillment of Prophecy

Jesus' role as the Anointed One is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy. Isaiah 61:1-2, which Jesus reads in the synagogue (Luke 4:18-19), speaks of the Spirit of the Lord anointing one to bring good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to captives. Jesus claims this prophecy is fulfilled in Him, asserting His messianic mission.

Salvific Role

The anointing of Jesus is intrinsically linked to His mission of salvation. As the Anointed One, He is the Savior of the world, offering redemption and eternal life to all who believe in Him. John 3:16 encapsulates this mission: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

In summary, the role of Jesus as the Anointed One encompasses His functions as Prophet, Priest, and King, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and establishing a new covenant through His life, death, and resurrection. His anointing by the Holy Spirit empowers Him to accomplish the divine mission of salvation, making Him central to Christian faith and theology.