As we continue the God’s Image study, I want to pause over a word that appeared repeatedly in our examination of the Son’s honor: anointed.
We have followed the statement that God anoints him. Now we need to ask what that means.
The titles Messiah and Christ bring this relationship into the very words we use when speaking about Jesus.
Who anoints him, with what, and for what purpose?
Messiah and Christ
The Hebrew word māshîaḥ (מָשִׁיחַ) means anointed one. The Greek Christos (Χριστός) carries that meaning as well. These are the words behind the titles Messiah and Christ. Hebrew: māshîaḥ, Greek: Christos.
John makes the connection explicit when Andrew tells Simon that they have found the Messiah, then explains the title as Christ. John 1:41.
When we say Jesus Christ, the title identifies Jesus as the Anointed One.
That meaning deserves attention. Anointed One directs us toward an appointment and, with it, toward the One responsible for that appointment.
It does not mean Almighty. To understand Jesus’ particular position, we need to examine what Scripture says about his anointing.
Anointing Before Jesus’ Ministry
Anointing already appears in the earlier Scriptures.
When Samuel anoints David, he uses oil, and the passage describes the Spirit of YHWH (יהוה) coming mightily upon David from that day forward. 1 Samuel 16:13.
The account connects anointing with God’s choice and the Spirit’s activity.
This gives us background for the language. It does not make every anointed person’s role identical. We still need to ask what each person is appointed to do.
With Jesus, the passages give a direct explanation.
“God Anointed Him”
Peter describes Jesus of Nazareth with these words:
“God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power”
— Acts 10:38, LSB
He then recounts Jesus doing good and healing those oppressed by the devil, explaining:
“for God was with Him.”
— Acts 10:38, LSB
The relationship is clearly expressed.
God anoints. Jesus receives the anointing. The Holy Spirit and power are named, and the work that follows is described.
Peter does not leave us with a title alone. He connects the anointing to Jesus’ activity and God’s presence with him.
For me, this is essential to understanding how Jesus carries out the Father’s work. His authority and works belong within the relationship Peter describes.
Anointed and Sent
Luke records Jesus reading from Isaiah in the synagogue:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.”
— Luke 4:18, LSB
The reading continues with a commission involving release, restored sight, freedom, and the proclamation of the Lord’s favorable year. Jesus then identifies the Scripture as fulfilled in his listeners’ hearing. Luke 4:18–21.
Notice how the anointing is connected to a purpose.
The Spirit’s presence, the anointing, and the sending belong together in the passage. Jesus speaks as the one commissioned to carry out the work described.
That gives substance to the title Christ. We are reading about the Anointed One carrying out his assignment.
Keeping the Timing Clear
There is an important distinction to preserve after our previous posts.
Luke places Jesus’ declaration about being anointed during his earthly ministry, before his death and resurrection. Peter likewise connects the anointing with the good works and healings of that ministry.
We should therefore not leave the impression that every reference to Jesus’ anointing describes something that first happened after his resurrection.
Our earlier examination of Hebrews and Philippians followed his suffering, received honor, and exaltation. These passages in Luke and Acts describe his anointing in connection with the mission he carries out.
Being commissioned for the work and receiving honor following its accomplishment are distinguishable parts of the account.
Keeping them visible helps us follow the sequence without forcing every passage into the same moment.
Honoring the Anointed One
This brings us back to the first commandment.
When I honor Jesus as the Christ, I want to honor the relationship expressed by that title. Jesus is the one whom God anointed and sent. Recognizing his authority includes recognizing the Father who gave it to him.
Recognizing his authority includes recognizing its giver. Listening to him includes taking seriously what he reveals about the Father.
I do not want familiarity with the name Jesus Christ to make me overlook the meaning of Christ.
The title invites me to examine his commission, his faithfulness, and the One whose purpose he carries out.
What Does That Ask of Me?
If I say I follow the Anointed One, am I paying attention to the work he was sent to do?
Do I value truthfulness, mercy, and faithfulness? Does my conduct reflect concern for people, or have I reduced following Jesus to defending a title?
Jesus’ answer in Matthew 22:37–40 keeps love for God and love for our neighbor together.
That is where I want this study to lead: toward a clearer understanding of the Father and Son, expressed in faithful living.
Knowing what a title means should deepen how we respond to the one who bears it.
Threads to Follow
Messiah and Christ: Understanding the title Anointed One.
God’s appointment: Identifying who anoints and who receives.
Spirit and power: Following Peter’s explanation of Jesus’ ministry.
Anointed and sent: Examining the purpose of the commission.
The sequence preserved: Distinguishing ministry from subsequent exaltation.
Faithful response: Connecting understanding with love and conduct.
The books were opened…
🌿 By Maria Emilia
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