Do you know what it means to be anointed with oil? Do you know anyone who has been anointed? Have you ever thought that Jesus was anointed…for multiple reasons? Do you know there are different types of anointing?
Anointing is not something we typically think about in our culture. If we are around certain religious circles, we may have heard of it or perhaps witnessed it. Yet, we likely haven’t thought about that experience in some time. It simply isn’t something we think about daily.
I’m guessing some of you are wondering about the question posted above concerning Jesus being anointed for multiple reasons. I’m sure many of you would state He was anointed as the Son of God. That is true, but there is a deeper meaning to it.
Anointing was historically done by the Jews for types of leaders. First, there was anointing of prophets. We can certainly state Jesus was a prophet. He foretold many things that took place before He was crucified, including His own death, burial, and resurrection. He also foretold what would happen at the end of time when He returns.
The second reason for anointing was for a priest. We have been told in multiple places in the New Testament that Jesus is our High Priest. As our High Priest, He intercedes for us on a daily basis, presenting Himself before the Father on our behalf.
The third reason for anointing was for a king. We all know Jesus it the King of kings. He is the ruler of the world. He will be the ruler of the new world. So, being anointed for all three reasons makes sense to us.
You might ask, when was He anointed? His anointing came by the Holy Spirit at His baptism. It is widely believed His baptism was an anointing for all three reasons. We are anointed as a priest, as well, by the Holy Spirit to be part of the royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:8).
I pray each of us feel the anointing of the Holy Spirit. I pray we accept His anointing as a priest. I pray each of us takes on our role as a priest for Jesus. Accept His anointing. Take on the role of priest. Spread the good news about Jesus.
Hebrews 1:8-9
But about the Son he says,
“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy.”
Marty Pressey 