1
Notes on Anointing - From Eden
to the Messiah and Beyond
What Is Anointing?
- Anointing was the ancient practice of pouring oil on individuals to set them apart for a
sacred task
- In ancient Israel, it was done to kings, priests, prophets, and holy objects/places
- The oil marked them as consecrated or set apart for divine service and representation
Anointing in the Biblical Narrative
Anointing is a key biblical theme that runs from the opening pages of Genesis through the
New Testament. By tracing this theme, we see God's plan to anoint humans to represent His
ruling presence on earth.
Connection to Eden
- Anointing is first hinted at in the Genesis 2 account of God creating the Garden of Eden
- God formed humans from the dust, but then breathed His own breath/Spirit into them
(Gen. 2:7)
- This Spirit anointing marked humans as living representations of God in the garden
- The Hebrew word for "breath" is related to the word for "anoint" or pour out an anointing
oil
2
- Thus, anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence
> "God appointed a human image to steward and care for the garden on God's behalf. By
being anointed through water and then Spirit, humans are marked as 'portals' between
Heaven and Earth."
The Anointing Oil
- A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
3
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
4
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
5
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
6
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
7
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
8
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
9
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
10
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
11
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
12
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
13
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
14
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
15
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
16
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
17
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
18
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
19
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
20
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
21
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
22
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
23
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
24
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
25
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
26
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
27
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
28
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
29
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
30
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
31
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
32
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
33
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
34
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
35
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
36
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
37
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
38
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
39
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
40
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
41
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
42
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
43
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
44
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
45
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
46
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
47
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
48
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
49
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
50
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
51
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
52
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
53
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
54
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
55
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
56
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
57
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
58
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
59
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
60
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
61
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
62
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
63
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
64
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
65
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
66
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
67
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
68
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
69
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
70
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
71
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
72
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
73
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
74
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
75
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
76
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
77
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
78
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
79
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
80
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
81
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
82
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
83
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
84
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
85
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
86
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
87
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
88
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
89
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
90
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
91
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
92
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
93
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
94
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
95
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
96
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
97
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
98
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
99
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
100
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
101
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
102
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
103
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
104
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
105
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
106
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
107
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
108
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
109
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
110
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
A special anointing oil is later prescribed for use in the tabernacle (Exod. 30:22-25)
- Made from exotic spices and olive oil, it represented the abundance and aromas of Eden's
garden
- "The anointing oil was filled with aromatic garden smells that a person would never
encounter in daily life. It would smell 'otherworldly.'"
- By anointing the tabernacle, its objects, and priests, it marked them as sacred
spaces/persons representing God's presence
Who Gets Anointed in the Bible?
The practice of anointing played a central role in setting apart certain individuals and objects
in ancient Israel:
Kings
- Kings were anointed before taking the throne (Saul, David, Jehu) and sometimes at
coronation
- This marked them as God's authorized regent and representative ruler on earth
Priests
- Aaron and his sons were anointed by Moses to serve as priests (Exod. 29:6-7, Lev. 8:9)
- Anointing set them apart as mediators of God's presence among the people
111
Prophets
- Only Elisha was explicitly anointed at the start of his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16)
- As God's spokesmen, prophets represented His purpose and will to the people
Places/Objects
- The tabernacle/temple, its furnishings, and some offerings were anointed (Exod. 30:26-29)
- Sacred pillars like the one at Bethel were anointed by Jacob (Gen. 28:18)
- Anointing marked these as spaces/objects representing God's holy presence
Anointed Figures in the Old Testament
Several key anointed individuals foreshadowed the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah:
Saul
- Anointed by Samuel to deliver Israel from the Philistines (1 Sam. 9-10)
- A new "Adam" figure empowered by God's Spirit to reclaim the promised land
- But Saul disobeyed and was rejected, showing human failure apart from God
David
- God's anointed king who succeeded where Saul failed (1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 2-5)
- Represented God's wise and just rule, though imperfectly
- Promised that his dynastic line would produce an ultimate anointed ruler (2 Sam. 7)
112
Prophets like Isaiah
- Spoke of a coming "anointed servant" from David's line who would bring justice and
restoration (Isa. 11, 42, 61)
- This "anointed one" would transfer God's anointing to renew His afflicted people (Isa. 61:1-
3)
The Anointed One in the New Testament
The New Testament culminates the anointing theme in the person of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' Anointing
- At his baptism, Jesus was anointed not with oil but the Holy Spirit descending like a dove
(Mark 1:9-11)
- He is identified as God's beloved Son, the fulfillment of Messianic hopes (Psalm 2:7, Isa.
42:1)
Jesus as Anointed Messiah
- "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah" which means "anointed one"
(John 1:41)
- Quoting Isaiah 61, Jesus proclaimed he was the Spirit-anointed one bringing restoration
(Luke 4:16-21)
- His anointing led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for humanity's renewal (Luke
113
24:25-27)
> "Jesus' anointing wasn't just an oil that soaked his skin. His anointing filled him with the
presence and love of God, which is stronger than evil and death."
Believers Share the Anointing
- Before his ascension, Jesus promised his followers would be "clothed with power from on
high" (Luke 24:49)
- At Pentecost, they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' mission (Acts 2)
- As anointed ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power on
earth
Implications of Anointing
From beginning to end, the Biblical narrative reveals God's desire to anoint human
representatives:
- In Eden, God anointed humanity to steward His good rule and presence
- After humanity's fall, anointing marked certain individuals to foreshadow restoration
- Ultimately, God anointed Jesus as the Messiah to decisively renew all things
- Now, God anoints His church to embody and advance Christ's redemptive mission on earth
> "Anointing connects to God animating humanity with His very life presence. As anointed
114
ones, the church represents God's ruling presence and restoration power."
God has invited redeemed humanity to participate in His anointing:
- To cultivate lives and communities that reflect His original garden ideal
- To declare the in-breaking of His life-giving, restorative Kingdom
- To manifest the renewed creation reality promised in Christ
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
So while anointing was once limited to kings, priests, and prophets, all believers now share
in this anointing:
- We are anointed as a royal priesthood, God's kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9)
- We are anointed to be living letters displaying God's transforming power (2 Cor. 3:3)
- We are commissioned as anointed ambassadors of Christ's reconciling rule (2 Cor. 5:20)
115
Conclusion
In short, the biblical theme of anointing reveals God's plan to dwell with and reign through a
redeemed humanity, starting again in a new Eden. As His anointed people, may we embrace
this high calling.
```
