Anointed One

I’m currently reading from a Bible that highlights in red, words spoken by Jesus—aptly called a red-letter Bible. Today, our verse is all in red, but the words Jesus speaks here aren’t his original words. He is quoting an Old Testament prophecy.

Earlier in Luke 4, we find that Jesus has recently returned to Galilee “in the power of the Spirit,” where his teaching in the synagogues is well received. Then, he returns to Nazareth, where he grew up, and again goes to teach in the synagogue. As he stands to teach, the scroll of the prophet, Isaiah, is handed to him.

He begins to read Isaiah 61, verses 1–2. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

After reading through these verses from Isaiah, Jesus rolls up the scroll, returns it to the attendant, and sits down. With everyone’s eyes fastened on him, he says, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” That might just be the first-ever “mic-drop” moment. Jesus has just referred to himself as the long-prophesied “Anointed One.”

So, what does “anointed” mean? It can mean to have holy water or aromatic oil rubbed on your head as part of a religious ceremony. It can also be defined biblically, as signifying God’s favor. Jesus was the Lord’s “anointed one,” favored by God. In Hebrew, the word “Messiah” translates to “anointed one.”

The New Testament mentions Jesus being anointed with oil twice (Luke 7 and John 12), but here, he is referring to being anointed by the Spirit of the Lord, rather than by oil. Jesus was anointed for us. His coming sacrifice would make a way for us to become “favored” children of God. In my own life, I’ve never audibly heard from God, but I most feel his favor while leading others in musical worship. I pray to discern his will for my life and go wherever the Spirit guides me in serving his people.

If we accept Jesus into our lives, the same anointing (by the Spirit) given to him is available to us. He anoints us with his Spirit to serve alongside him in this world, bringing the Good News to all corners of the earth.

Reflect

As you reflect on today’s devotional, listen to the song, “The Blessing” while you answer this question:

If you believe in and receive this anointing, how does that change the way you walk in his purpose for your life today?