The Apostles' Creed - Pt. 9

[Jesus said] “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:18-21 ESV).

 

I use a great deal of olive oil in my cooking (yes, I cook). I am very particular about this ingredient as well. And, while some might say there is no difference between the olive oils manufactured from different regions, I have a more sensitive palette than that. I like the oil manufactured from Italy or Sicily. And, I also like it to be filtered as “Extra Virgin Olive Oil.” That tells me that those qualities about the olives haven’t been unduly processed out of the oil. While taste is one of the qualities I look for, I also appreciate the “oiliness” of each type. I’m sure you know what I’m referring to. No doubt you’ve spilled olive oil or some other kind of oil and know how it can be messy to work with and hard to clean up. That experience may color your understanding of the reference to Jesus being “anointed.” However, it is important enough to be a part of the Apostles’ Creed.

 

In the Old Testament, people who were anointed with oil were set apart for special service to God for his people. When the Israelites anointed someone, they took olive oil and blended it with expensive spices (cf. Exodus 30:22-25). Then they rubbed, smeared, or poured the concoction on the head of the person being appointed. Priests and prophets were anointed with this oil. Kings were anointed with it too.

 

The most important anointing in the Bible doesn’t involve oil, however. When Jesus returned to his hometown synagogue, he opened God’s Word and declared that he had been anointed with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God himself anointed Jesus to proclaim the good news of salvation. As we confess with the Apostles’ Creed, God anointed his Son, the long-expected Messiah, “the Anointed One,” the Christ, to be our Prophet, Priest, and King. With his word, he guides us. With his sacrifice, he redeems us. And as our King, he guides and protects us. Jesus was anointed for us. The meaning here is deep and meaningful. God chose His Son to be for us the Savior who paid the price we could never pay and die the death we deserved. This is the “amazing” grace we have received!