In the Bible, a name often signifies a person's identity, purpose, and reputation. It's not just a way to distinguish one person from another; it's a profound statement about who they are. Throughout this study, we'll explore how the names given to Jesus—from Old Testament prophecies to New Testament revelations—build a complete picture of His role in God's redemptive plan.
In this session we will take a look at the name/title Christ/Messiah - The Anointed One.
Isaiah 61:1-2 NIV [1] The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, [2] to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,
Luke 4:16-22 NIV [16] He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, [17] and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: [18] “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, [19] to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” [20] Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. [21] He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." - Isaiah 7:14
Matthew 1:23 NLT “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
The terms "Christ" and "Messiah" are central to the Christian faith, yet their full meaning can sometimes be lost in common usage. The word "Messiah" comes from the Hebrew mashiach, and "Christ" comes from the Greek christos. Both words literally mean "Anointed One." In the Old Testament, anointing with oil was a symbolic act used to consecrate someone for a special purpose, typically for the roles of prophet, priest, or king. When we call Jesus "the Christ," we are declaring that he is the long-awaited, divinely chosen figure who fulfills all three of these anointed roles of prophet, priest, and king.
In the Old Testament, anointing with oil was a sacred ritual that symbolized being set apart by God for a specific purpose or office. This was primarily done for three key roles:
Kings: Anointing established their divine authority to rule. Examples include Saul and David. The oil symbolized the Holy Spirit empowering them to lead God's people.
1 Samuel 9:16-17 NIV [16] “About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him ruler over my people Israel; he will deliver them from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked on my people, for their cry has reached me.” [17] When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the Lord said to him, “This is the man I spoke to you about; he will govern my people.”
1 Samuel 10:1 NIV [1] Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, “Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance?
1 Samuel 16:1, 12-13 NIV [1] The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.”
[12] So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” [13] So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.
Priests: Anointing consecrated them for their service in the temple, enabling them to mediate between God and the people through sacrifices and prayers.
Leviticus 8:10-13 NIV [10] Then Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and everything in it, and so consecrated them. [11] He sprinkled some of the oil on the altar seven times, anointing the altar and all its utensils and the basin with its stand, to consecrate them. [12] He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him. [13] Then he brought Aaron’s sons forward, put tunics on them, tied sashes around them and fastened caps on them, as the Lord commanded Moses.
Prophets: While less frequent, prophets were sometimes anointed, signifying their divine commission to speak God's truth to the people.
In one of the most direct examples of a prophet being anointed. God commands the prophet Elijah to anoint his successor, Elisha.
1 Kings 19:15-16 NIV [15] The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. [16] Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet.
He was to anoint Elisha but Elijaha was also to anoint 2 kings.
The command from God to anoint signifies that the prophetic office was one to which a person was divinely appointed and set apart, just as a king was.
This background is crucial for understanding Jesus's multifaceted role. As the ultimate "Anointed One," he fulfills and perfects all three roles:
He is our King, establishing a kingdom that is not of this world (John 18:36) and ruling with divine authority.
John 18:36 NIV[36] Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
Matthew 28:18-20 NIV [18] Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Revelation 19:16 NIV On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.
This title signifies Jesus's ultimate and supreme rule over every earthly and heavenly power.
Philippians 2:9-11 NIV [9] Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, [10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
This passage speaks of Jesus's exaltation and universal authority, requiring every being to acknowledge his kingship.
He is our High Priest, offering himself as the final and perfect sacrifice to atone for sin once and for all.
Hebrews 9:11-14 NIV [11] But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. [12] He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. [13] The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. [14] How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
He is our Prophet, being the very Word of God made flesh, who reveals God's truth perfectly.
A prophet, in a biblical context, is an individual chosen by God to serve as a messenger, speaking on His behalf to people. The role of a prophet goes beyond simply predicting the future; their primary function is to "speak forth" God's truth, delivering messages of warning, guidance, encouragement, and instruction.
A prophet acts as an intermediary, communicating God's will, character, and plans to humanity.
While many prophecies include predictions about the future, the main purpose of a prophet's message is often to address the present state of the people. They challenge social and religious abuses, call for repentance, and remind people of God's covenant and law. The test of a true prophet was not just that their predictions came true, but that their message was consistent with God's character and law.
Ultimately, a prophet's purpose is to faithfully and accurately communicate a message received directly from God, regardless of how unpopular or difficult that message might be.
While Jesus was a prophet, his role extends far beyond that of a traditional prophet. He is considered the ultimate fulfillment of the prophetic office. He is not just a messenger from God; he is God in the flesh, the final and complete revelation of God to humanity.
Hebrews 1:1-2 NIV [1] In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, [2] but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
This establishes Jesus as the climax of God's communication to the world, making him the King of kings, the ultimate Priest, and the supreme Prophet.
By embodying all three anointed roles, Jesus shows that he is the complete and final Anointed One, the one all previous prophets, priests, and kings were pointing toward.
Understanding "Christ" as "Anointed One" can profoundly fundamentally change one's perception of Jesus. The term isn't a last name; it's a job title and a declaration of his divine purpose.
Luke 4:16-22 NIV [16] He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, [17] and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: [18] “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, [19] to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” [20] Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. [21] He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” [22] All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked.
These tasks describe a mission of liberation, healing, and justice, bringing hope and restoration to a broken world.
Now let’s go back and read
Isaiah 61:1-2 NIV [1] The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, [2] to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,
The Anointed One was expected to perform a number of specific tasks:
Bring good news to the poor.
Bind up the brokenhearted.
Proclaim liberty to the captives.
Open the prison to those who are bound.
Proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.
Proclaim the day of vengeance of our God.
Comfort all who mourn.
The key to understanding his purpose—is that he stops reading mid-sentence. He reads through "to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor" but stops before the phrase "and the day of vengeance of our God."
By stopping where he did, Jesus was indicating that his first coming was focused on the "year of the Lord's favor"—a time of grace, mercy, and salvation.
The "day of vengeance" refers to the final judgment, which he was not there to initiate at that time. He was there to save, not to condemn. This act beautifully separates his two comings: the first as the suffering servant and Savior, and the second as the righteous judge
Part II: Jesus as the Anointed King and Savior
Jesus didn't just fulfill the prophecies; he redefined what it meant to be the Anointed One. While many expected a political king to overthrow Roman rule, Jesus came to establish a spiritual kingdom and to save us from our greatest enemy: sin.
Jesus's kingdom is spiritual, not political, and His purpose was to save humanity from sin.
John 18:36 NIV Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
This statement directly contrasts a physical, political kingdom with a spiritual one.
An angel tells Joseph to name the child Jesus, "for he will save his people from their sins." This establishes his primary mission as a spiritual one—saving people from the power and consequences of sin.
Matthew 1:21 NIV [21] She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
John the Baptist points to Jesus and says, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" This title of "Lamb of God" connects Jesus to the Old Testament sacrificial system, where a lamb was sacrificed to atone for sin. His purpose is to be the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
John 1:29 NIV The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
The apostle Paul explains the core of the Gospel: "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life."
Romans 5:8-11 NIV [8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. [9] Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! [10] For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! [11] Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
The people of Jesus's time, living under Roman occupation, largely expected a political and military king. They were looking for a Messiah who would lead a revolution, overthrow the Romans, and restore Israel to its former glory, similar to the reign of King David. This king would have been a visible, earthly ruler wielding worldly power and might.
Jesus's kingship, however, was fundamentally different. He established a spiritual kingdom, not an earthly one. His kingdom was not defined by geographical boundaries or military conquest but by love, humility, and service. He came to conquer sin and death, not Rome. His throne was the cross, his crown was made of thorns, and his power was demonstrated through self-sacrificial love rather than military force. This was a radical departure from their expectations, which is why many people, including his own disciples at times, struggled to understand his mission.
Consider the inscription on the cross in Matthew 27. Why was Jesus identified as a king at His most vulnerable and humiliating moment?
Matthew 27:37 NIV [37] Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is Jesus, the king of the jews.
The inscription on the cross, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews," was placed there by the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. From a Roman perspective, it was a mockery and a warning. It was meant to humiliate Jesus and anyone who might consider following him, showing the fate of those who claimed to be a king in opposition to Caesar.
However, from a theological perspective, the inscription was a profound and ironic truth. In his moment of greatest vulnerability and physical humiliation, Jesus was indeed being crowned as king. His death on the cross was not a sign of defeat but the ultimate act of his kingship—the self-sacrifice that conquered sin and death, thereby establishing his eternal kingdom. The cross, which appeared to be an instrument of defeat, became the very throne from which he secured victory for all humanity.
3. How does Colossians 1:15-20 describe Jesus's ultimate authority and reconciling work as the Anointed One? What does this mean for our lives today?
Colossians 1:15-20 is a powerful theological statement about Jesus's ultimate authority and work.
Colossians 1:15-20 NIV [15] The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. [16] For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. [17] He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. [19] For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, [20] and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
It describes him as:
The image of the invisible God: The full and perfect representation of God.
The firstborn of all creation: Preeminent over all creation, existing before everything.
The Creator: All things were created through him and for him.
The head of the church: The authority and life source of the body of believers.
The reconciler: Through his death on the cross, he has reconciled all things—both on earth and in heaven—to God.
This shows that Jesus is not just a part of the plan of salvation; he is the central, preeminent figure of all existence.
For our lives today, this means several things:
Our faith has a firm foundation: We are not following a created being or a mere historical figure, but the Creator himself, the one who holds all authority.
We can have peace with God: The passage highlights Jesus's reconciling work, meaning the barrier of sin that separated us from God has been broken down through the cross. We are no longer God's enemies but his children.
Our lives have purpose: We are part of the body of Christ, the Church, which is headed by the one who is preeminent over all creation. Our actions, therefore, have eternal significance in his kingdom.
We are called to live for him: Since all things were created "for him," our ultimate purpose is to live lives that honor and glorify him in all that we do.
The truth of Jesus being the Christ, the Anointed One, has profound implications for our lives. It's not just a historical fact, but a living reality that calls for a personal response.
To confess that "Jesus is the Christ" is to make a personal declaration of faith that he is not merely a good teacher or a historical figure, but the Anointed One sent by God. For me personally, it means:
He is my King: I am willingly submitting to his rule and authority over my life, recognizing that his wisdom and will are superior to my own. This means seeking his guidance in daily decisions and prioritizing his kingdom over my own desires.
He is my Savior: It means accepting that I cannot save myself from sin and death and that his atoning death on the cross is the sole source of my forgiveness and eternal life. This brings a sense of humility and gratitude.
He is my Prophet: I trust that his Word is the ultimate truth. It means believing that the Bible, which reveals his identity and purpose, is the final authority for how I should live and what I should believe.
This confession is the foundation of my faith and shapes my identity, purpose, and hope.
Jesus's identity as the "Christ" is not a title of convenience but a declaration of his divine purpose, foretold for centuries and perfectly fulfilled. It solidifies my understanding that my faith is rooted in historical fact and theological truth, not just personal feelings.
One specific way I can align my life more closely with God's will is to embrace humility and servanthood as a reflection of my King. Jesus's kingship was defined by sacrificial love and humble service, not power and dominance. Instead of pursuing my own ambitions for recognition or control, I can consciously seek opportunities to serve others, especially those who are marginalized or overlooked. This might look like volunteering my time, listening more attentively to others, or putting the needs of my family and community before my own. By serving others, I am directly mirroring the character of Christ, the Anointed One, and aligning my life with the values of his kingdom.
Closing Prayer:"Heavenly Father, we thank you for sending your Anointed One, Jesus, to be our Savior and our King. Thank you for the prophecies that pointed to him and the fulfillment we see in his life, death, and resurrection. We pray for open hearts to receive your guidance and for the strength to live lives that honor Him. May we always remember that our purpose is to align our lives with your will, just as Christ did. In Jesus's name, we pray. Amen."
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