Who Anointed Jesus with Oil
Today we will talk about who anointed Jesus with oil. Many Christians may not fully appreciate the significance of this event. Anointing with oil holds a deep and rich meaning in the Bible, often representing God’s blessing, healing, and the setting apart of individuals for a special purpose. As we reflect on this act of anointing, let us open our hearts and minds to understand its importance in the life of Jesus and what it signifies for us as believers. We will explore the historical context, the meanings behind anointing, and the key figures involved in Jesus’ anointing in the Scriptures. Be in a mode of meditation as we read through God’s Word.
Understanding Anointing in Biblical Times
Anointing with oil is a significant ritual in biblical times, embodying various meanings and practices. The Hebrew word for anointing is “mashach” (מָשַׁח), which means to smear or to rub with oil. In Greek, the word is “chrío” (χρίω), meaning to anoint or to consecrate. Historically, anointing was used in several contexts: for kings, priests, and prophets, signifying that they were chosen and empowered by God for specific roles (1 Samuel 16:13, Exodus 28:41).
The act of anointing was also associated with healing (James 5:14), blessing, and establishing someone in a position of authority. In ancient Israel, it symbolized the presence of God’s Spirit, which equipped an individual for the tasks ahead. Thus, anointing with oil represented not just a physical act but an internal transformation and divine approval from God.
Now, let’s look at specific instances of anointing that relate to Jesus. The Gospels describe a woman anointing Jesus, which provides insight into this powerful practice and its implications for His ministry. When we consider who anointed Jesus with oil, we look upon Mary of Bethany. Her act of love and devotion highlights the importance of anointing and sets the tone for Jesus’ journey toward the cross.
The Significance of Mary’s Anointing of Jesus
Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, plays a crucial role in the narrative of anointing Jesus. In John 12:3, we read, “Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair.” This scene is loaded with rich symbolism and illustrates the deep affection and respect that Mary held for Jesus.
When Mary anointed Jesus, she performed an act of worship and acknowledgment of His impending sacrifice. The oil she used was very expensive, signifying the value and honor she attributed to Jesus. By anointing His feet, she demonstrated humility and reverence, recognizing Jesus as the Messiah and preparing Him symbolically for His death and burial (Mark 14:8, Matthew 26:12). Scholars maintain that the act of Jesus being anointed is emblematic of the anointing of kings, as seen in the Old Testament traditions, but it also foreshadows His ultimate sacrifice for humanity.
This touching moment also emphasizes Mary’s relationship with Jesus, contrasting with the skepticism and dismissal from some of the other disciples, particularly Judas, who saw her act as wasteful (John 12:4-5). Yet, in Jesus’ response, He honored Mary’s actions, stating, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial” (John 12:7). In doing so, He affirmed the significance of her anointing as an act that transcends monetary value and earthly perspectives. Mary’s anointing is not just an isolated event; it echoes the nature of our worship and devotion to Jesus today.
The Symbolism of Oil in Anointing Jesus
The oil that Mary used is not just physical oil; it carries deep symbolic meaning rooted in Scripture. Throughout the Old Testament, oil is often used to symbolize the Holy Spirit and God’s empowering presence. When kings and priests were anointed with oil, it represented their consecration for service (Leviticus 8:12, 1 Samuel 10:1). When Mary poured this precious spikenard oil on Jesus, it symbolized the anointing of the Messiah, recognizing Him as the chosen one sent by God to save mankind.
This act of anointing with oil foreshadowed the anointing of Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, fulfilling the sacrificial role that the Jewish sacrificial system could not achieve (Hebrews 4:14-15). The sweet aroma of the oil signifies the fragrant nature of Jesus’ life and ministry, and it has deeper implications for believers. In 2 Corinthians 2:15, we are reminded that we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved. Thus, anointing with oil connects us to the ministry of Jesus as we, too, are called to be ambassadors of His love and grace in the world.
The Role of Anointing in Jesus’ Ministry
Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently refers back to the importance of anointing. In Luke 4:18, He quotes Isaiah 61:1, saying, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.” This affirmation not only declares His purpose but also reminds us that His ministry is rooted in the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ anointing represents His empowerment for the task of preaching, healing, and bringing liberation to the oppressed.
The anointing signifies a divine appointment, equipping Jesus to fulfill the prophetic roles demonstrated in the Old Testament. When we recognize Jesus as the anointed one—the Christ (which means ‘the anointed’)—we understand better how His life and work were saturated with the power and presence of God. Each healing, teaching, and miracle reflects this anointing, allowing Jesus to break down the barriers of sin and oppression.
Furthermore, Jesus’ anointing is not just historical; it is a living reality for us as modern believers. In Acts 10:38, we see that Jesus “went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” This demonstrates that the anointing Jesus received is a model for our own lives, indicating that we, too, can be vessels of God’s love and power, actively engaging in His work on Earth.
The Consequences of Anointing Jesus
The act of anointing Jesus had repercussions beyond the moment. Mary’s act not only spiritually marked Jesus but also brought to light the impending crucifixion and its necessity. As Jesus accepted Mary’s offering, He acknowledged the preparation for His burial—a poignant reminder that His life would ultimately lead to sacrifice (Matthew 26:12-13).
The resulting division among the disciples, especially with Judas’s objection, highlights the tension that can arise from acknowledging Jesus’ mission. Anointing Jesus sets the stage for the events of Holy Week, showcasing the dichotomy of honor versus criticism, faith versus doubt. In this light, we are called to evaluate our own responses to Jesus; do we recognize Him as the Messiah worthy of our worship and sacrifice, or do we allow worldly perspectives to diminish our devotion?
Mary’s humble act stands in contradiction to the materialistic views surrounding it, encouraging us to focus on what truly matters: honoring Jesus with our lives, time, and resources. In a world that often dismisses or overlooks the divine, the act of anointing reminds us of the weighty importance of surrender and devotion to Jesus, echoing the call to follow Him wholeheartedly.
Final Thoughts
As we have seen, the act of anointing Jesus with oil by Mary of Bethany serves as a profound marker in His ministry. This event illustrates the rich symbolism of anointing within biblical tradition, representing God’s choice, empowerment, and honor. By understanding who anointed Jesus with oil and the implications behind it, we uncover the depths of our worship and devotion to Him.
Through Mary’s act, we learn that anointing symbolizes our acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah, and it challenges us to reflect on how we express our love and appreciation for Him. It calls us to view our acts of worship as sacred, and it encourages us to invite the Holy Spirit into our own lives, so we can participate in the work of sharing the Gospel with others.
May we continue to recognize the significance of anointing, appreciating both the historical richness and the contemporary relevance this act has in our spiritual journeys. We are called to honor Jesus in our daily lives with hearts full of gratitude and devotion.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4