“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…” (Luke 4:18 ESV)
Jesus grew up in an ordinary family. His childhood was unremarkable. But when He reached adulthood, His public ministry began. He was baptized, and at that moment the heavens opened. The Holy Spirit descended upon Him.
This fulfilled a prophecy from Isaiah:
“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…” (Luke 4:18 NIV)
It was customary for kings, priests, and prophets to be anointed with oil to confirm them in their office. As “anointed ones,” they fulfilled a special task on God’s behalf. Jesus is the supreme “Anointed One,” the Messiah. He is God’s representative on earth, bearing priestly, prophetic, and kingly attributes. He was not anointed with oil, but with the Holy Spirit.
This event marked the beginning of Jesus’ work on earth. God the Father gave His approval and mandate to His ministry. God the Holy Spirit descended upon Him. In this way, the Triune God visibly and audibly declared that the Anointed One, the beloved Son, was ready for His task.
Good to know: The Hebrew word for “Anointed One” is “Messiah.” In Greek, it is “Christ.” So, Jesus Christ is the Anointed One of God!