The significance of anointing with oil is about being set aside for a sacred, specific and God-ordained role. It ceremonially confers a divine purpose on that person or object.
Significance of Anointing in Moses Tabernacle
Everything in Moses Tabernacle was anointed with specially made, fragrant oil, setting everything aside as being sacred. These could only to be used in a holy function. The priests also were anointed, Exodus 40:15. Nebuchadnezzar not only destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem he took the anointed vessels, carried them to Babylon and put them in the temple of his gods, 2 Chronicles 36:7. This was an extreme act of disrespect toward the captured Israeli people.
Significance of Anointing in Coronation Ceremonies
David, the young shepherd boy, was anointed three times. The prophet Samuel first anointed David privately, with only his family as witnesses, 1 Samuel 16:13. This much to the annoyance of his family. The second anointing of David was by the men of the house of Judah, the southern kingdom of Israel, 2 Samuel 2:4. Finally, David was anointed as king of all Israel, 2 Samuel 5:3.
This sacred ceremony was seen in the coronation of King Charles. It represented the monarch’s consecration to rule in the role of Head of State, symbolising divine favour, spiritual enablement, and authority. The oil that was used had been created and consecrated in Israel, giving the anointing an historical link to the ancient and sacred custom.
Jesus’ Anointing
In the same manner as David, Jesus was anointed three times. Jesus would ultimately sit on the throne of David as proven in the genealogy of Matthew 1. Once at the beginning of His ministry and twice at the end. Many confuse the last two anointings, by trying to make them one incident, but this is a contradiction, which is something the Bible never does.
First Anointing, Luke 7:36–50
Early in his ministry a Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him. The Pharisee didn’t offer Jesus the normal courtesy of a host, which involved a servant washing the dust off the guest’s feet. While sitting at the meal a woman of low repute approached Jesus holding an expensive alabaster box of ointment. She stood behind Him weeping and bent down and washed His feet with her tears. She kissed His feet then wiped them dry with the hairs of her head.
The Pharisee thoroughly disapproved of the woman’s actions, receiving a strong rebuke from the Master.
Second Anointing, John 12:1
Six days before the Feast of Passover Jesus was eating in the house of Martha and Mary in Bethany, prior to His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The resurrected Lazarus was there also. Mary took a pound of expensive ointment of spikenard and anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair as a sign of her deep devotion, as well her sorrow at His predictions. It would be natural for Mary to offer the Master her very best — valuable ointment that had come from India. Mary would have known about the early anointing in His ministry, where the woman had washed His feet with her tears and dried then with her hair, Luke 7:36–50
Judas Iscariot demanded to know why the ointment had not been sold and the money given to the poor. However, Iscariot was a thief and he saw a lot of money disappear before his greedy hands could get hold of it. Jesus told Iscariot to leave Mary alone, as she had anointed Him for His burial. Note, only one voice was raised in objection on this occasion.
Third Anointing Matt 26:7ff; Mark 14: 1ff
Two days before the Feast of Passover Jesus is dining in the house of Simon the leper, in Bethany. The triumphant entry into Jerusalem had taken place where many acknowledged Jesus as Messiah, but His enemies were closing in on Him. The city was in chaos with thousands of visitors for the Feast of Passover and pressure was coming from the Temple hierarchy. Jesus was a prominent and powerful figure, having ministered throughout Israel for over three years, working miracles and preaching about the Kingdom of Heaven. He had openly told His followers He would be betrayed to be crucified, Matt 26:1, though He would rise again on the third day.
An unnamed woman approached Jesus with an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard. Breaking the box, she poured it on His head. This was the custom of anointing a king.
Jesus said a similar thing He had said to Mary, for she too had anointed His body in preparation for burial. Several present voiced their indignation at the use of such precious ointment.
The Significance of Jesus’ Anointing
Just as the three anointings of David called and set him aside for a God-appointed task, so Jesus, the Son of Man, was set aside for a divine task. David became the greatest king Israel ever had. He was prophetic of Jesus, the King of Kings, who will rule in the millennium, with Israel finally in its God-appointed position.
These two women anointed Jesus with highly perfumed oil in preparation for His sacrifice, burial and resurrection. Jesus’ sacrifice retrieved the greatest weapon Satan has against humanity — death. That which was lost in the Garden of Eden through sin, was regained, but this time it would be eternal life.
The significance of the anointing was also in recognition of His divine authority and messianic role. He earned the right to become the King of people’s heart and to reign for ever, with all His enemies under His feet, 1 Corinthians 15.25.
Significance of Anointing in the New Testament Church
The Apostle John speaks of the anointing of the Holy Spirit, 1 John 2:27. This is the enabling power of God available for all believers, though many downplay this. It is like sitting in a car and starting the engine but not using the accelerator.
The task of the Holy Spirit is to guide and enable the believer. However, it also gently penetrates deep into painful areas that need a touch from the Lord. Areas that need to be healed, and renewed, enabling us to live truly free lives. Our sins drowned in God’s Sea of forgetfulness.
Wendy Tendys is a freelance writer who enjoys in researching out a topic and sharing words of encouragement.
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