He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied,
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:15-16 (ESV)
Series: His Name is Jesus
Growing up in an Italian family, there is always one consistent product in every kitchen—olive oil. Although I do not and will never claim to be even a shadow of the cooks some of the amazing women in my family are, I still have this oil in my home. There is something about what it represents. Richness, health, heritage, and love.
Olive oil is one of the most prominent substances in the Bible, serving as an essential staple of daily life and also serves as a profound spiritual symbol. Its importance stems from its versatility as a source of nourishment, light, and physical comfort. This oil also reflects a metaphor for the Holy Spirit and divine presence. Whether it was used as a dietary staple, fuel for lamps, medicinal balms, or personal hygiene, olive oil was held in high regard in Jewish culture. One of the most sacred uses of this oil was to anoint individuals chosen by God for a specific purpose.
Moses used olive oil and spices to consecrate Aaron and his sons into the priesthood. The prophet Samuel used this oil to anoint David as God’s chosen King of Israel. Even the olive branch brought by the dove to Noah signaled the end of the flood and God’s restoration and peace with humanity.
Today we discover Jesus as our Anointed King, our Messiah. The word Messiah comes from the Hebrew word “mashiach.” This means “anointed one” or “chosen one.” The Greek equivalent is the word Christos, or in English, Christ. The name “Jesus Christ” is the same as “Jesus the Messiah.” Jesus is God’s chosen, anointed One. Jesus proclaimed this about himself in Luke 4:18 (NKJV) as He fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 61:1:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed;
Throughout the New Testament, we see the fulfillment of these miracles and more! We find many testimonies of proof that Jesus is the Christ. John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus, was called to prepare the way for all to come to know the Messiah:
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because He was before me.’ I myself did not know Him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that He might be revealed to Israel.” And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on Him. I myself did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” (John 1:29-34 ESV)
One of the most heartfelt interactions in scripture I often reflect upon is when Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well. He didn’t just speak to her, but revealed who He was to her. We don’t know why He shared His true identity with her other than she was desperate for Him. Her heart was ready to receive His love, forgiveness, and truth.
The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ). When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.” (John 4:25-26 ESV)
Can you imagine what she felt in that moment? The Anointed Christ stopped, spoke to her, blessed her, and revealed Himself to her. He does the same for you. He calls you to Himself. He bids you to come. His arms always open to you, always ready for you, always wrapping around you. His purpose was and remains to save you. Jesus is the Messiah, and for all who believe in Him, eternal life will be theirs. We have this incredible truth to hold fast to.
If it’s been a while since you’ve reached for your Bible, may we encourage you to open it today? Turn to the Gospels and read about your Savior. Allow Him to reveal Himself to you as the Christ. John 20:30-31 (ESV) says it best:
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Matthew 1:16, 16:16-15; Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:1; John 1:29-34, 4:25-26, 20:30-31