The word "anoint" is used to talk about rubbing or pouring oil on a person or an object. God had this done to some people and objects that he chose to serve him in a special way. The word “anoint” is also used to talk about the Holy Spirit causing a person to be able to do what God wants the person to do (see: Acts 10:38; 2 Corinthians 1:21; 1 John 2:20, 27).
In the Old Testament, God had kings, priests, and prophets anointed with oil. He did this so others would know he chose that person to serve him in a special way (see: Exodus 28:41; 2 Samuel 2:4; 1 Kings 19:16). Also, priests anointed with oil objects like the tabernacle and the altar. He did this so people would know that these objects needed to be used to worship God (see: Exodus 40:9-10).
In the New Testament, people also anointed with oil sick people. This was done for their healing (see: Mark 6:13; James 5:14).
The names “messiah” and “Christ” are the Hebrew and Greek words for “the anointed one.” The Holy Spirit anointed Jesus to speak God’s message to God’s people (see: Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38; Hebrews 1:9). Jesus was anointed with oil twice in the New Testament. A woman anointed Jesus a few days before he was crucified. Jesus said she did this to make him ready for his burial (see: Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-7). After Jesus died, his friends anointed his body with oils and spices to make him ready for burial (see: Mark 16:1). People anointed dead bodies with oil and spices to make it smell better as it began to rot.
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