Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 

Matthew 16:16

These verses make profound statements.  The divinely revealed truth to Simon Peter that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, the Promised Savior, the Anointed One. Some people think that Christ is Jesus’ last name. Not many people understand what Peter is proclaiming here is that Jesus is the Christ, the long-awaited Savior of the world. 

He is the One the Jewish people have been looking for since the prophecy of Moses in Deuteronomy 18:15-19.  Paul often refers to him as “Christ Jesus,” which means in short, “Messiah Jesus,” or Yeshua Hamashiach, translated from the Hebrew, which means “Jesus the Messiah.” Messiah actually means “Anointed One.”

What does it mean to be “anointed?” In the Old Testament, anointing was performed primarily for prophets, priests, or kings. This symbolism during the ceremony was to publicly show that a particular individual was chosen by God to perform the particular duties assigned to that calling. They were set apart to do the will of God in their appointed office.

Jesus was a Prophet, Priest, and King. So, His anointing was something very special, indeed. His anointing came not according to the law and tradition. Jesus’ anointing by John the Baptist was of the Holy Spirit when he was baptized at the beginning of His ministry. Oil is the symbol of the Holy Spirit, so Jesus’ anointing here was the fulfillment of what true anointing is, as compared to the mere symbolism of anointing we find in the Old Testament.

Jesus Christ is also the Lamb of God. Like a lamb, he was slain to atone for not only our sins but for the sins of the world. He had to die in order to save us. He was anointed just two days before the Passover when He was brutally crucified. A woman anointed his head with priceless ointments and perfumes unknowingly preparing Jesus for burial in the traditions of the time.

Christ is the Son of God and God Himself, incarnate, embodying the Holy Spirit. Biblical prophecy from the very beginning of Creation was fulfilled. Throughout the Old Testament, Jesus’ coming was prophesied, along with the foreshadowing of His death, burial, and resurrection. He who knew no sin became sin for us, that we might be saved from the eternal penalty of sin that the unforgiven face in Hell.

Pray about this newfound knowledge of Christ and what it means for you. If you have never asked Christ to be your Savior, He is waiting for you to turn to Him in prayer and invite Him to become Lord of your life. Ask His forgiveness for your sins. As you grow in your relationship with Christ over time, pray for opportunities to share the gospel with others that you encounter in your day-to-day walk with Him.