Anoint

Scripture: When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.  Mark 16:1 NIV

Observation: Jesus’ female followers are going to the tomb to anoint him.

Application: Dictionary.com lists four definitions for the word anoint. Two are applicable to my reading today. First, to consecrate or make sacred in a ceremony that includes the token applying of oil; second, to dedicate to the service of God.  Mark 16:1 NIV clearly states that the women were going to the tomb to “anoint” Jesus, not embalm him, that had already been done.  John 18:38-40 NIV, “Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away.  He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.  Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.”  Jesus was not embalmed as we know it today, however, his body was wrapped with linen strips soaked with embalming liquids as was customary at that time. I believe that the two Marys and Salome went to consecrate Jesus and to dedicate him to the service of God. Again Dictionary.com says to consecrate is to make or declare sacred; set apart or dedicate to the service of a deity: to make (something) an object of honor or veneration; or to devote or dedicate to some purpose.  I believe that their intent was anoint and consecrate Jesus to set him apart to God for our sake.  However, before they got to the tomb God raised Jesus and he, himself set him apart for our sake.

Prayer: Father, thank you for giving us Jesus as our advocate to you and for anointing him for your purpose. Thank you Lord for setting him apart for our sake. Amen

Doug