Christ

“Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” ~ Matthew 16:16
Throughout the Bible, God has shown us that it is possible to be set apart for special use. One of the pictures that we find in the Bible of this “setting apart” is the practice of anointing. Genesis 31:31 gives us the first use of the Hebrew word “masiah” which is translated into English as “anoint.” The picture of anointing here refers back to Genesis 28:18-19 when Jacob, after waking from the dream of a ladder leading to heaven, pours oil on the stone he used as a pillow at Bethel. The action of anointing is simply pouring oil or ointment on an object. The meaning behind anointing takes on far more significance. It signifies something, or someone, that is set apart for special purpose, specifically set apart for God’s purpose. IN the Old Testament we see that certain altars, places of remembrance, prophets, priests, and kings were anointed. Each was meant ot show that God was at work in the world. Each was a promise that God was working out His plan in the world of men.
In the New Testament, the Hebrew word “masiah” is translated into the Greek word “christos.” Again, “christos” means “anointed.” It is in the person of Jesus that we see the ultimate expression of anointing. Jesus is the Christ, the anointed One, who has come to fulfill the plan of God by redeeming men. Jesus is the Christ, or the Messiah. He is the expected Prophet, the High Priest who sympathizes with man, and the King of Kings. Jesus is God’s plan made flesh. He is the author and perfecter of faith.
In the Book of Matthew, we have a picture of Jesus, the Christ, coming into the world and fulfilling the promises and prophecies that the Jews have known throughout their history. Matthew takes great care to show that Jesus is the faithful answer to the promises of God.