Pondering Jesus as the Anointed One

“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)

I have always loved that Mary pondered because I’m a ponderer. She had much to hold in that quiet space: an angel’s announcement, a miraculous conception, and a humble birth in unexpected circumstances. She held it all close, turning it over in her mind and heart.

But as I look closer at her story, I’ve realized that her pondering wasn’t just a peaceful reflection; it was an active, intentional, faith-filled wrestling with the mystery of who this child really was and what it would mean to surrender everything for Him.

The Mystery of Surrender

Mary surrendered to who Jesus was before she understood all of how He would change her life.

I do not believe Mary fully understood the magnitude of what she was saying “yes” to in that moment of surrender. When the angel told her she would give birth to the Son of the Most High and that He would sit on the throne of His father David (Luke 1:30-33), she was a young, betrothed woman willing to give her body and her future to the Anointed One.

Mary surrendered to who Jesus was before she understood all of how He would order her life.

The Ultimate Anointed One

Throughout Scripture, anointing was a sacred and powerful symbol of being set apart for God’s specific purposes.

• Prophets were anointed to speak God’s word (1 Kings 19:16).
• Priests were anointed to minister before the Lord (Exodus 28:41).
• Kings were anointed to lead God’s people (1 Samuel 10:1).

I have been watching Wonder Project’s House of David and loved the dramatization of Samuel anointing David to be king. The liquid myrrh, sweet cinnamon, fragrant cane, and cassia being poured on his forehead was more than oil—it was a calling and a declaration of divine purpose.

All of these anointings—every prophet, priest, and king in the line of David—were shadows pointing toward the Ultimate Anointed One. As RC Sproul wrote:

“The people of Israel looked forward to that promised individual who was to be not merely a messiah but the Messiah, the One who would be supremely set apart and consecrated by God to be their Prophet, Priest, and King. So, at the time Jesus was born, there was a strong sense of anticipation among the Jews, who had been waiting for their Messiah for centuries.”

—RC Sproul

Jesus is the Anointed One

This “anticipation” is not just a historical fact; it’s a distinction that shapes how we view Jesus today. When I worked with followers of Jesus in Central Asia and the Middle East, we were careful with our words. Local believers on our team wanted to use the name Isa Masih—Jesus Christ (Messiah)—in every social media post.

Why? Because in their context, Isa Masih is acknowledged as a prophet. He is respected as a moral and wise teacher. But there is a critical distinction. People in their nations accept the title but lack understanding of what it means. They don’t recognize Jesus as divine, the Christ, the Anointed One.

The moment you attribute divinity to Jesus, it sets Christianity apart from every other religion. It changes everything. It requires everything.

Trusting the Who, Watching Him Order the How

Mary placed her trust in who Jesus was, and throughout her life, she witnessed how He directed every aspect of her journey. She saw His first miracle at Cana, stood by Him at the foot of the cross, and waited in the upper room for the Holy Spirit. Whether in joyful moments or times of sorrow, clarity or confusion, Mary’s confidence was rooted in knowing Who He was.

The same is true for you and me.

Just as in Mary’s life, the events and decisions in our own lives hinge on knowing who Jesus, the Anointed One, truly is. When we know Him, we can shape our lives around Him, trusting His timing, His purposes, and His plans. We can surrender our futures to the One who holds them, confident that He will faithfully guide every detail of our lives.

Like Mary, may we treasure these truths and ponder them in our hearts. And like those who have been set apart for a purpose, may we go forth sharing the good news of Jesus—with a world still desperate to know Him.

What does it truly mean to you that Jesus is the Messiah, the Anointed One, and not just a historical teacher or a moral example?

In this season, how are you experiencing Him specifically as your Savior, your Mighty One, and your Redeemer? Which of these titles do you need to lean into most today?

How has Jesus been tenderly binding up your brokenheartedness lately? In what ways is He using your unique story and your community to bring healing to others?

Just as Mary surrendered to a mystery she didn’t fully understand, what is God asking you to surrender or say “yes” to right now?