The Anointed Servant—Christ’s Calling and Consecration (Chapter 8, Paragraph 3)

“The Lord Jesus in His human nature thus united to the divine…”

This opening line reminds us that Christ, having assumed a true human nature, did not automatically act in His mediatorial role. Though appointed from eternity, He entered His office in time and in submission to the Father's plan.

“…was sanctified and anointed with the Holy Spirit beyond measure…”

At His baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus (John 1:32–34), signaling the beginning of His public ministry. Isaiah 61:1 was fulfilled: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me.” This anointing was not for regeneration—as Christ was sinless—but for empowerment, equipping Him for His prophetic, priestly, and kingly tasks. He possessed the Spirit without measure (John 3:34), unlike all other servants of God who were given the Spirit in limited ways.

“…having in Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge…”

Colossians 2:3 declares that in Christ “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” He is not merely a gifted teacher—He is Wisdom incarnate. His understanding is infinite, and His words are always true and authoritative.

“…in whom it pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell…”

This echoes Colossians 1:19. Christ is not partly divine or partly sufficient—He is the fullness of God in bodily form (Col. 2:9). He lacks nothing needed to fulfill His redemptive mission. The Father delights in Him, having given Him all power and authority.

“…to the end that being holy, harmless, undefiled, and full of grace and truth…”

These qualities speak to His moral purity and tender character (Heb. 7:26; John 1:14). He is the blameless High Priest, untouched by sin and overflowing with grace. No sinner need fear approaching Him. His holiness does not repel—it invites repentance and offers mercy.

“…He might be thoroughly furnished to execute the office of a Mediator and Surety…”

Christ is fully qualified and thoroughly furnished—equipped in every way to serve as Mediator. He not only mediates between God and man, but also acts as Surety, guaranteeing the success of His work (Heb. 7:22). He stands as the representative for His people and ensures their salvation.

“…which office He took not unto Himself, but was thereunto called by His Father…”

Hebrews 5:4–5 makes this clear: “No one takes this honor for himself… so also Christ did not exalt Himself.” His ministry is not self-appointed—it is divinely commissioned. The Father sent the Son in love and authority.

“…who also put all power and judgment into His hand, and gave Him commandment to execute the same.”

The Father not only appointed Christ, but gave Him the authority to carry out His office (John 5:22–27). All judgment has been committed to the Son. He rules, redeems, and will one day return to judge the living and the dead. This speaks of both His dignity and His divine commission.

Application for the Believer:

Rejoice that your Redeemer was both called and equipped by the Father. Jesus did not presume His office—He was anointed, commissioned, and sent in love and power. He perfectly fulfills every role: as Prophet to reveal truth, as Priest to offer sacrifice, and as King to reign over your life. You can rest in the sufficiency of His work, knowing He lacks nothing to save and sustain you. And because He was full of grace and truth, you can come to Him in every trial and temptation. Trust in the One the Father appointed—and the Spirit anointed—for your eternal good.