In movies, the film set plays a pivotal role in carrying out the scene, especially if it’s the climax of the movie.
It is often the settings where the level of creativity comes into play. The sets were constructed with a considerable amount of funds. When the camera comes to rolling, that’s how we view it: alive and moving.
In the same way, the set for ordaining/anointing pastors or elders must look like a good rendezvous with flowers or a garland of flowers to follow suit.
Ostensibly, that’s how we did it most of the time as a way to uphold the ceremony. However, the work at hand is more important than the settings for ordaining.
The setting for Jesus’ anointing:
Now let me take you to the set of Jesus anointing at Bethany. There is a stark contrast to what we follow as a tradition now.
No one will enter Simon’s house, a former leper’s. Yet Jesus was there reclining when a woman, with a soul full of love for the Lord, came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard.
She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Mark 14:3 The timing is just right. The teacher is looking at the heart. Many times, the Lord uses the lowly and the outcast to perform the most important work for him.
Anointed for death and burial:
The indignant supporters of Jesus, his disciples, looked with their earthly vision, not knowing what was going to happen next, although they had been told time and again.
The place becomes the setting for anointing Jesus in preparation for his death and burial, which signifies the sufficiency for the mission. Mark 14
We, who think we were close to Jesus, just as his supporters did, often missed out on the vital part of his mission as we focus only on the settings and grandeur of this earth.
The pouring of the precious ointment upon the head of Christ was a token of the highest respect. Where there is true love in the heart for Jesus Christ, nothing will be thought too good to bestow upon him. Matt. 26:1-13
Manifestation of the anointing:
The more Christ’s servants and their services are caviled at, the more he manifests his acceptance.
This act of faith and love was so remarkable that it would be reported, as a memorial of Mary’s faith and love, to all future ages, and in all places where the gospel should be preached. This prophecy is fulfilled.
Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her (Mary of Bethany).
The beautiful Setting:
It is not about the one who organizes it, nor the setting in the palace, but it was for the Kingdom coming.
The settings have become beautiful because Mary has done a beautiful thing for Jesus. Mark 14:6-9 It was told time and again as the final days of Jesus began here, before the Triumphal entry leading to the completion of Jesus Ministry – the crucifixion, resurrection, and back to the ascension in Mount Olives nearby Bethany.
The more we focus on the earthly appearance of ordination and anointing, I’m afraid the Lord is minimized rather than exalted in the process of spiritual anointing of a person for the Kingdom servant of God.
The setting till the Crucifixion:
Now Bethany, where Jesus is anointed, was situated on the well-traveled road to Jericho, bordering Bethphage, which is a suburb of Jerusalem.
It was around this place that the triumphal entry to Jerusalem began. Bethany was also the place where Lazarus was raised from the dead – the place where his friends lived.
Jesus proceeds to Jerusalem for his final mission to suffer and pay the price for the sin of mankind. He was crucified on the outskirts of the city and rose again on the third day.
The setting for Commissioning:
Forty days after His resurrection, in the vicinity of Bethany in Mount Olives, Jesus prayed for his disciples, commissioned them, and ascended to heaven. John 17
In the final days, Jesus worked around his set for anointing, rooted in his mission. The completion of his mission comes in full circle here, where the lowly, outcast, and the miser live, as he himself comes not for the righteous but the lowly in heart and spirit.
In Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:4-8, Jesus gives final instructions to wait for the Holy Spirit before ascending into heaven, serving as a commissioning to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
The settings for Jesus’ anointing teach humility. He is a God in person, not withstanding his divinity. However, he is the living example of a teacher and leader serving as a servant in the restoration of the Kingdom of God.
