June 16, 2019: Truth and Lies and Oil – Paula Williams

Those to whom John writes are those who already know the truth. This is not then, his correcting them, rather it is his encouragement to remain strong and rooted. And what is this truth he speaks of? And where did they come upon this truth? The truth is that Jesus was the Word made flesh – that he is the Christ.

As for where they got it, well that came from an anointing. This conjures images of a king who was anointed with oil when he was ready to take the throne. It is this word that is used of John’s audience: chrisma. They’ve been given something, and in receiving it, they become something new, something holy, something sacred. And this is the gift that enables them to know.