#332 CHRIST THE SCAPEGOAT 10-24-26
On the Day of Atonement, God instructed Israel to bring two goats before Him. One was sacrificed, while the other, the scapegoat, was presented alive. Aaron would lay his hands upon its head, confess the sins of Israel, and send it into the wilderness, symbolically carrying the people’s iniquities away (Leviticus 16:21-22). This ancient ceremony points us toward the saving work of Jesus Christ.
THE BURDEN OF SIN
The scapegoat carried a burden that did not belong to it. Likewise, Jesus bore our sins, though He Himself was without sin. Isaiah 53:6 declares, “And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” The cross reveals both the terrible weight of human rebellion and the astonishing love of God. Christ did not die because of His own wrongdoing. He suffered for us, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18).
THE REMOVAL OF SIN
The scapegoat was sent away into an uninhabited land, picturing the removal of Israel’s sins. David celebrated this same truth when he wrote that God removes our transgressions as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). In Jesus Christ, forgiveness is not wishful thinking. Through His blood, we can be redeemed and reconciled to God (Ephesians 1:7). The sin that separated us from our Creator need not determine our eternal destiny.
THE WONDER OF GRACE
The scapegoat could illustrate the removal of sin, but the blood of bulls and goats could never finally take away sins (Hebrews 10:4). Jesus accomplished what those sacrifices anticipated. He offered Himself once for all, opening the way for genuine forgiveness and reconciliation.
What wondrous grace! The innocent One suffered for the guilty. The sinless Savior carried our burden so that we might receive mercy. We must never treat such love casually. Let us turn from sin, trust in Christ, and walk in grateful obedience to the One who gave Himself for us.
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Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to bear our sins and open the way to forgiveness. Help us appreciate the cost of Your grace and live each day in faithful gratitude to our Savior. Amen.
BDD
