THE SCAPEGOAT

THE SCAPEGOAT We use the word “scapegoat” for somebody who gets blamed for what someone else did. That word came straight out of Leviticus 16. Once a year on the Day of Atonement, the high priest brought two goats before the LORD. Lots were cast. One goat was killed as a sin offering, and its blood was carried behind the veil. The other goat remained alive. “And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel.” Leviticus 16:21 KJV Israel’s sins were symbolically placed upon the head of an innocent animal. Then a man led that goat deep into the wilderness and released it where it could never return. “And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited.” Leviticus 16:22 KJV The Hebrew text calls it the goat “for Azazel.” Scholars have debated the precise meaning for centuries, but the picture in the ceremony is unmistakable. One goat shed its blood. The other carried the sins away. Together they painted a picture of what Jesus Christ would accomplish. He didn’t die for His own crimes. He took ours. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV The cross wasn’t merely an example of love or a tragic Roman execution. The spotless Son of God stood in the place of guilty men and bore the judgment our sins deserved. His blood paid the price, and our guilt was carried away. “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12 KJV Every goat released into that wilderness pointed ahead to Christ. The difference is that Israel repeated the ceremony every year. Jesus offered Himself once. The true Scapegoat never has to be offered again. #MoreJoyMinistries