The Better Scapegoat

Forgiveness means more to us when we stop and consider the sin that needs forgiving. Leviticus 16 gives Israel a vivid picture. On the Day of Atonement, a high priest stands before God for an unclean people, and two goats are presented. One dies as a sin offering. The other remains alive and is sent away. Imagine seeing that scene with your own family's sins in mind. God is teaching His people about their need and about the provision He makes for them.

Leviticus 16:5–10 introduces the goats and the casting of lots. In verses 15–17, blood from the slain goat is brought inside the veil. Later, Aaron confesses Israel's sins over the living goat and sends it into the wilderness (verses 20–22). The goat bears those sins away. There are questions about the Hebrew word often translated scapegoat, but we do not have to settle every question to understand the action. God gives His people a picture of guilt being carried away from them.

Now consider the priest, the goat that dies, and the goat that lives with Jesus in view. Hebrews 9:11–12 calls Him the High Priest who enters the greater sanctuary through His own blood and obtains eternal redemption. Aaron needed cleansing himself and brought an animal's blood. Jesus is the sinless Savior who represents His people through an offering only He could make. When we think about approaching God, we should remember the One who has made that approach possible.

Jesus is also the sacrifice. Hebrews 10:10–12 directs us to His body offered once for all. The priest offers Himself. His death is real, costly, and sufficient. Then we remember that the Savior who died is alive. The living goat's picture of sins removed can help us appreciate the risen Christ without requiring every detail of the ceremony to match Him in exactly the same way. The scene gives us several reasons to be grateful for the greater work He has accomplished.

What would it mean to watch the priest enter, see the sacrifice made, and see the living goat depart with the confessed sins of the people? It should call for more than a passing thought. We need that attention when we remember Jesus too. Do I recognize my need for Him? Am I grateful that He was willing to represent me and give Himself? Have I let familiarity make something wonderful seem ordinary? Slow down and give the Savior thoughtful attention.

The Lord's Supper directs us to the body and blood of Jesus. We remember a living Lord whose sacrifice gives us hope. Let that remembrance help you live differently after the assembly ends. Be patient in a conversation, refuse a temptation, or serve someone whose need you have noticed. Forgiveness gives us reason to turn from sin and follow Christ faithfully. The One who bore our sins deserves more than a grateful moment. He deserves the willing response of the life He has redeemed.