Scapegoat

Have you ever been blamed for something you didn't do? Maybe your neighbor accuses you of digging up her flower bed, when in fact it was a dog from down the street who was the culprit. You've become the scapegoat even though it wasn't your fault!

The example of the scapegoat from the Old Testament is something important to know about as we learn more about what we believe. The Bible tells us about the scapegoat in the book of Leviticus. On the Day of Atonement each year, two goats were selected. One goat was sacrificed for the sin of God's people and then on the head of the other goat the high priest confessed the sin of the people. That second goat was called the "scapegoat" and that goat was lead out of the encampment of Israel and into the wilderness. This act represented the removal of the sin of Israel from the people.

The Biggest Story tells this story and how the scapegoat points to Jesus.

Jesus became the scapegoat for the sin that you and I (and everyone else!) committed. He bore the sin on his head. And by doing so he removed our sin and transgressions from us! He was also the sacrifice for our sin-- dying on the cross he paid the penalty.

The Good News is that Jesus was resurrected on Easter! If we confess him as our Lord, those whose sin he bore also experience that resurrected life. What a blessing it is to know him and trust in him! Jesus our Scapegoat is Jesus our Savior!

The writer of Psalm 103 wrote about this important act and how it was a reflection of God's love for His people:

So great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. (Psalm 103:11-13)

Let's thank Him for that compassion shown in Jesus!

With love, Mrs. Bess