The second famous phrase in our series brings us to a precious truth about Jesus Christ.
We’ve all heard this phrase used. Perhaps in sports, politics, or business. It may refer to someone innocent, but often the scapegoat is just as guilty as anyone else but is singled out to take the collective guilt of all. Usually, it is someone seen as expendable, and unimportant.
Though commonly used in society, we trace the origins back to the Jewish Day of Atonement.
The Day of Atonement
The Day of Atonement is a treasure of symbols and prophecies of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Details are given in Leviticus 16, but other passages also explain this special day in the Jewish calendar.
As the day began the High Priest would bring a sacrifice for himself and his family. He could not intercede for others with sin on his own account.
He would change out of his High Priestly robes and put on the garments of an ordinary priest.
They would select two goats which would be kept for later in the ceremony.
On this day, Aaron would enter into the Holy Place, behind the veil, and burn incense. He would leave to shed the blood of a sacrifice, return to the Holy Place and sprinkle blood seven times on the Mercy Seat.
One of the goats selected earlier would be sacrificed and the High Priest would take its blood and sprinkle it on the Mercy Seat.
The Scape Goat
At the appropriate time, the second goat would be brought before the High Priest. The Priest would place his hands on the head of the goat and confess the sins of the people. A physically fit man would then take the goat and lead it outside the camp and into the wilderness.
The blood of one goat appeased the wrath of God – propitiation.
The departure of the second goat speaks of sin being removed and forgotten – expiation.
These are two deeply theological terms, but essential parts of salvation. Propitiation and expiation are spoken of throughout the New Testament in relation to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:9; Hebrews 8:12; 10:17).
Jesus Christ – Our Scape Goat
Jesus Christ our Great High Priest – The High Priest’s garments were beautiful, ornate, and colorful. He and he alone would wear them. He looked like a king. When he changed his clothes for the Day of Atonement he looked ordinary, just like everyone else.
When Jesus took on the form of a man He stepped down from glory and took on the form of a servant (Philippians 2). In a clear demonstration of servanthood Jesus, in John 13, washed the feet of His disciples. Just like the Old Testament High Priest, Jesus removed all the trappings of glory and dignity so that he could save sinners.
Our Sacrifice – The blood of one goat appeased God’s wrath and the driving away of another spoke of sin removed and taken away. When Jesus died on the cross He provided both propitiation and expiation. He appeased God’s wrath and took away our sins (Romans 5:9; Psalm 103:12; Hebrews 8:12; 10:17; Colossians 2:14).
Conclusion
In common usage, a scapegoat is rarely innocent, but usually just as guilty and unwillingly takes the collective guilt of the group because he is expendable and unimportant.
The beautiful truth of Jesus Christ is that He truly is innocent and willingly took on the guilt of all so that we can be saved. Jesus Christ appeased the just wrath of God and took away the sins of all who would put their faith and trust in Him.
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