Have you ever been scapegoated?
A scapegoat is a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, and faults of others. Even if it has some truth to the accusations, a scapegoat is often wrongly accused and carries all the guilt of the entire group. Leviticus chapter 16 introduces us to the scapegoat and the purpose it served Israel – to carry away the sins of the people.
“Then he is to take from the congregation of Bnei-Yisrael two he-goats for a sin offering and one ram for a burnt offering. Then Aaron is to offer the bull for the sin offering which is for himself and make atonement for himself and his house. Then he is take the two goats and present them before Adonai at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. Aaron will then cast lots for the two goats—one lot for Adonai, and the other lot for the scapegoat. Aaron is to present the goat on which the lot for Adonai fell and make it a sin offering. But the goat upon which the lot for the scapegoat fell is to be presented alive before Adonai, to make atonement upon it, by sending it away as the scapegoat into the wilderness“. (Leviticus 16:5-10)
Scapegoats do not willing take on the burdens of others. One cannot imagine anyone who would volunteer to carry the burdens of others; taking on their guilt, shame, and all manner of sins. It may often be hard enough to bear our own burdens, much more to add that of others to it. In this context, an imperfect person could not be a suitable substitute to take away our sins; even the scapegoat was not to have any blemish.
The Judean Leaders brought Yeshua’s before Pontius Pilate to be interrogated/inspected. When Pilate was finished interrogating Yeshua, “He said to them, “Look, I’m bringing Him out to you, to let you know that I find no case against Him” (John 9:4). Yeshua is the lamb of God, without blemish, who also carried away our sins to the cross. He was both the sin offering and the scapegoat, with one exception, he willingly took on our sins as it says in scripture, “No one takes it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own” (John 10:18). Again it says, “He made the One who knew no sin to become a sin offering on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Have you ever been scapegoated? Turn to the One who sets you free – to Yeshua the Messiah.
Are you tired of carrying guilt and shame, even your own? Turn to the One who makes you free – to Yeshua the Messiah
Do not burden yourself with worry, shame, guilt, or any other matter that weighs you down. Yeshua says, Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and ‘you will find rest for your souls.’ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
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