On Good Friday , the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ will be observed with much somberness, self examination by many Christians across the world. The physical pain, torture and agony described and shown in the movie " Passion of th Christ" captures this well. Many know that Jesus died on the cross for the sins of mankind, around 2000 years ago.
While reading Leviticus 16, it occurred to me that the sequence of events starting from Pilate's action of asking the gathered crowd, who should be released - Jesus or Barabbas ? was something like the a practice instituted amongst the Israelites by God Himsel? Turn to Leviticus 16: 8
8 He is to cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat. [a]
Aaron the Chief Priest was to take 2 goats, cast lots to choose one for the Lord and the other as a scapegoat. The goat chosen for the Lord was sacrificed as a sin offering to the Lord, for the sins of the people. The goat chosen as the scapegoat or for Azazel, was led to the wilderness, after laying all the sins of the nation.
The scriptures record as well as the witness of the apostles provide us clear understanding of the crucifixion of Jesus, as a sacrifice - a sin offering - for the sins of all mankind. There is also a striking similarity or maybe was the intention of God's way being fulfilled, that the blood of the sacrificed goat be sprinkled seven times on the altar - Jesus spoke seven words on the cross as his blood poured out from his wounds.
Why am I saying all this ? Sometimes we become so familiar with the the gospel presentation of Jesus' suffering and death on the cross, it helps in realizing and trying to understand the laws of God. Yes the sacrificial system instituted by God in the old testament seems to be so bloody and out of place with our present day thinking and culture, that we miss the bigger picture. I am trying to understand the bigger picture, so that I realize my part in the crucifixion of Jesus.
Coming to the scapegoat of Leviticus 16, who is this. Initially I thought this may be Barabbas, and then I read about the way that this scapegoat that was led into the wilderness was actually thrown from the top of a precipice so that it never returns back into Israel. Judas came into my mind, was he the scapegoat ? How does this tie back ?
What do you think? Let me know, you can post your comments...........
I need to say that this is what I believe - I believe in the risen Jesus, who sacrificed himself for my sins, and has provided me the only way for me to get back to the Creator. Through Jesus I have everything, eternal life, His strength to stand up and have victory in life. It is good to recall His sacrifice, to reflect on our self, but Jesus is not on the cross any more, He is risen, victorious and is coming anytime. Are you ready to receive Him?
