13th November 2026

A Lamb and Two Goats

"But the goat on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat

shall be presented alive before the Lord,

to make atonement upon it,

and to let it go as the scapegoat into the wilderness. "

Leviticus 16:10

Reading: Leviticus 16:7–10, 20–22.

We all know what it means to blame someone else when things go wrong. When a mistake has been made or consequences need to be faced, our instinct is often to point the finger: “It was his fault. It was her fault. If only they had done something differently.” We would rather have someone else bear the blame than bear it ourselves.

The Bible calls this a scapegoat. And surprisingly, the idea comes from the Bible itself. But in God's plan, the scapegoat is not about avoiding responsibility or unfairly shifting blame. It is about mercy. It is about God taking our guilt and placing it upon another so that we might be forgiven.

On the Day of Atonement, the sins of God's people were placed upon a goat, and that goat was sent away into the wilderness, carrying their guilt with it. Centuries later, another Substitute entered the wilderness. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, stood in the place of sinners. He faced the devil's temptations where Adam had failed. He obeyed where Israel had rebelled. And He would ultimately carry our sins all the way to the cross (Leviticus 16:21).

The astonishing good news is this: God has provided a scapegoat for you. His name is Jesus. He has taken your guilt, your sin, and your shame upon Himself. He has borne it all in your place, so that you might stand before God forgiven and righteous.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for bearing my sins and setting me free. I pray, in Your name. Amen.