Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, shed his blood to atone for our sins. He took our place, and once-and-for-all sanctified and purified us. We now have access to God.

In Leviticus 16:20-22, we encounter a remarkable portrayal of substitutionary atonement through the ritual of the scapegoat. The high priest laid his hands on the head of the live goat, confessing the sins of the people and symbolically transferring their guilt onto the goat. Then the goat, carrying the weight of their sins, was sent away into the wilderness, signifying the removal of their transgressions from the community.

In the New Testament, we see the fulfillment of this ancient symbolism in Jesus Christ. He is the sinless Son of God, who willingly became the substitute for humanity's sins (Hebrews 6:20, 9:24).

Just as the scapegoat bore the sins of the people, Jesus took upon Himself the punishment we deserved for our sins. His sacrificial death on the cross provided the way for our sins to be forgiven and removed, granting us reconciliation with God.

The scapegoat ritual foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who carried our sins away from us as far away as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). Through faith in Him, we are no longer burdened by the weight of guilt and condemnation. Jesus' selfless act of substitution brought about our redemption and offered us the gift of eternal life.

As we reflect on the concept of substitutionary atonement, let us remember the profound love of God for us. He gave His only Son to bear the consequences of our sins, so that we might be reconciled with Him. May this truth lead us to respond with gratitude, love, and obedience to the One who took our place.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for the sacrificial love of Jesus, who became the substitute for my sins. I am grateful that through Him, my guilt is removed, and I find forgiveness and redemption. Help me to comprehend the depth of Your love displayed on the cross, and may it inspire me to live a life that honors and glorifies You. May I never forget the sacrifice of Jesus, and may His example of selflessness shape my heart and actions. In His name, I pray. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does the concept of substitutionary atonement deepen your appreciation for Jesus' sacrifice on the cross?

2. How does knowing that Jesus became your substitute impact the way you view your own worth and value?

3. In what ways can you respond to God's sacrificial love?

Hymn: There is a Fountain

Watch Sunday's Message:

Two Goats, a Cross, and a Tomb

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