Sacrificial Lambs vs. Scapegoats
“Aaron will then present as a sin offering the goat chosen by lot for the Lord. The other goat, the scapegoat chosen by lot to be sent away, will be kept alive, standing before the Lord. When it is sent away to Azazel in the wilderness, the people will be purified and made right with the Lord.” (Leviticus 16:9-10 NLT)
In modern times, the terms ‘sacrificial lamb’ and ‘scapegoat’ are used interchangeably to mean someone who is punished for the sins of others. However, these two terms were distinctly separate in the Old Testament.
The sacrificial lamb was innocent. Its suffering was considered noble as it was offered to the Lord. The scapegoat was an outcast that was driven into the wilderness. When it was sent away, the people were purified. The word Azazel in Hebrew has two meanings: scapegoat and fallen angel of the desert.
“The governor said to them, ‘Which of the two do you wish me to set free for you?’ And they said, ‘Barabbas.’ Pilate said to them, ‘Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?’ They all replied, ‘Let Him be crucified!’” (Matthew 27:21-22 AMP)
In the New Testament, Jesus is represented as the sacrificial lamb. He was innocent, yet He was crucified. Barabbas was a criminal, yet he was released. He was the Azazel in this scenario. Someone else paid the penalty for his deeds. He didn’t deserve mercy, but he got it. There is no further mention of Barabbas. Was he racked with guilt, or did he gloat that he got away with murder? Did he watch Jesus being nailed to the cross for his sake? Did he hear Jesus asking the Father that all those present would be forgiven? Did he ever repent? Whatever happened to Barabbas, we shall never know. All that matters is that Christ died for all of us. His sacrificial love redeemed all of humanity.
Lord, I have done nothing to merit Your mercy. I am not worthy, yet accept my suffering as a sacrificial offering. Do not cast me from Your presence. May Your Spirit always remain in me.