How does understanding Leviticus 16:20 enhance our appreciation of Jesus' sacrifice? Leviticus 16:20 in Focus “When Aaron has finished making atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, he is to bring forward the live goat.” Why This Moment Matters • The verse marks the transition from cleansing the sanctuary to removing the nation’s sins through the live scapegoat. • “Finished” signals that atonement inside is complete before sin is carried outside—mirroring how Jesus completed His atoning work before bearing sin away forever. Echoes of the Cross • John 19:30 — “It is finished.” Christ’s declaration matches the high priest’s completed sanctuary work. • Hebrews 9:11-12 — Jesus, the greater High Priest, entered “the greater and more perfect tabernacle… by His own blood,” accomplishing what Aaron only prefigured. • Hebrews 9:24-26 — He appeared “in heaven itself… to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” • Isaiah 53:6 — “The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all,” capturing the scapegoat imagery. The Live Goat and Jesus • Representation: the goat bore Israel’s confessed sins; Jesus bore the world’s sins (1 John 2:2). • Removal: the goat was led into the wilderness, never to return; Jesus “put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Hebrews 9:26). • Result: Israel stood cleansed; believers now stand justified (Romans 5:9). Enhanced Appreciation of Christ’s Sacrifice • Completeness—nothing left for us to add; His atonement is total. • Cleansing—inner sanctuary first, then sins expelled: Christ cleanses the conscience (Hebrews 9:14) and removes guilt. • Substitution—the innocent bearing the guilt of the guilty (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Finality—annual rituals ended at the cross; His one offering is “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). Living Out the Truth • Rest in His finished work—no penance can improve it. • Walk in freedom—sin’s burden has been carried away (Psalm 103:12). • Worship with confidence—access is open “by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19-22). |
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