Jesus: Our Scapegoat and Source of Redemption
Summary
In our current series, "Jesus Changes Everything," we have been exploring the transformative power of the Easter story through the lives of various biblical characters. Today, we delve into the profound narrative found in Mark 15, but before we unpack this chapter, I want to draw your attention to the Old Testament, specifically Leviticus 16, which describes the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur. This day was marked by a unique ceremony involving two goats: one sacrificed and the other, the scapegoat, symbolically carrying away the sins of the people into the wilderness, never to return. This powerful imagery foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice that would be made by Jesus Christ for the redemption of humanity.
In Mark 15, we witness the culmination of a series of injustices against Jesus. He is brought before Pilate after a sham trial that violated Jewish law by occurring at night. Pilate, a man of power and influence, finds himself in a precarious position as he interrogates Jesus, who is accused of being the King of the Jews. Despite recognizing Jesus' innocence and the envy of the chief priests, Pilate succumbs to the pressure of the crowd and the manipulation of religious leaders, choosing to release Barabbas, a known murderer, instead of Jesus.
Barabbas, whose name interestingly means "son of the father," represents each one of us. He is guilty, deserving of punishment, yet he is set free without any merit of his own. This exchange between Barabbas and Jesus is the heart of the gospel: Jesus takes our place, bearing the punishment we deserve, so that we might be set free. It is the greatest act of love and redemption, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture and human history.
The story of Barabbas challenges us to consider our own response to Jesus' sacrifice. Are we like Pilate, who knew enough to make a decision about Jesus but chose to remain neutral or indifferent? Or are we like Barabbas, who, though we do not know the end of his story, was given a chance to recognize the freedom and grace offered to him?
Jesus' silence before His accusers, His unjust treatment, and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross demonstrate that God can redeem even the most horrendous situations for good. Jesus' resurrection signifies the beginning of a new creation, a revolution of hope and transformation that we are invited to join.
Key Takeaways:
- The Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16 foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who takes away our sins permanently, as symbolized by the scapegoat. This Old Testament ceremony points us to the depth of God's plan for redemption and the lengths He will go to restore us to Himself. [06:14]
- Pilate's encounter with Jesus reminds us that neutrality or indifference towards Christ is a dangerous stance. We must make a decision about who Jesus is to us, recognizing that our influence and power are gifts from God, meant to be used for His glory. [11:31]
- Barabbas' release illustrates the unmerited grace we receive through Christ. We are all like Barabbas, deserving of punishment, yet set free by Jesus' sacrifice. This exchange invites us to reflect on the profound love of the Father, who sent His Son to die in our place. [26:50]
- The silence of Jesus during His trial is not an indication of His absence but a testament to His sovereign work behind the scenes. In our own lives, when we experience The Silence of Jesus, we can trust that He is still present and working for our good. [10:08]
- The resurrection of Jesus is the catalyst for the greatest revolution the world has ever known—The Church. By accepting Jesus' sacrifice, we become part of this new creation, freed from the chains of sin and death, and called to live in the victory of His resurrection. [31:08]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Leviticus 16:20-22 - The Day of Atonement and the scapegoat.
2. Mark 15:1-15 - Jesus before Pilate and the release of Barabbas.
3. Isaiah 53:7 - The silence of Jesus before His accusers.
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions were given to Aaron regarding the two goats on the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16? ([02:20])
2. How did Pilate respond to the accusations against Jesus, and what was his final decision? ([06:55])
3. What was the significance of Barabbas' name, and how does it relate to the message of the sermon? ([16:12])
4. How did Jesus' silence during His trial fulfill the prophecy in Isaiah 53:7? ([08:47])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the ceremony of the scapegoat in Leviticus 16 foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus? ([06:14])
2. What does Pilate's neutrality and eventual decision to release Barabbas instead of Jesus reveal about human nature and the pressures of societal influence? ([11:31])
3. In what ways does Barabbas' release illustrate the concept of unmerited grace, and how does this challenge our understanding of justice and mercy? ([26:50])
4. How can Jesus' silence during His trial be seen as a testament to His sovereign work, and what does this teach us about God's presence in our own times of silence and suffering? ([10:08])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the symbolism of the scapegoat in Leviticus 16. How does understanding this Old Testament practice deepen your appreciation for Jesus' sacrifice? ([06:14])
2. Pilate chose to release Barabbas to satisfy the crowd. Have you ever felt pressured to make a decision that goes against your beliefs? How did you handle it, and what can you learn from Pilate's example? ([11:31])
3. Barabbas was set free without any merit of his own. How does this story impact your understanding of grace in your own life? Can you think of a time when you received grace that you didn't deserve? ([26:50])
4. Jesus remained silent during His trial, trusting in God's plan. When have you experienced a period of silence from God, and how did you maintain your faith during that time? ([10:08])
5. The resurrection of Jesus signifies the beginning of a new creation. How can you actively participate in this new creation in your daily life? What specific steps can you take to live in the victory of His resurrection? ([31:08])
6. Considering the story of Barabbas, how can you respond to Jesus' sacrifice in a way that reflects gratitude and transformation in your life? ([26:50])
7. Jesus' unjust treatment and ultimate sacrifice demonstrate that God can redeem even the most horrendous situations. Is there a difficult situation in your life that you need to trust God to redeem? How can you begin to surrender it to Him? ([10:08])
Devotional
Day 1: Atonement's Foreshadowing of Redemption
The Day of Atonement, as described in Leviticus 16, serves as a profound precursor to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This Old Testament ceremony, involving the scapegoat, was a tangible representation of sin being removed from the people. It was a day of solemn reflection and sacrifice, pointing to the future when Jesus would take upon Himself the sins of the world, once and for all. The scapegoat, carrying away the transgressions, foreshadows the ultimate act of redemption that Jesus accomplishes on the cross. This imagery is not just a historical account but a powerful reminder of the lengths to which God will go to restore humanity to Himself. The depth of this plan reveals a love so vast that it spans from the ancient rituals of the Old Testament to the fulfillment of God's promise in the New Testament. [06:14]
Hebrews 9:11-12, "But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption."
Reflection: How does understanding the Old Testament concept of atonement enrich your appreciation for Christ's sacrifice?
Day 2: The Peril of Indifference
Pilate's encounter with Jesus in Mark 15 is a stark reminder of the dangers of neutrality or indifference. Recognizing Jesus' innocence, yet capitulating to the crowd's demands, Pilate exemplifies the struggle many face when confronted with the truth of Christ. This narrative challenges believers to consider their own stance towards Jesus. It is a call to use one's influence and power, not for personal gain or to avoid conflict, but for the glory of God. The decision about who Jesus is cannot be approached with ambivalence; it demands a response. The story urges believers to reflect on their own convictions and the actions that stem from them, recognizing that every choice has eternal significance. [11:31]
Matthew 27:24, "So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, 'I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life might you be showing indifference to Christ's call, and how can you actively choose Him today?
Day 3: Grace Unmerited, Freedom Given
The release of Barabbas, a guilty man, in place of Jesus, the innocent, is a powerful illustration of the grace extended to humanity through Christ. Barabbas, whose very name means "son of the father," represents each person who has ever lived—guilty and deserving of punishment. Yet, in an act of profound love and mercy, Jesus takes our place, bearing the punishment meant for us. This exchange is not based on our merit but on the unmerited favor of God. It invites reflection on the depth of the Father's love and the freedom that is offered through the sacrifice of His Son. This narrative is a call to recognize and accept the grace that has been freely given, acknowledging that it is not something earned but something bestowed. [26:50]
Romans 5:6-8, "For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Reflection: How does the story of Barabbas mirror your own experience of grace, and what will you do today to live in the freedom Christ has given you?
Day 4: Sovereignty in Silence
The silence of Jesus during His trial is a profound testament to His sovereignty and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' refusal to defend Himself against false accusations demonstrates a trust in the Father's will and an understanding of the bigger picture. This silence is not an absence but a powerful presence, a reminder that God is often at work in ways that are not immediately apparent. In moments of injustice or suffering, believers can take comfort in knowing that God's purposes are being accomplished, even when He seems silent. This aspect of Jesus' passion encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to find peace in the knowledge that He is in control, working all things for good. [10:08]
Isaiah 53:7, "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth."
Reflection: When have you experienced the silence of God in your life, and how can you trust in His sovereignty during such times?
Day 5: Resurrection: The New Creation Revolution
The resurrection of Jesus is the pivotal event that ignites the greatest revolution the world has ever known—the birth of the Church. It signifies the beginning of a new creation, where believers are freed from the chains of sin and death and called to live in the victory of the resurrection. This transformative power is not just a historical event but an ongoing reality that invites individuals to become part of something much larger than themselves. By accepting Jesus' sacrifice, believers are ushered into a new way of living, marked by hope, transformation, and a call to action. The resurrection is the cornerstone of faith, the assurance that life in Christ is a life of freedom and purpose. [31:08]
1 Peter 1:3-4, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."
Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection shape your daily life, and what steps can you take to live more fully in the hope and transformation it offers?
Quotes
1) "Jesus gets what you and I deserve and you get what he deserves. It's the greatest exchange in all of history... Christ suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God... the whole Old Testament sacrificial system was all symbolic, pointing toward the one sacrifice for all, and that sacrifice, my friend, is permanent for all of your sins, past, present, and future." [30:32]
2) "Jesus, they nailed him to a cross, they buried him, they put a stone over his grave, they wiped their hands and they said, 'This radical will never disturb us again.' And three days later, Jesus pulled off one of the greatest coups of all time. He got up out of the grave and he started the leader of a new creation, and you, my friends, can be part of that new creation by recognizing and receiving the sacrifice that Jesus gave on your behalf." [31:08]
3) "What released Barabbas from his chains was the love of the Father. What releases and what saves us is the love of the Father. And what did Barabbas do? Nothing. He did nothing... I simply receive the love and grace and mercy that God has offered me, and with that, I walk a free man." [28:34]
4) "The silence of Jesus during His trial is not an indication of His absence but a testament to His sovereign work behind the scenes. In our own lives, when we experience The Silence of Jesus, we can trust that He is still present and working for our good." [10:08]
5) "Pilate's encounter with Jesus reminds us that neutrality or indifference towards Christ is a dangerous stance. We must make a decision about who Jesus is to us, recognizing that our influence and power are gifts from God, meant to be used for His glory." [11:31]
6) "Barabbas' release illustrates the unmerited grace we receive through Christ. We are all like Barabbas, deserving of punishment, yet set free by Jesus' sacrifice. This exchange invites us to reflect on the profound love of the Father, who sent His Son to die in our place." [26:50]
7) "The resurrection of Jesus is the catalyst for the greatest revolution the world has ever known—The Church. By accepting Jesus' sacrifice, we become part of this new creation, freed from the chains of sin and death, and called to live in the victory of His resurrection." [31:08]
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