When we use the word scapegoat today, we normally intend it to refer to a person or a group who is blamed for the misdeeds of others. The word scapegoat comes from William Tyndale’s translation of the Bible as an attempt to translate the Hebrew word “for Azazel” in Leviticus 16:8: “He is to cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat [for Azazel].”

In Leviticus 16:7–22, we encounter the Day of Atonement. On this day, the high priest would take two goats, one was to be sacrificed as a sin offering to the Lord, its blood used to purify the sanctuary. The other goat, known as the scapegoat, was presented alive before the Lord to make atonement. The high priest would lay both hands on the head of the scapegoat and confess over it all the iniquities and transgressions of the Israelites, ritually transferring their sins to the goat. Then the scapegoat was sent away into the wilderness, carrying the sins of the people far from the camp (v. 22).

The scapegoat is a profound and powerful image of atonement and forgiveness. By transferring their sins onto the scapegoat, the people of Israel were reminded of God’s mercy and His provision for their cleansing. This ritual also foreshadowed the ultimate act of perfect atonement fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

As the sacrificial Lamb of God, Jesus was offered up for our sins, His blood purifying and reconciling us to God. As the scapegoat, He bore our sins and carried them away, offering complete forgiveness and freedom. Isaiah 53:6 says, “The LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Through His sacrificial death, Jesus provided the ultimate atonement for our sins, once and for all. Let us embrace the forgiveness and freedom He offers and then share with others the good news of His redemption.

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Releasing doves at a wedding is not a new idea. The now somewhat controversial practice has been around for thousands of years symbolizing love, peace, unity, and blessing on the married couple. In Matthew 3, a dove is mentioned to mark a significant moment: the baptism of Jesus and the beginning of His public ministry.

Matthew notes that John the Baptist was reluctant to baptize his cousin, because he realized who Jesus was: “After me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry” (v. 11). But at Jesus’ request he performed the baptism. A crowd gathered to observe, and as Jesus emerged from the water, the heavens opened, and the Spirit of God descended “like a dove” (v. 16).

The presence of the Holy Spirit at Jesus’ baptism along with the voice of the Father signified both endorsement and empowerment. From this moment on, Jesus would minister under the guidance and power of the Spirit, fulfilling the Father’s divine purpose. God declared, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (v. 17), also affirming Jesus’ identity and mission. All three members of the Trinity were present at the baptism, an event so important that all four Gospel writers include it.

The Holy Spirit was also present at Creation. In Genesis 1:2, we read this mention of the Spirit’s bird-like action: “the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” And the Holy Spirit continues to play a vital role in our lives as believers (John 14:26). As we seek His guidance, embrace His peace, and live in the assurance of God’s love, we too can walk confidently in fulfilling our divine purpose, knowing that we are empowered and approved by our heavenly Father.

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Fishermen often exaggerate either the size of the fish they caught or how many they landed. It is hard to resist stretching the truth! While the catch recorded in the Gospel of John might sound like a fisherman’s tall tale, there are helpful truths to ponder about the 153 fish caught in the Sea of Galilee.

John 21:3–11 records one of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances to His disciples. Peter, still grappling with the events of the past days, decided to go fishing, and several others joined him. Despite their efforts, they caught nothing. As dawn approached, a figure on the shore called to them, instructing them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. They complied, and their nets were filled with 153 large fish (v. 11). The catch was so abundant that they struggled to haul it in (v. 6).

Imagine their surprise, not just at the record number of fish, but at the sight of their risen Savior (v. 12)! This miracle was a powerful reminder of Jesus’ presence and provision. The number 153 has intrigued scholars for centuries. The fact that someone took time to count each fish to get an exact tally speaks not only to its historicity but also to the extraordinary nature of this haul. The primary takeaway is clear: Jesus provides abundantly when we obey His guidance (Eph. 3:20).

The disciples’ experience also illustrates the futility of self-reliance. Their night of fruitless labor (v. 3) highlights the limitations of our human effort. By contrast, their obedience to Jesus’ instructions and then the overwhelming catch of 153 large fish demonstrate the blessings of trust and obedience. Jesus’ command to cast the net on the right side seemed ordinary, yet it produced extraordinary results. God’s instructions carry the potential for great blessing. Our role is always to trust and obey, leaving the outcome in His hands.

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