Hebrews 13:12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.
2 Cor 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
On Yom Kippur, Israel witnessed a sacred drama that revealed the weight of sin and the mercy of God. Two goats were brought before the Lord. One was sacrificed — its blood sprinkled on the mercy seat to cover the sins of the people. The other, the scapegoat (azazel), had the sins of the nation confessed over it and was sent into the wilderness, carrying away their iniquities.
This was more than ritual; it was a living parable. Sin requires both a payment and a removal. One goat died to satisfy justice. The other carried sin far away, never to return.
Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) fulfills both roles perfectly. He shed His blood on the cross to cover our sins with atonement. And just as the scapegoat was led outside the camp, so Yeshua was crucified outside the city gate (Hebrews 13:12), bearing the curse of our guilt. He is both the sacrifice and the scapegoat — the One who paid for our sin and the One who carried it away. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
If every sin has been covered by His blood and carried away forever, then why live another moment under the weight of shame? The cross has not only forgiven you — it has freed you. The Lamb was slain to cleanse you, and the Scapegoat bore your guilt into the wilderness, never to return.
Now rise up, and walk in the calling He has placed upon your life. Do not waste the covering of Messiah by shrinking back in fear or settling into compromise. You have been clothed in His righteousness, set apart for His purposes, and anointed to shine His light in a dark world.
Beloved, the gates of mercy are open today — but they will not remain open forever. Let the reality of His atonement give you urgency to intercede for the lost and boldness to fulfill your assignment. You are free. You are forgiven. You are covered. Now walk in the power of your calling until the final shofar sounds.