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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Sparrows are the smallest birds mentioned in the Bible, and they usually illustrate God’s care for even the smallest of creatures. Psalm 84:3 says that “even the sparrow has found a home” in the Temple precinct! Sparrows are very comfortable living around humans and, even though they build their nests in close vicinity of people’s homes, they resist being domesticated. Typically, poor people would purchase sparrows in the marketplace because they were an inexpensive meal.

In Luke 12:4–7, Jesus addressed His disciples, offering them comfort and assurance in the face of fear and uncertainty: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more” (v. 4). The threats facing His followers were real, but ultimately their lives were in God’s hands. He reminds them of the care of the Father for each one of them. “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (vv. 6–7). If not a single sparrow is forgotten, how much more does God care for each of us? We are of immense value to God who knows even the smallest details about us—such as the number of hairs on our heads (v. 7)!

Sometimes we feel insignificant and are overwhelmed by fear and anxiety. The antidote is realizing we are deeply known and cherished by our Creator. Our worth is not determined by our social status, achievements, or the opinions of others but by God’s unwavering love and attention. Let us hold on to the truth that we are deeply valued by God who watches over us with unwavering love and care. As the hymn reminds us, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

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If you live in a rural area, you have most likely been awakened at the crack of dawn by the crow of a rooster. Different languages and cultures have ways of describing the rooster’s call. In English it is pronounced “cock-a-doodle-doo” but in Italy it is “chicchirichi” and in Nepal it is “kukhuri kaa.” No matter how you render it, the call of a rooster cannot be missed.

In Matthew 26:69–75, a rooster crowed, as Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, faced a profound moment of failure. Just hours earlier, Peter had boldly declared his unwavering loyalty to Jesus, promising never to forsake Him. However, as Jesus was arrested and taken to the high priest’s courtyard, Peter followed at a distance, fear and confusion mounting within him.

As Peter sat outside, a servant girl approached him, accusing him of being with Jesus. Peter denied it: “I don’t know what you’re talking about” (v. 70). He moved away, but another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth” (v. 71). Again, Peter denied it with an oath (v. 72). Finally, others came and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.” Peter began to call down curses, swearing, “I don’t know the man!” (vv. 73–74). Immediately, a rooster crowed, and Peter remembered Jesus’ words: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times” (v. 75). Peter went outside and wept bitterly.

The crowing of the rooster is a powerful symbol of conviction and the realization of failure. For Peter, it marked the moment when his fear and weakness were laid bare, but it also began his journey of repentance and restoration. Jesus had foreseen Peter’s denial, yet He also foresaw Peter’s role in leading the early church. Despite his failure, Peter was not abandoned.

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The raven and the dove are two very different kinds of birds. A raven feeds on dead flesh and is considered unclean (Lev. 11:13–19). The dove is considered clean and usable for sacrifice particularly by the poor. The dove carries the idea of purity (Ps. 68:13) and is a symbol of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:16).

In Genesis 8:1–8, Noah and his family were still in the ark. The flood waters had begun to recede, and Noah sought a sign from God that it was safe to leave the ark. He first sent out a raven, which flew back and forth until the waters dried up. Later, Noah released a dove, which initially returned, finding no place to rest. Seven days later, he sent the dove out again, and it returned with a freshly plucked olive leaf. This assured Noah that the floodwaters had receded enough for life to begin anew.

The raven and the dove served a key function in the Genesis account. The raven, a bird known for its scavenging nature, would find sustenance among the debris of the flood, symbolizing the lingering desolation. The dove, on the other hand, symbolized peace, purity, and new beginnings. Its return with the olive leaf signified that life was returning to the earth and that God’s promise of restoration was at hand.

Noah showed patience and trust in God’s timing. Despite the long and arduous journey, he waited for clear signs from God before taking the next steps. This passage reminds us that after a period of trial and waiting, signs of hope and renewal will come, but we must be patient and attentive to God’s guidance. The raven and the dove teach us about patience, trust, and the assurance of God’s promises.

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A ram is an adult male sheep with horns. The ram was considered ceremonially clean and often used for sacrifice in the Old Testament, such as on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:3) and to ordain Aaron as high priest (Ex. 29:1).

In Genesis 22:1–14, we read about Abraham and his son Isaac. God commands Abraham to take his beloved son to the land of Moriah and offer him as a burnt offering. Abraham sets out to obey. Isaac, carrying the wood for the sacrifice, innocently asks his father, “The fire and wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” (v. 7). Abraham responds, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son” (v. 8).

When they reached the place, Abraham built an altar, arranged the wood, and bound his son. As he raised the knife, an angel of the Lord called out, stopping him. Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. He sacrificed the ram instead, naming the place “The LORD Will Provide” (v. 14).

The ram was a powerful reminder of God’s provision and faithfulness. Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son demonstrated his absolute trust in God. And ultimately, we are pointed to God’s wonderful provision of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who was sacrificed for the sins of the world.

This passage teaches us about trust and obedience. Abraham’s faith was tested to the extreme, yet he believed God would provide. Often we face situations that challenge our faith and obedience. It’s in these moments that we need to trust God’s provision. The ram in Genesis 22 reminds us of God’s unwavering provision and faithfulness. We can trust and obey God, knowing that He will provide in our times of need.

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Pigs get a bad rap. Some of that stems from the fact that they are known to wallow in filth. In the Old Testament, they were classified as unclean for food or sacrifice. Proverbs 11:22 says it would be inappropriate to put a gold ring on pig’s snout. Even Jesus states not to “throw your pearls to pigs” (Matt. 7:6).

But pigs also teach us an important lesson in the battle between good and evil. In Luke 8:26–35, we read the dramatic account of Jesus healing a demon-possessed man. In the region of the Gerasenes on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, this man was living among the tombs. He had been tormented by demons and bound by chains. When Jesus asked for the demon’s name, it responded, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him.

This passage highlights the power and authority of Jesus over evil. Jesus cast the demons out, allowing them to enter a herd of pigs. The pigs rushed down a steep bank and drowned in the lake. Though seemingly insignificant, the pigs did play a crucial role in this narrative. Their destruction shows the gravity of the man’s torment and the completeness of his deliverance. They also underscore the cost of deliverance. The pigs’ demise serves as a stark reminder of the destructive nature of evil and the lengths to which Jesus has gone to set us free. Our freedom came at great cost.

This scene shows that Jesus prioritizes human life and spiritual well-being over material loss. In our own lives, we may face evil forces that feel overwhelming—addictions, destructive behaviors, or deep-seated fears. They can leave us feeling chained and isolated. But Jesus’ encounter with this man assures us that no situation is too desperate for His intervention.

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While we often view donkeys or mules as stubborn and obstinate, in the Bible they are seen as patient, forgiving, workhorse creatures (Isa. 30:24). Donkeys were beasts of burden in the biblical world and would be the equivalent of pick-up trucks today in terms of their utilitarian capabilities. But donkeys had another use too. They were ridden at coronations, for example, by Solomon in 1 Kings 1:33–44. They were ridden by David’s sons (2 Sam. 13:29) and the sons of leaders in Judges (Judg. 10:4; 12:13–15).

In John 12:13–17 Jesus makes His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The people were gathered in anticipation, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!” (v. 13). Jesus arrived on a young donkey. His humble, yet royal, entrance fulfilled the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9, which spoke of a coming king, “gentle and riding on a donkey.” The donkey sent a message that Jesus’ kingdom would not be about earthly power and domination but about humility, peace, and salvation. This challenged the expectations of many who anticipated a Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule through force.

Both the donkey and the horse are fitting choices for the arrival of King Jesus. For His entrance into Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday, Jesus would arrive on a humble donkey. But when He comes again, the Son of God will return triumphantly, riding on a white horse. In Revelation 19:11, Jesus returns like a victorious general. “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.”

We look forward to that day when we will welcome King Jesus, saying: “Hallelujah! For our Lord Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory” (Rev. 19:6–7)!

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A famous line from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz goes like this: “Lions and tigers and bears. Oh my!” Dorothy and her newfound friends repeat this line as they journey through the haunted forest on their way to the Emerald City. It has become a popular phrase used to express fear or anxiety about any situation, since the creatures mentioned invoke dread whenever they are encountered.

In 1 Samuel 17:32–37, we encounter David, a young shepherd, who boldly volunteers to fight the giant Goliath (v. 32). When King Saul expresses doubt, David recounts his past experiences: “Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God” (v. 36).

David’s confidence was not based on his physical strength or skills but on his faith in God. He had faced deadly predators before—lions and bears had threatened his flock—and emerged victorious because he relied on God’s strength. These experiences built his faith, preparing him for the ultimate challenge—facing Goliath.

David’s actions teach us that God can use our trials to prepare us for future battles. Each lion and bear David faced was a step in his spiritual journey, strengthening his faith and courage. When we face difficult situations, no matter how daunting, they are opportunities for spiritual growth. They are the training grounds where our faith is stretched and strengthened.

David’s victory over Goliath was not a sudden burst of courage but the result of a faith built over time through smaller battles. Our own faith journeys are similar. By facing our lions and bears with trust in God, we prepare ourselves for greater victories ahead.

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