EASTER (Passover, Passion, Atonement)

In the book of Matthew, the 27th chapter, we see that the chief priests and the elders plotted against Jesus because they wanted to kill Him. They tied Him up and brought Him to Pontius Pilate who was governor at the time (27:1-2). This occurred at the time of the customary feast of the passover. Israelites came from everywhere to Jerusalem to celebrate the passover, which was a celebration of their freedom from slavery in Egypt (Matthew 26:17-19).

Pontius Pilate questioned Jesus, asking Him if He was the King of the Jews. Jesus answered him by telling him that those were his (Pilate's) words (27:11). The chief priests and elders also accused Him but He did not answer them. Pilate then asked Jesus if He heard all the accusations but again Jesus did not answer. Pilate was amazed because he knew that Jesus was falsely accused and people usually defended themselves when they were innocent.

It was customary at the feast that the governor should release a prisoner who the people chose. There was a famous prisoner called Barabbas and there was Jesus. Pilate asked the people who they wanted him to release to them. The scripture says Pilate knew that the chief priests and elders had accused Jesus out of envy (v.18).

The chief priests and elders convinced the people to ask for Barabbas and to condemn Jesus. Pilate asked the people what Jesus had done but the people just kept chanting: "Let him be crucified!" (27:23). Pilate then washed his hands in water and said that he was innocent of the blood of Jesus (27:24).

In the book of Leviticus, the 16th chapter, we see that God told Moses to tell Aaron what the custom was for a sin offering for the people on the day of atonement (16:7-10).

Aaron had to cast lots upon two goats. Based on the lots cast, a choice was made about which goat would be sacrificed to God for the sins of the people and which one would be the scapegoat to be released into the wilderness. It is also interesting that the person who led the scapegoat into the wilderness to release it would have to wash his hands with water to cleanse himself (16:26).

The goat that was sacrificed typified Christ Jesus the sinless one who took the sin of the people of the past, present and future and was crucified for them. Through Christ Jesus we have the opportunity to take on the righteousness of God.

"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." 2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)

I have never heard anyone teach that the other goat typified the criminal Barabbas. Christ Jesus fulfilled the role of both goats. The scapegoat was led away into the wilderness as a symbol of the carrying away of the sins of the people that the sacrificial goat died for. The scapegoat typified the removal of sins by the resurrection of Christ Jesus. He died for our sins and was raised for our justification.

"Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification." Romans 4:25 (KJV)

This is what Easter is about. It is not about costumed bunnies and painted eggs or egg hunts; although the children have fun with these things. Easter is Atonement: Christ Jesus' death and resurrection to take away sin and to reconnect all people to God.

God Bless You.