Have you noticed how often people blame others for their problems? We point fingers at political leaders, the other political party, nations, the wealthy, the poor, and immigrants, using scapegoats to deflect responsibility. Why do we do this?

Actually, this concept has biblical roots. Today, “scapegoat” usually means an innocent person wrongly blamed, but the biblical scapegoat was a deliberate sacrifice to purify the community. In the Bible, the scapegoat is a key element of the Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) ritual in Leviticus 16. It symbolically carries the nation’s sins into the wilderness, representing atonement and the removal of guilt. Two goats are chosen by lot; one is sacrificed, while the other, the scapegoat, has the high priest confess the sins upon it before it is led away, often driven away, into the desert, as noted in Psalm 103:12.

Many Christians regard Jesus Christ as the ultimate willing scapegoat who bore the sins of humanity—often referenced by Isaiah 53:6—to offer forgiveness through his crucifixion. Jesus has become our scapegoat to take away our sins, so anyone who believes in him can have their sins forgiven and receive new life.

Unfortunately, blaming scapegoats is a common tendency because it simplifies complex issues. As the song “One Love” by U2 asks, “Will it make it easier on you now, you got someone to blame?” People often find it easier to repeatedly assign blame, a pattern known as “scapegoating.” The scapegoat doesn’t need to be truly guilty—only perceived as guilty. Once individuals blame, punish, or exclude someone, they feel a sense of cleansing. However, this creates a harmful illusion: they believe they are redeemed after punishing the guilty, but such feelings are only temporary. When difficulties persist, people instinctively seek someone or something to blame, perpetuating the cycle.

My challenge is for us to break this cycle. Instead of blaming others, let’s take responsibility and work together to solve problems. Let’s ask God for guidance and take concrete steps to make our world a better place. Remember, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Let’s start today by taking that first step and keep moving!

Take care,

Bill R.