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The sheep (yang) is the eighth animal in the Chinese zodiac. To distinguish it from the goat (shanyang, mountain sheep), it is sometimes called the mianyang (wool sheep). From the names, we can see that the sheep and the goat are thought of as close cousins. Scientifically, they are different species. Cross-breeding of the two animals has never been successful.
The lamb and the scape goat
In the Bible, sheep and goats are often found together. One instance is encountered in the system of worship among God’s people.
We are all guilty before God for the first sin Adam committed when he ate from the forbidden tree. Adam was the representative head of the human race so that his sin was also our sin. Furthermore, we are all descended from Adam and Eve. We, therefore, have inherited their sinful nature such that each of us sin against God in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Since we are guilty, we deserve to be punished with eternal death in hell. The burnt offering of a ram (a male sheep) was to indicate that the animal was dying on behalf of the guilty sinner. The death of the sheep was a payment for the sins of the worshipper. Since payment had been made, the sinner could now be accepted by God.1
The saved sinner, however, continued to sin in his life. He committed sins of omission and also sins of commission. He failed to do what God required of him, and he failed to abstain from those things God forbade. Two goats were brought before God for the sin offering.2 The high priest would cast lots to determine which goat was to be slaughtered and burnt to God for the sins of the worshipper. The other goat would be released into the wilderness after the high priest had laid his hands on its head and prayed. This was the scapegoat, which now bore the sins of the worshipper, carrying them far away.3 The forgiven sinner could now draw near to God in worship.
The Lamb of God
The animal sacrifices in olden times was to point to the coming of a perfect sacrifice that God has appointed. When Jesus Christ began His public ministry, John the Baptist pointed to Him and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”4 The Son of God has come to earth, taking upon Himself perfect human nature, without ceasing to be God. Jesus Christ is actually God and Man in one person. He laid down His life on the cross as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of His people. The earth became dark for three hours, and the veil of the temple in Jerusalem was torn into two.5 This was to indicate that He was dying on behalf of His people, thereby reconciling them to God.6 On the third day after His death, He rose from the dead and was seen by over five hundred people on various occasions.7 Then, He was taken up to heaven.
The sheep and the goats
The day will come when Jesus Christ returns to judge the world. He will separate people into two groups – the sheep on His right hand, and the goats on His left.8 You have guessed correctly! The sheep are those who belong to Him, who have repented of their sins and trusted in Him for salvation. The goats are those who do not trust in Him. Which group would you be in?
Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Repent of your sins! Come to Him in faith!
1. Lev. 16:5; 2. 16:9-10; 3. 16:21; 4. John 1:29; 5. John 23:45; 6. 2 Cor. 5:21; 7. 1 Cor 15:5-6; 8. Matt. 25:31-34
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