The Day of Atonement points to Jesus because every part of it previewed what he would accomplish on the cross. Israel’s high priest, the blood sacrifice and the scapegoat sent into the wilderness all foreshadowed Christ. Jesus is the perfect high priest, the once-for-all sacrifice and the one who carries our sins away for good, so believers can be fully forgiven and made clean before God.
What Was the Day of Atonement?
The life and work of Jesus is part of a much larger story that begins in the Old Testament. God gave Israel an elaborate system of sacrifices, festivals and priestly duties centered on the tabernacle, and the most solemn day of all was the Day of Atonement, described in Leviticus 16. Once a year, every Israelite was confronted with the seriousness of sin and the need for God to deal with it.
Leviticus 16:30 because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the LORD, you will be clean from all your sins.
To “atone” means to cover or remove sin so that a broken relationship can be restored. The Day of Atonement did that for Israel, but only temporarily. It had to be repeated every year, which pointed forward to a day when God would provide a permanent solution.
Jesus Is Our Perfect High Priest
A priest serves as a go-between, representing people before God. On the Day of Atonement, only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and even he had to begin by offering a bull for his own sins. He shared the same problem as everyone he represented.
Hebrews 7:24-25 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Jesus is a better high priest in every way. He is sinless, so he never needed an offering for himself. And because he rose from the dead and lives forever, his work on our behalf never ends. Right now he is interceding for everyone who trusts him.
Jesus Is the Once-for-All Sacrifice
After offering for himself, the high priest sacrificed a goat for the sins of the people and sprinkled its blood on the atonement cover of the ark. It was a vivid reminder that sin is deadly serious and that forgiveness comes at a cost. But the next year, the whole process had to happen again.
Hebrews 7:27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.
Jesus was both the priest and the sacrifice. He offered his own life, and that offering was so complete that it never needs to be repeated. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing you do can undo it. That’s why the cross is the heart of the Christian faith.
Jesus Is the Scapegoat Who Carries Our Sin
The Day of Atonement included one final, unforgettable ritual. A second goat was brought before the high priest, and he confessed the nation’s sins over it before it was led away. Everyone watching could see their guilt being carried out of sight.
Leviticus 16:21-22 He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites—all their sins—and put them on the goat’s head. He shall send the goat away into the wilderness in the care of someone appointed for the task. The goat will carry on itself all their sins to a remote place; and the man shall release it in the wilderness.
Jesus fulfilled that picture too. He bore the shame of our sin and was led outside the city to be crucified (Hebrews 13:12). Hebrews 9:14 adds that his blood cleanses our consciences so we can serve the living God. Your guilt doesn’t just get covered for a year; it’s carried away for good.
The Takeaway
The Day of Atonement was a yearly reminder of sin and a promise of something better. Jesus fulfilled it completely as our sinless high priest, our once-for-all sacrifice and the one who carries our sins away. Because of his finished work, you can approach God with a clean conscience and full confidence.
