1.
The priest washes.
Strips off his glory.
No jewels, no robe—
just linen.
A servant,
stepping into danger
on behalf of the people.
2.
He sacrifices for himself.
Even he is not clean.
Blood must flow
for him to draw near.
3.
Two goats.
One to die.
One to bear the burden—
the scapegoat.
A choice not his to make—
lots are cast.
4.
He steps behind the curtain.
Incense thickens the air,
a screen between life and death.
No one can see God and live.
5.
Blood on the mercy seat.
First from the bull,
then from the goat.
Sin acknowledged,
but not yet removed.
6.
The altar is touched,
purified.
Even the sacred things
are stained.
7.
The scapegoat stands waiting.
A hand pressed to its head.
Guilt transferred,
every rebellion named,
every shame exhaled—
and then it is led
into the wilderness.
8.
The priest cleanses.
Burns what was offered.
Ashes carried outside the camp.
The system is precise—
grace with safeguards.
9.
Those who touched the holy
must wash.
No shortcut to holiness.
Contact with atonement
requires cleansing.
10.
It is done.
But not finished.
A ritual repeated
year after year.
Sin covered—
not erased.
The curtain still hangs.
And then—
Another priest.
Another goat.
But this time,
they are one and the same.
Jesus strips himself—
not just of garments,
but of glory.
He walks into the holy
without incense.
No veil of smoke.
Only a cross.
He does not place guilt
on another.
He becomes
the scapegoat.
Outside the city,
he is led away.
Cut off.
Alone.
Our sin on him.
There is no second goat.
No further offering.
No more need.
The curtain tears.
The way opens.
And the voice behind it says,
“I know you.
I value you.
I want you.”
Original message by Sean Tan, The Bridge Church Macquarie Park
8 June 2025
The Afterword 
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