Scapegoat – A person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others, especially for reasons of expediency.
From John 11:45-57.
The greatest intrigue surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ lies in the fact that the religious leaders and Jesus shared a similar vision for Israel and the world, but the religious leaders were not willing to pay the price to bring about that vision. They opted instead to lay the burden and the blame at Jesus’ feet with hopes that they would reap the benefits of His life and labor while sacrificing nothing in the process.
What are we willing to sacrifice to advance God’s kingdom in the world?
Will we be like those religious leaders asking all of God, while refusing to contribute anything to His work?
Or will we take up our cross and follow in the way of our Lord, by taking risks and facing inconvenience for His greater cause?