The Bible often depicts Jesus as a lamb – pure, innocent, defenseless and sacrificial. At the same time, Satan is depicted as a goat. In many ways they are the opposite of sheep.
Characteristics of Goats. Goats are sly little animals. They can be attractive when they frolic and play. But they like to forage and eat your rose bushes. They can be cuddly and cute, but they are very stubborn. They like to do their own thing with no shepherd or farmer guiding them. They don’t obey or cooperate. They liked being free to do whatever they want. Sound like Satan? He can be sly, cuddly, and cute when he is telling us to do our own thing instead of relying on the Good Shepherd to guide us.
When did they become a picture of Satan? The Greek god Pan was pictured as having goat-like features. He was an energetic, frightening, and unbridled force of nature. The Greek name Pan is actually where we get the English word panic. As early as the 6th century AD, Satan was pictured as a goat in mosaics. The goat image developed from then on. Pagan religions used this goats to depict wild or evil forces. In the 1960’s the Church of Satan was formed using a goat’s head inside a pentagram as their insignia.
Goats in the sacrificial system. Leviticus 16:7-10 mentions two goats for sacrifice. One was killed on the Day of Atonement and its blood put on the live goat which was sent away – a scapegoat taking away our sin. Also, a goat could be used instead of lamb for Passover if necessary. Goats were used in pagan worship but God specifically forbids this (Leviticus 17:7).
Probably the most notable mention of goats in the Bible can be found in Matthew 25:31-46. In this passage Christ uses a parable of sheep and goats to paint the picture of what will happen when the Son of Man returns. Jesus says that all the nations will be there and be separated from one another just as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. The sheep will be on the right and the goats on the left of the glorious throne. At the end of the parable, Jesus will tell those on the left to depart from Him because they are cursed and will dwell in the eternal fire.
Being on the right of Christ is significant because it is the right side which is used to share God’s promises and righteousness to His children. These promises include protection (Psalm 44:3), strength (Exodus 15:6), and provision (Isaiah 41:10) just to name a few. The summation of all the Scripture tells us that Satan does not and will not ever be on the right side of Christ. Therefore, in Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus is comparing a goat who is on His left with Satan and eternal damnation.
So what is it with goats? In the agrarian society of the Bible, goats provided milk and meat. They were also used as sacrifices for sin. There is nothing inherently evil or Satanic about goats. For various reasons, mythology, paganism, and the modern-day Church of Satan have latched on to the idea that a goat is an appropriate symbol for Satan. Scripture uses a goat in contrast to a sheep to express what side of Christ we will be on if we reject his Him. But that does not imply goats are not also just another part of God’s animal kingdom.
Don’t make too big a deal about Satan being pictured as a goat, as if the animal itself has any inherent evil. Satan is the problem, not the goat. There may be similarities between some of their characteristics and those of Satan, especially compared to those of a lamb or sheep, but that is as far as it goes. Don’t be afraid to enjoy goats as pets or to eat their meat or milk. But do make sure you have nothing to do with Satan in any of his deceitful ways – especially when he comes across as playful and attractive! That’s the lesson here.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
It can be easier to see where others fall for the ‘cute,’ seemingly innocent temptations Satan puts in people’s way, but harder to see where we are trapped. Ask God to show you where you may be susceptible.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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