Question: In John 5:2, the Bible mentions the “Sheep Gate.” What exactly was this gate, and what message or revelation does it carry for us today?
1. Historical and Biblical Background
John 5:2 (NKJV) Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches.
John 5:2 (NKJV)
Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches.
The Sheep Gate was one of the entrances in the walls of Jerusalem near the Temple Mount. Its primary purpose was to allow sheep—especially those destined for sacrifice in the Temple—to be brought directly to the priests for inspection and offering.
This was not a gate for the general public’s entry. There were specific gates for human traffic, but the Sheep Gate had a unique function: it was a passageway for the sacrificial lambs used in the daily burnt offerings and during major feasts such as Passover (Exodus 12:3–6).
The Old Testament makes several references to this gate:
Nehemiah 3:1 (NKJV) Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests and built the Sheep Gate; they consecrated it and hung its doors. They built as far as the Tower of the Hundred, and consecrated it, then as far as the Tower of Hananel.
Nehemiah 3:1 (NKJV)
Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests and built the Sheep Gate; they consecrated it and hung its doors. They built as far as the Tower of the Hundred, and consecrated it, then as far as the Tower of Hananel.
Nehemiah 3:32 and Nehemiah 12:39 also record its location and use.
It is significant that Nehemiah tells us this gate was built and consecrated by the high priest and the other priests. This act of dedication points forward to Christ, our Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14–16), who would later declare Himself to be the true and living Gate.
2. The Prophetic Foreshadowing of Christ
The Sheep Gate symbolically pointed to Jesus Christ, the “Lamb of God” (John 1:29) and the sole entrance to salvation. In John 10:7–9 (NKJV), Jesus says:
Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.
Just as the literal Sheep Gate brought sacrificial animals into the Temple, Christ—the spiritual Gate—brings sinners into God’s presence through His own sacrifice. Hebrews 10:19–20 says that through His death, we now have “boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us.”
3. The Pool of Bethesda and Healing
It is no accident that the pool of Bethesda was located right next to the Sheep Gate. Bethesda means “House of Mercy” or “House of Grace.” At that pool, Jesus healed a man who had been paralyzed for thirty-eight years (John 5:5–9).
This scene is a powerful picture of the Gospel: The true Gate (Christ) leads to mercy and healing. Just as the man was made physically whole, so also in Christ we receive spiritual wholeness, forgiveness, and eternal life.
4. The Urgency of Entering Through the Gate
Outside the fold of Christ, there is spiritual danger. Jesus warns in John 10:10 (NKJV):
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
The “thief” is the enemy of our souls—Satan—who preys upon those outside Christ’s protection. But those who enter through the Gate find salvation, safety, and abundant life.
5. The Call to Response
The Sheep Gate was not just a piece of ancient architecture—it was a prophetic signpost pointing to Christ. Today, Jesus Himself is the only way into God’s kingdom (John 14:6).
If you have not yet entered through Him, the invitation is open:
John 10:9 (NKJV) I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.
John 10:9 (NKJV)
I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.
To remain outside is to remain exposed to the enemy’s destruction. But to enter through Christ is to step into grace, healing, protection, and eternal life.
Final Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I recognize You as the true Gate of the sheepfold. I confess my sins and turn to You in faith. Bring me into Your fold, wash me with Your blood, and give me the abundant life You promised. Amen.
May the Lord bless you and keep you within His fold.
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