Hello Everyone,

The walls of Jerusalem stood for something. They were more than just protection. They stood for the glory of God. Unbelievers of that day looked at the broken down walls and would mock believers. The ruins of the walls became a reproach on the name of God. But God raised up Nehemiah to do something about it.

In chapter 3 the actual construction begins.

The wall had 12 gates which were spaced around the city. 10 of them are mentioned in chapter 3 of Nehemiah and each of their names has spiritual meaning.

Inverse one there is The sheep gate.

Thru this gate they would bring the sacrificial animals to be laid on the altar in the temple. The priests would use this gate. It was the only gate that was 'sanctified.'

This gate reminds us of Jesus, the Lamb of God. It all begins and ends with Christ, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world Who will bear His scars for eternity in heaven.

Jesus was a special Lamb He was without flaw or blemish.

We serve a sinless Savior.

Jesus was a silent Lamb. Is. 53 says he would open not His mouth in self defense.

Matthew 27:12-14 [Pilate] ¹² When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. ¹³ Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” ¹⁴ But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.

Luke 23:9-10 [Herod] ⁹ He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. ¹⁰ The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him.

Why did it have to be this way? Any of us would have presented our defense. Especially since they had it all wrong.

Jesus remained silent in order to FULLY bear our shame. Jesus not only took the punishment of our sins, but also the shame and reproach that goes with them.

If Jesus had defended Himself, His defense would have been so powerful no one could have stood against it. Even though He was sinless, He was willing to be counted as a sinner before man so that we could be counted as righteous before God.

He suffered our shame in silence.

It's no accident that Jesus is compared to a lamb. They did not drag Him to the cross, kicking and screaming; He willingly laid down His life.

No wonder the sheep gate is mentioned first. It's all because of Jesus!

Jesus came the first time as a silent lamb to the slaughter, but He's coming back as the Lion of the tribe of Judah!

He came the first time for a tree, but next time for a throne!

He came the first time for a cross, but next time for a crown!

He came the first time as a Redeemer, but next time as a ruler!

Swing wide the gate!

Pastor Phil