“The Golden Gate” also known as the “Gate of Mercy and Beautiful Gate” is one of eight main Gates that allow entry into Jerusalem through the city walls, it is referred to mostly as the Eastern Gate because naturally it faces East. The Gate faces the Mount of Olives and was the main Gate leading to the Temple.
It is believed to be the Gate that Jesus entered through whilst riding on a Donkey during His Triumphal entry. However, the gate that Jesus actually entered through is not the present Gate – the original Gate is now below ground; beneath the ruins of the city. The city walls were destroyed by the Romans around 70 AD, all that remained is Herod’s towers northwest of the city. The Temple and the entire city was destroyed.
Uncertainty remains about when the current Gate was built, some speculate around 500 AD, but what is interesting is that the current Gate is the only Gate that is blocked off – so no one can enter through it. The Jews whom still have not accepted Jesus to be their Messiah, believe the Messiah has yet to enter through the Eastern Gate. This might be why this Gate was blocked off by the Muslims – purposely, and a burial site planted in front of the Gate. However as Christians we know that Jesus has already fulfilled this prophecy.
We are told that on Jesus return He will descend and touch ground at the Mount of Olives – which faces the Eastern Gate. But if He actually enters through the Eastern Gate is only speculative. Some people believe He will enter Jerusalem with His Church through the Eastern Gate. However – when Jesus returns, will it be through this blocked Gate? or will He miraculously raise up and restore the original Gate that lays beneath the rubble nearby?
Whatever the truth is regarding the man made physical gates – it does not really matter. We need not be concerned about the blocked Gate we cannot enter, or what Gate Jesus might enter through, because the Truth is that Jesus is the Gate. Like the Gate, He was buried, however unlike the Gate, Jesus was raised up from the dead and restored to His Throne. He is the original resurrected Door and by Faith in Him we (the sheep) are saved – He is the Gate of Mercy and His Throne is the Mercy seat.
Jesus is Merciful.
Matthew 2-:30-34
“30 And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
31 And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.
34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.“
All those whom follow Jesus is the Church and the Church is the Body of Christ and also the Bride of Christ, being given Crowns to reign with Him. So therefore we too might become the Golden Gate – the Gate of Mercy – but to lead others to salvation through Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the way.
John 14:6 6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (KJV)
We do not need to look for a way in like a thief, because Jesus is King and through Him we ALL can enter freely into the eternal Kingdom, Jesus will not shut the door on those who believe.
John 10:7-10 (KJV)
7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Do not look towards the Gate that is amongst the rubble. That Gate saw destruction because the Messiah has already been. That Gate was made by men and was destroyed. Jesus is the Gate that is never closed and cannot be destroyed. Jesus is the Way that leads to Life. Jesus is the Messiah.
Matthew 7:13-14 (KJV)
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
God bless
Leon
(All scripture is taken from the KJV)