The Gates of Jerusalem · Lesson 10
The Gates of Jerusalem: The Inspection Gate
Nehemiah 3:31-32; Jeremiah 33:10-13; Luke 15:3-7; John 10:3, 14; Romans 8:1 Old Testament PrinciplePeace
The Inspection Gate was the last gate before the wall came back around to the Sheep Gate. Its name has to do with counting or checking. A goldsmith fixed the wall across from it. God sees and knows everything about us. But He isn't a scary inspector. He is like a shepherd who counts his sheep so none is lost, and calls each one by name. Because of Jesus, "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." We can have peace with God.
God is in control and He loves us, so we don't have to be afraid. In Jesus we have peace with God, known by name and safe in His grace.
- CreationGod made it
- FallWe broke it
- RedemptionJesus fixes it (this lesson)
- RestorationJesus makes it new
Memory verse
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:1 BSB
Christ Connection · Picture
The New Testament doesn't mention the Inspection Gate, so the gate is a picture to help us remember. But Jesus told us what kind of Shepherd He is. "He calls his own sheep by name" (John 10:3). "I know My sheep and My sheep know Me" (John 10:14). When one sheep is missing, He goes after it and carries it home with joy (Luke 15:4-6). Jesus knows everything about us, and in Him "there is now no condemnation" (Romans 8:1).
John 10:3; John 10:14; Luke 15:4-6; Romans 8:1
The Big Story · Redemption
God sees and knows His people completely, and in Jesus, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, He counts us as His own with no condemnation.
Teacher Guide
This version includes:
- Background and context for the passage
- Hidden in Plain Sight: the detail most people miss
- The Christ Connection: how this story points to Jesus
- A 50-minute class plan and prep checklist
- Object lesson: Up close
- Bible Kitchen (taste the story): Counted and named
- A skit to act out the story
- Review game: The shepherd's count
- Pronunciation help, tips for every age, song ideas and a note for parents
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
Preschool (ages 3–5)
Jesus knows my name and loves me.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 4-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 3 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Sheep, come home!, My little lamb
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at home, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
Free preview · Kindergarten – 2nd grade
The Inspection Gate was the last gate before the wall came back to the Sheep Gate. Inspection means checking. A shepherd checks his sheep by counting them. God sees and knows everything about us. But He is like a loving shepherd. He counts us so none of us is lost. Because of Jesus, we don't have to be afraid. We have peace with God.
Start here
Ask, "Has a grown-up ever said, 'Room check!'? How did you feel?" Let kids share. Say, "Today's gate is the Inspection Gate. Inspection means checking. But God's checking is different."
Bible story 6 min
We're almost all the way around the wall! Next came the Inspection Gate. Inspection means checking.
A goldsmith named Malchijah fixed the wall across from it. A goldsmith makes things out of gold.
The very next part of the wall came back to the Sheep Gate. That's where we started!
The rest of the story, discussion questions, songs, Live It and prayer are for members.
Try an activity
Find the lost sheep 8 min
- Kids are sheep. Count them out loud together. While one group covers their eyes, one "lost sheep" hides. The shepherd counts again, notices one is missing and searches. When found, everyone shouts, "Rejoice with me! I found my lost sheep!" Play again with a new shepherd.
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
3rd – 4th grade
The Inspection Gate was the last gate on Nehemiah's list before the wall circled back to the Sheep Gate, and a goldsmith named Malchijah rebuilt the wall across from it. Its name has to do with counting or checking. God does see and know everything about us. But He checks on His people like a shepherd counting his sheep, so none of them is lost. Jesus said He knows His sheep by name, and because He took our punishment, "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." We can have peace with God.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 8-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Known by the Shepherd, Wall of Jerusalem
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at school, at home, at home
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
5th – 6th grade
The Inspection Gate (Miphkad, a word tied to counting or mustering) was the last gate in Nehemiah's list before the wall circled back to the Sheep Gate, and goldsmiths and merchants rebuilt that final stretch. God sees and knows us completely, and that can feel terrifying. But Scripture pictures His knowing as a shepherd counting his flock so none is lost. Jesus knows His sheep, goes after the one who wanders and laid down His life for them. Because of Him, "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Grace lets us welcome God's searching instead of hiding from it. That's real peace with God.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 10-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Searched and known, Search me
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at school, online and on screens, with friends
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
More lessons from this story
Same Bible story, a different principle.
More lessons on Peace
The same principle in other Bible stories.
In the BeginningThrough the Red SeaExodus 14:1-31; Exodus 15:1-21When Israel was trapped between Pharaoh's army and the sea, God made a path through the water and fought for His people.Old TestamentPeace
Fruit of the SpiritFruit of the Spirit: PeaceJohn 20:19-21; John 14:27; Isaiah 53:5; Philippians 4:6-7On the first Easter evening, Jesus' friends hid behind locked doors, full of fear. Jesus came and stood among them. His first word was "Peace," and then He showed them His hands. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit. Jesus made peace between us and God at the cross, and His Spirit calms our worried hearts when we bring our fears to Him.New TestamentPeace
Jesus the KingJesus Calms the StormMark 4:35-41; Psalm 107:23-31When a terrible storm hit the disciples' boat, Jesus woke up and said, "Peace, be still!" and the wind and waves obeyed Him.New TestamentFreePeace
Big Feelings: Taking Them to GodBig Feelings: WorryGenesis 32:3-21; Genesis 33:1-11; Philippians 4:6-7; Luke 15:20Jacob was going home after twenty years, and his brother Esau was coming to meet him with 400 men. Jacob was "greatly afraid and distressed." He made worried plans. But then he prayed. He thanked God, reminded himself of God's promises and asked for help. And when Esau came, he ran to Jacob and hugged him! Worry is a big feeling we can take to God. When we pray with thanks, God gives His peace to guard our hearts.Old TestamentPeace