Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades.
As a lamb is a young sheep, it is interesting that John 5 takes place by the Sheep Gate. This is the gate that was built during Nehemiah’s time (Neh 3). And it seems this is the gate in which the animals prepared for sacrifice would enter Jerusalem. Interestingly, Spurgeon alleges Christ’s triumphant entry was through this gate though there is nothing to support this:
He was led into Jerusalem by the sheep-gate, the gate through which the lambs of the Passover and the sheep for sacrifice were always driven.
Spurgeon may have it right, but if he does, it’s through speculation. Speculation is never a good approach to exegesis.
But the setting of John 5 is obviously significant and reminds me of John 10:7.
So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.