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Hi ladies! I’m so glad you’re joining me for this 13-week journey through the book of Nehemiah.

If you haven’t done so already, I’d love to invite you to join our Facebook group, Bible Studies by Time-Warp Wife. It’s a place to connect, encourage each other, and grow in faith together. ❤️ See you there!

Click here to watch this video on Youtube

Jesus Leads the Work of Restoration

In the last two chapters, it was the final verse that made me pause. It felt like a quiet whisper tucked at the end of a long conversation—easy to miss, but rich with meaning. But this week? It’s different. This time, it’s not the end that draws me in—it’s the very beginning. The first verse. In fact, the very first word:

“Eliashib.”

Now that might not mean much at first glance, but stay with me.

Nehemiah tells us Eliashib was the high priest. But here’s the interesting thing—his name means “God restores.” And isn’t that exactly what’s about to unfold in this chapter? The restoration of a city in ruins. The rebuilding of walls that had long since been torn down. The repairing of gates that had once welcomed worshippers and workers alike. But notice this: the work doesn’t begin with the men of Gibeon, or the rulers of Jerusalem, or even the families and laborers scattered throughout the city. It starts with the high priest.

That’s no accident.

Eliashib isn’t just a historical figure; his name and his role point us to Someone greater—Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest. The One who leads the work of restoration in every broken heart and every broken life. It’s a powerful reminder that before anything can truly be rebuilt—before any wall is mended or gate repaired—it must start with Him.

Eliashib’s name whispers of Jesus. So does his calling. And so does the gate he rebuilt—the Sheep Gate. This wasn’t just any part of the wall. This was the place where the sacrificial animals were brought into the city. The place of offering. The place of atonement. And ultimately, the place that points us straight to the cross, where Jesus—the Lamb of God—offered Himself for us.

Now let’s talk about what this means for us.

We try so hard sometimes, don’t we? We try to live a good life, make right choices, hold it all together. We try to be strong, serve faithfully, and keep moving forward. But the truth is—we can’t rebuild what’s broken in our lives with sheer willpower or good intentions. Scripture tells us plainly: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23, NIV). That’s not just a statement—it’s a reality check. We need more than effort. We need a Savior.

Just like the Sheep Gate was the starting point in Nehemiah’s restoration, the cross is the starting point in ours. It’s not just part of the Christian life—it’s the foundation. Every act of transformation, every step toward healing, every victory over sin begins at the foot of the cross, where Jesus offered Himself as the once-and-for-all sacrifice.

Restoration doesn’t come from patching things up on the outside. It begins deep in the heart, where we recognize our need and surrender to the One who has already done the work we could never do on our own. He laid down His life so we could rise in His.

So as you read through Nehemiah chapter 3 and watch each gate being rebuilt—one by one—don’t miss where it all begins. It starts with the High Priest. It starts with Jesus. And when He begins a good work in you, you can be confident of this: He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. (Philippians 1:6).

Week at a Glance 

Would you like a printable copy of this schedule? If so, click here.

A Note About Journaling
As you move through this study, consider keeping a personal journal nearby. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a simple notebook where you can jot down your prayers, reflections, and anything the Lord impresses on your heart. This is your space to write freely, revisit lessons, and record your own journey of restoration.

TUESDAY

Read the Intro Post – Visit the blog at timewarpwife.com to read Darlene’s introduction for Nehemiah Chapter 3.

Watch the Video – Visit YouTube to watch this week’s video.

Read Nehemiah 3 – Look closely at the order of the gates and who helped repair each one.

Read Chapter 3 in the Study Guide – Reflect on the symbolic meaning of each gate and how they relate to your walk with God.

Begin the Study Guide Questions – Work through the first few questions, focusing on the Sheep Gate and the Fish Gate.

WEDNESDAY

Dig Deeper into the Gates – Focus on the Old Gate, Valley Gate, and Dung Gate.

Community Reflection – Share in the Facebook group: Which gate spoke to your heart today, and why?

THURSDAY

Continue Reading – Focus on the Fountain, Water, Horse, and East Gates. What do these reveal about spiritual growth and readiness?

Scripture Focus – Read John 7:38–39 and Zechariah 14:4. Reflect on what they reveal about God’s presence and promise.

FRIDAY

Finish the Chapter – Reflect on the Inspection Gate and the theme of final judgment.

Group Reflection – In the Facebook group, share: What “gate” do you feel God is calling you to rebuild or strengthen in your life?

Read Darlene’s Closing Thoughts – Visit the blog or check your inbox for encouragement to close out the week.

SATURDAY

Read About the Workers – Take note of how families, rulers, and merchants worked side by side.

Read Ephesians 4:1–3 and 1 Corinthians 12:12–27 – Reflect on what it means to be one body with many parts.

Journaling Prompt – Where has God placed you in His Kingdom work, and how can you serve with humility and faithfulness, like Malkijah at the Dung Gate?

SUNDAY – No assignments today. Let today be a day of spiritual renewal.

MONDAY

Wrap-Up Reflection – What gate (or truth) stood out to you most this week? How has God used this chapter to encourage or challenge you?

Final Community Post – Share one insight or moment of growth with the group before we step into Chapter 4.

This Week’s Challenge

Take a moment this week to encourage someone who’s serving quietly—maybe a volunteer at church, a caregiver, or a friend who rarely gets thanked. And ask yourself: where is God calling me to step in and help? Your obedience might be the encouragement someone else needs.

This Week’s Bible Verse

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