Where Was Jesus Baptized

Where Was Jesus Baptized?

Located in the Jordan River, only a few miles north of the Dead Sea and around six miles east of Jericho, the Baptism of Jesus Christ is reported in all four Gospels as taking place in the Jordan River. However, it is generally agreed that Jesus’ baptism marked the beginning of his public ministry, not only because it fulfilled Old Testament prophecy and confirmed his divinity as the Son of God, but also because it marked the beginning of Jesus’ public mission.

Where Is the Jordan River?

Known in Hebrew as the Jordan River (Ha-Yarden), it is a significant geographical feature in the Middle East and a pivotal place in Israel’s history and the biblical narrative. The Jordan River flows southward from Mount Hermon, which is located on the border of modern-day Syria and Lebanon, and drains into the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel today, a distance of roughly 156 miles. The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Gennesaret (Luke 5:1) or the Sea of Tiberius (John 6:1, John 21:1), is just about a day’s walk from Nazareth, the town where Jesus grew up, and is a popular tourist destination (Matthew 2:19-23).

(Mark 5:21-43,Luke 8:22-25,Luke 9:10-17,John 6:16-21) Once it has emerged from the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan River makes its way through the Judean countryside, being fed by two large tributaries, the Yarmouk and Jabbok (Genesis 32:22) to the east, until it ultimately merges with the Dead Sea, where it comes to a climax.

• All of these streams are located within Jordan’s Rift Valley, a gigantic geological fissure that produces one of the world’s longest fissures and one of the world’s most profound natural depressions.
• Jordan River is rather narrow and easy to cross in most places, despite the fact that it has lush, sandy shoreline and steep, rocky banks in certain locations.
• Shallow ponds and lesser tributaries are frequent in the Jordan River system outside of the main river flow, though.
• Photograph courtesy of Getty Images/thanasus

Where Was Jesus Baptized in the Jordan River?

The baptism of Jesus is described in all four gospels as taking place on the banks of the Jordan River at the hands of John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin (Matthew 3,Mark 1:1-11,Luke 3:1-21,John 1:6-34) Identifying the actual place of Jesus’ baptism is difficult to determine. archaeological evidence, historical writings, and the gospel accounts all point to a region in the southern half of Jordan River, about five and a half miles north of the Dead Sea and a little more than six miles southeast of the city of Jericho, as being the location of the biblical city of Jericho.

1. When John the Baptist began his public preaching, it was in this location, perhaps between the years 26 and 29 A.D., that individuals were baptized in the Jordan River, at a location mentioned in John’s gospel as “Bethany beyond the Jordan” (John 1:28).
2. From a strategic standpoint, this would have been an efficient location for John the Baptist to serve because it would have witnessed a significant flow of traffic from visitors coming from the Judean desert, Judea hill area, Jerusalem, and Jericho, to name a few destinations.
3. The Holy Spirit will baptize you with the Holy Spirit, not with water, as I have done (Mark 1:7-8).
4. Immediately following his baptism, Jesus rose to his feet out of the water.
5. “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am delighted,” a voice from heaven said.
6. 3:16-17 (KJV) It is estimated that Jesus was around 30 years old at the time of his baptism.
7. According to the apostle John, he stayed there and a large number of people came to him.
8. And it was at that location that many people came to trust in Jesus.
9. We’ll never know for sure, however it’s possible that the controversy over which bank of the Jordan River Jesus was baptized on has more to do with the two countries (Israel and Jordan) attempting to attract tourists than anything else.

The majority of evidence, on the other hand, refers to the eastern side, the Jordanian side, as the true site of Bethany beyond the Jordan, as well as the location of John’s ministry and the baptism of Jesus. Photograph courtesy of Getty Images/stereostok

Where Else Is the Jordan River Mentioned in the Bible?

The Baptism of Jesus is not the only significant biblical event that takes place on the banks of the Jordan River. Two key Old Testament tales take place along the Jordan River, and the river plays an important role in both narrative. Following the Exodus from Egypt, the next generation of Israelites were finally ordered by God to enter the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering in the desert as a punishment for their failure to believe in the Lord. Whenever the opportunity presented itself, God instructed Joshua to lead the people across the Jordan River, with the priest leading the caravan and carrying the Ark of The Covenant in front of them.

• After crossing the Jordan, the Israelites launched the invasion of Canaan that would follow.
• Years later, the prophet Elijah and his protégé Elisha escaped to the banks of the Jordan River, where they used the river as a natural barrier to defend themselves from threats from Israel’s king, who had come to kill them.
• Elijah was lifted up into heaven in a whirlwind and a chariot of fire after he had reached safety on the eastern side (2 Kings 2:11).
• The crossing of the Jordan River became a sign of God’s supernatural power, the affirmation of His favor, the fulfillment of promise, and the beginning of public ministry throughout the Bible’s narrative.
• Consequently, in many respects, this exact site on the Jordan River had both symbolic and strategic significance—something that John the Baptist would have been fully cognizant.
• Ryan is a children’s author, artist, educator, and public speaker living in Los Angeles who is enthusiastic about assisting young authors in expressing themselves creatively and learning about the glories of their Creator via narrative and art.
• This article is a part of a bigger resource library of Christian questions that are essential to the Christian faith that can be found on our website.
• We hope these articles will answer your concerns regarding Christian living.

What Do Christians Hold to be True? What is the age of the Earth? In the Bible, who is my neighbor and who isn’t? What Is the Appearance of God? Is the existence of Guardian Angels true? What Does It Mean to Be a God-Fearing Individual?

Where was Jesus baptized?

QuestionAnswer Beginning with the fact that “Jesus traveled from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John,” the Gospel of Matthew provides us with the most thorough narrative of Christ’s baptism available anywhere (Matthew 3:13, NLT). “One day Jesus arrived from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River,” says Mark’s gospel. “John baptized him in the Jordan River” means “John baptized him in the Jordan River” (Mark 1:9, NLT). The baptism of Jesus is described in the shortest possible detail in the Gospel of Luke, who does not specify where it took place.

• John the Baptist, the harsh and rugged prophet who was spreading the message that Israel’s promised Messiah was on his way, is presented to us in John 1:19–28.
• John responded by saying that he was only the messenger sent by God to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord.
• “This all took place in Bethany, on the opposite side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing,” the gospel writer relates in his account (John 1:28).
• The village of Bethany, where Jesus was baptized, is located on the other side of the Jordan River, on the east bank of the river.
• According to John 1:29–34, Jesus traveled to the east bank of the Jordan River and was baptized by John the Baptist.
• According to the Bible, a large number of individuals came to Jesus at that location.
• The location of the temple, based on geographical data recorded in Scripture, can be reasonably assumed to be on the eastern bank of the Jordan River.
• Matthew 3:1–6, 13, 4:1; Luke 3:3, 4:1; Mark 1:4–5, 9–12 all refer to the site as being accessible from the wilderness of Judea, the Judean hill country, and Jerusalem.
• It is likely that the region was well-traveled in John the Baptist’s day, since the road from Jerusalem to Jericho carried a steady stream of religious leaders, soldiers, tax-collectors, and other passengers through the region (Matthew 3:7; Luke 3:7–14).

In Joshua’s day, it was in this region that the Israelites took their first steps toward entering the Promised Land (Joshua 1:1–6; Joshua 3:14–17); it was in this region that Elijah and Elisha crossed the Jordan on dry ground and Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:1–12); and it was in this region that Israel anticipated God’s return in glory following the exile (Ezekiel 43:2–4).

Not only was it perhaps convenient for John the Baptist to choose this location because of its accessibility, but it also has a rich historical past and has eschatological importance.

Indelible links would be established between the Lord’s mission and message and the Jewish people and their aspirations for a coming Savior in the spot where Jesus was baptized. Questions regarding Jesus Christ (return to top of page) In what location was Jesus baptized?

Subscribe to the

Get our Question of the Week emailed to your inbox every weekday morning! Got Questions Ministries is a trademark of Got Questions Ministries, Inc., registered in the state of California in the year 2002. All intellectual property rights are retained. Policy Regarding Personal Information The information on this page was last updated on January 4, 2022.

The place where Jesus was baptized – Baptism Site

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he immediately rose to his feet in the water. The heavens were opened at that instant, and he witnessed the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.” (Matthew 3:16-17; Mark 1:16-17) According to the gospels and the testimony of pilgrims and visitors who have visited this revered spot, this site is legitimate in the same way. The archaeological sites that have been uncovered and the accompanying investigations that have been carried out recently reveal the remnants of five churches that were established as memorials to Jesus’ baptism in the 5th century and were each conceived and built in a distinctive way.

Finally, the formal letters given to the Royal Commission by numerous heads of churches from throughout the world serve as a capstone to the entire process.

John the Baptist Modern explorers uncovered the remnants and foundations of a significant number of sandstone piers associated with a Byzantine church erected during the reign of Emperor Anastasius II, about 9 kilometers north of the Dead Sea, about east of the Jordan River and about 9 kilometers north of the Dead Sea (491-518 AD).

John the Baptist.

John the Baptist, which the Emperor Anastasius built: this church is very lofty, being built above large chambers, because the Jordan River overflows when it rains.” Although the pillar indicating the spot where the Lord was baptized has not yet been located, the archaeological and architectural remnants found at the site correspond to what Theodosius stated as the location of the baptismal site.

“We celebrated Epiphany at the side of the, and marvels take occur on that night in the site where the Lord was baptized,” Antoninus Martyr of Piacenza wrote forty years later (A.D.

At the location where the water returned to its bed, there is a mound surrounded by railings, and at the location where the water returned to its bed,’marble stairs fall into the water,’ and the priest descends into the river.” The marble stairs that were recently unearthed and preserved are very similar to those that were reported more than 1400 years ago.

• 3- The Mantle Chapel and the “Baptismal Pool,” which is a first of its kind.
• 670) in his noteworthy notes.
• The result is a massive cruciform baptismal pool in the design, into which pilgrims would descend via marble stairs and be baptized.
• As a matter of fact, this is the only cruciform baptismal pool on the planet that uses river water for its baptismal ritual.
• The marble floor was found to be tilted towards the west and to have fallen ashlars directly over the southwest part of the marble pavement.

The “Lower Basilica” was built at a higher ground level than the surrounding ruins, and it was designed in a different manner from both the mantle chapel and the John the Baptist Church, which were both built high above piers to protect them from floods caused by the River Tiber, as previously mentioned.

1. John the Divine (The Church of The Trinity) Despite the fact that it was constructed at a higher ground level than the surrounding structures, just a small portion of the Basilica has survived.
2. In order to avoid destroying the foundations of previous constructions (such as the lower basilica and the John the Baptist Church), the basilica’s construction made use of the remnants of these structures as foundations, particularly for its northern and southern walls.
3. There are several notable features in the middle aisle, including the sandstone foundations of the chancel screen, a rectangular apse measuring 7.6 meters in length, and the altar (0.8m x 0.8m), which is also formed of sandstone.
4. A rosette is depicted on the vase’s northeastern corner.) Located directly east of the sanctuary wall is a hall that is 4m wide and 6m long, which is a distinctive feature of this Basilica.
5. The place was meticulously detailed by Epiphanius in the second part of the eighth century.
6. The chapel’s remaining structures demonstrate that it was constructed using materials that were comparable to those used in the construction of all of the churches described above.
7. An entrance, 1.6m wide, was located in the middle of the northern wall, leading to the chapel, which today only has the whitish bedding of the pavement as its only remaining feature.
8. ‘The spot where Christ was baptized is as far away from the river as a man may hurl a tiny stone,’ observed Abbot Daniel (ad.

1106-1107), according to his writings. There is a little chapel with an altar on the property. This is the location where our Lord Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Forerunner.” The chapel has recently been renovated, and a shelter has been built to safeguard the chapel’s delicate remnants.

The controversy over the Baptism of Jesus

The majority of experts think that Jesus was baptized at this location along the Jordan River. You may now go to the precise place where John baptized Jesus Christ, thanks to new technology. It might be difficult to distinguish between the guy and the movement at times. This is especially true when the movement has been developed entirely on the individual. However, in order to have a meaningful conversation about Jesus and history, we must temporarily set faith aside and take a step back to see the big picture.

• However, none of this can be proven.
• Some historians even claim that Jesus did not exist at all and that he was a fictitious character constructed only for the purpose of serving as a leader for a new religious movement.
• They just can’t seem to come to terms with who he was and what he accomplished.
• He was described as a charming healer, but some claim he was a political dissident and rebel.
• Because there is so little true personal data about him from that era of his life, it is likely that there will never be a way to know for certain.
• However, there is sufficient evidence for the majority of historians to agree on two points about the historical accuracy of the life of Jesus.

Baptism site Jordan

Not only do the vast majority of people accept that Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, but there is now widespread agreement as to where the baptism took place. Furthermore, it’s located right here in Jordan. In some ways, determining the location of the Jordan baptism site was very straightforward. Scholarly study and archaeological evidence were used in the creation of this work. According to the Bible, there is a site called “Bethabara beyond Jordan” or “Bethany beyond Jordan” where John the Baptist conducted his rites and which is referred to as “Bethany beyond Jordan.” And there is a spot near the Jordan River that is indicated with the name “Bethabara” on the renowned Madaba Map of mosaics that I have previously discussed.

Archaeologists were able to discover the ruins of ancient structures at a location known as Al-Maghtas as a result of their work from that point on.

The churches, chapels, monasteries, and hostels were built to accommodate pilgrims who would come to the site and then travel on to other historically significant sites in the surrounding region thereafter.

Archaeologists, on the other hand, have been able to pinpoint the exact location where they believe Jesus was baptized.

Visiting the baptism site

I’m going to the Jordan baptism site as an optional extra on my G Adventures tour of Jordan, which is a wonderful opportunity to experience all of the country’s highlights in one trip. You’ll note immediately when you arrive to the baptism site in Jordan that it is surrounded by a collection of churches that have been constructed by people of various religions, each of which has provided a place for their adherents. The presence of so many Christian structures in Jordan, a country with a mostly Muslim population, is intriguing; nonetheless, it should be remembered that this was formerly the Holy Land.

• The majority of visitors do not pay a visit to these relatively new churches.
• That’s where Jesus was baptized, at this location.
• It is surrounded by the foundations of a structure that is no longer there.
• In some respects, it’s a little weird to be looking at this webpage and thinking about baptismal services.
• The Jordan River has shifted somewhat further west over the past 2000 years, which has contributed to this shift.

The Jordan River baptism

Jordan baptism location is an optional addition on my G Adventures trip across Jordan, which is a fantastic way to see all of the country’s highlights. You’ll note immediately when you get to the baptism site in Jordan that it is surrounded by a collection of churches that have been constructed by people of various religions, each of which has provided a place for their followers. In a nation with a mostly Muslim population, it is unusual to find so many Christian structures, but it is important to remember that this was formerly known as “the Holy Land.” Other places of the globe may be experiencing the most effect from Christianity nowadays, but this is where it all began.

• Instead, you’ll stroll down a trail through a light woodland until you reach the archaeological remnants of churches that are thousands of years old.
• A ceremonial pool in the shape of a cross is located in the heart of the complex, and stairs lead down to it.
• Several modest chapels and churches dating from various eras following the Baptism of Christ may be found around the pool’s perimeter.
• Because there is so little water in this area (and often none at all), and because there is so little in the way of infrastructure, The Jordan River has shifted slightly westward in the last 2000 years, which has contributed to this shift in direction.

In addition, Al-Maghtas has not been used or maintained on a consistent basis since its construction.

A World Heritage Site

While there is no disagreement regarding the spiritual significance of the waters of the Jordan River, I believe it is a little deceptive to suggest that Qasr el Yahud in Palestine, rather than Al-Maghtas in Jordan, is the Baptism Site of Jesus. Over the years, there has been some controversy concerning the specific location of Jesus’ baptism, and it is not surprise that the Israelis would want people to believe that it took place on their side of the river. However, a choice has already been taken.

• The world community came to a unanimous decision — despite the fact that the official text states that there is no way to definitively determine where Jesus was baptized and that there are competing claims to the spot.
• However, two years later, in 2017, both the United States and Israel declared that they were withdrawing from UNESCO due to what they regarded to be anti-Israel prejudice.
• Both nations officially withdrew from the EU on the first of January, 2019.
• I make an effort not to worry about the debate as I sit down by the river, take off my shoes and socks, and dangle my feet in the flowing water.
• Across the street from us, a pretty big group of well-dressed individuals are singing as they prepare to begin a baptism ceremony on the other side of the street, surrounded by more luxurious equipment.
• A guy was baptized here, by a river in the middle of a desert, 2000 years ago.
• Some of that transition was accompanied by conflict from the beginning, and it is unfortunate that it is still occurring two millennia later.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT JORDAN?

See my Jordan Travel Guide for more information. When I go overseas, I make it a point to purchase travel insurance. In the event of a medical emergency or other major disaster, it is not worth the risk to take the chance. I strongly advise you to use World Nomads for your travel arrangements.

How do we know this is where Jesus was baptized?

For further information, please see my Jordan Vacation Guide.

Travel insurance is always a must for me when I am traveling abroad. In the event of a medical emergency or other catastrophic occurrence, it is not worth the risk to take the chances. I strongly advise you to book your vacation with World Nomads.

The baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17) – The identity of Jesus – CCEA – GCSE Religious Studies Revision – CCEA

While John the Baptist was baptizing people in the Jordan River, Jesus came up to him and spoke with him. John attempted to persuade Jesus to alter his mind, but Jesus said, “In this way, we shall fulfill all of God’s requirements.” As a result, John consented. When Jesus was baptized, he immediately rose to his feet out of the water. Heaven was opened to him, and he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on his shoulder. Then a voice from heaven said, “This is my own loving son, with whom I am pleased,” and the scene ended.

Background

In the desert, John the Baptist preached, exhorting people to repent of their sins and to be baptized as a token of their repentance (Matthew 3:11–13). They needed to prepare for the possibility of a more powerful someone pursuing him. There are several parallels between John the Baptist and the Old Testament prophet Elijah. They’re both like this:

• The disciples spent time in the desert
• They dressed in plain, basic attire (John donned a camel hair garment with a leather belt)
• They were outspoken and frequently angered people (John referred to religious authorities as vipers)
• And they delivered a message from God.

They spent time in the desert, wore plain, basic attire (John wore a camel hair tunic with a leather belt), were outspoken and often angered others (John referred to religious authorities as vipers), and delivered a word from God to anyone who would listen.

Understanding the text

Matthew records that when Jesus asked John to baptise him, John was reluctant to do so. This could be for the following reasons:

• Despite the fact that baptism is intended to cleanse a person of sin, Jesus is God’s son and therefore sinless
• Jesus is the greater person John has been telling people about, so John does not consider himself worthy to baptize him
• Baptism is intended to cleanse a person of sin, yet Jesus is God’s son and therefore sinless
• Baptism is intended to cleanse a person of sin

There were a number of notable events that occurred at the time of Jesus’ baptism:

• Heaven was opened
• God’s spirit fell on Jesus
• God’s word was heard
• And the world was transformed.

In the form of a dove, which is commonly used as a sign of peace, God’s spirit is depicted as descending on Jesus. This provides Jesus with the authority to equip him for his work. In the background, God’s voice may be heard saying, “This is my own loving son with whom I am delighted.” This further establishes Jesus’ status as the Son of God. The throngs of people who have gathered on the banks of the Jordan River will be confident that this is the greater person whom John has been teaching them about for so long.

The special place of Jesus’ baptism

Wikimedia Commons is the source of this image. Barb Ernster contributed to this article. – The Holy Land is considered to be the fifth gospel, according to some. The location where Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River is a significant aspect of the narrative. From a geographical standpoint, it is located in Jordan on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, near the Israeli border. Due to its placement on top of a fault line between two main plates, the Jordan River empties into the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on the planet below sea level and has the lowest elevation below sea level in the world.

1. One has to ask if the fact that Jesus gets baptized and begins his ministry at this location is only a coincidence.
2. Biblically speaking, this region has a long and illustrious history, one of which John the Baptist was undoubtedly aware, and it was a significant destination for Jews in the first century.
3. Moses did not reach the land “flowing with milk and honey,” as God had said, but rather died and was buried on Mount Nebo, a short distance away.
4. Located at a point where the river narrows to around 50 feet in width, this place is a popular picnic spot.
5. One can view Qumran from the Jordanian side of the border; this is the site where the ancient Dead Sea scrolls were found.
6. Jesus then returned across the Jordan River to the site of John’s baptism, where he resided for the rest of his life.
7. Imagine that this hallowed region, where God’s message resided, was a sanctuary of isolation and protection for Jesus in the face of the authorities’ hatred toward him throughout his time here on earth.

In it, Elijah rode up to heaven on the backs of horses of fire after striking the Jordan River with his chariot so that he and Elisha might pass across on dry ground.

2:1-12] A “double share” of Elijah’s spirit is given to Elisha as a result of this.

John the Baptist that this incident and the prophesy that Elijah would return before the day of the Lord were significant, and he spoke about both (Mal 3:23).

Despite the fact that John did not claim to be Elijah or the prophet who was to precede the Messiah (cf.

He referred to John the Baptist as “.Elijah, the one who is to come” and described him as “.the one who is to come” (Mt 11:14).

The connection between John and Elijah is established once more by Jesus after the Transfiguration, when He and the apostles are on their way down the mountain.

“Elijah will definitely come first and restore all things (by baptism),” Jesus says in the parable.

Archaeologists dug the region east of the Jordan River in 1996 and uncovered the site where John was performing his baptisms, which they named the Baptismal Site.

The excavations found more than 20 churches, caverns, and baptismal pools that date back to the Roman and Byzantine periods, according to the report.

During Joshua’s journey to deliver the Israelites into their promised land, in the presence of the Ark of the Covenant, the waters of the Jordan River split and provided a route for them to follow.

When Jesus is baptized, He divides the waters of the Jordan with His own Body, guiding His people to the promised land of heaven through the sanctifying waters of the Jordan River.

“The Savior desired to be baptized, not so that He might be cleaned Himself, but so that the water may be purified for us.” St. Augustine is a saint who lived in the fifth century. Spread the word about this article:

Celebrating Baptism: The Jordan River in the Time of Jesus

Flowing through the Jordan Rift Valley, the Jordan River spills into the Sea of Galilee and then continues down into theDead Sea, where there is no outlet for it. It has played host to a number of significant biblical events. Most Christians, on the other hand, would associate the river with the scene of Jesus Christ being baptized by John the Baptist, which took place there. Following the Nativity Grotto in Bethlehem and Golgotha in Jerusalem as the most sacred sites in the Holy Land, the Jordan River is regarded as the third most sacred site in the Holy Land by Christians.

1. John the Baptist is a biblical figure.
2. The Essenes, who were living an austere life in the wilderness of Qumran or Ein Gedi around the time of John’s death, are thought to have had an impact on him, according to several academics.
3. It seemed as though the Jordan River were a perfectmikvahwith continually flowing water.
4. The Gospel of Matthew depicts him as the person prophesied by Isaiah in his prophecy: “A voice of one calling out in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, create straight paths for him.'” (See Isaiah 40:3 for further information).
5. The Holy Spirit and fire will be poured forth on you as a baptismal washing.” (See Matthew 3:11) The Baptism of Jesus and Its Implications Christ was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist, who was also known as the Baptist.
6. When he looked up, he saw the heavens open and the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him.
7. Baptism with water, which has been practiced since the founding of the Church, symbolizes acceptance into the Christian community and is required for salvation in the Catholic Church.

When we are baptized, we are doing it in the name of God: “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” 28:19) (Matthew 28:19) Aside from that, Christians equate baptism with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus as follows: “And this water represents baptism, which now saves you through Jesus Christ’s resurrection.” (3:21) (1 Peter 3:21) Different Christian faiths have different procedures when it comes to baptism.

• Christian infants, both Orthodox and Catholic, are receiving the sacrament at the age of one or two.
• However, according to the customs of the Orthodox and other Eastern churches, a newborn would be entirely submerged in water during the baptismal ceremony.
• Qasr el Yahud is the location of Jesus’ baptism.
• The location lies in the wilderness of the Jordan River Valley, north of the Dead Sea and east of Jericho, and is accessible only by boat.
• Being baptized at the same spot where Jesus was baptized is a spiritual high point for any Christian believer who has the opportunity.
• Showers, prayer facilities, wheelchair access, and better parking are all available on-site, in addition to other amenities.
• (35 IL).

This ceremony takes place at Qasr el Yahud, which is located in the Holy Land.

There are also more biblical events associated with Qasr el Yahud.

Joshua, in command of the Israelites, crossed the Jordan River and entered the Land of Canaan at that point (Joshua 3).

How to get there: Qasr el Yahud is located close north of the Dead Sea, on the Jordan River.

Drive roughly 2.5 km (1.5 miles) until you reach a grove, and then turn east in the direction of a sign indicating Qasr al-Yahud, which is the location of the tombs.

Hiring a cab driver or going on a private tour can be a good idea.

to 5 p.m.

in the winter, except on Fridays, when it is open from 8 a.m.

in the summer and until 2 p.m.

There is no entrance fee for this event.

Yardenit A large number of pilgrims travel to the Holy Land with the express purpose of being baptized in the Jordan River; as a result, the site of Yardenit was established in 1981 as a result of the closure of Qasr el Yahud, which occurred at the time as a result of the unrest in the region’s political situation.

1. It is a special feature of Yardenit that is made up of panels in several languages that show a passage from Mark that describes Jesus’ baptism.
2. ” During those days, Jesus traveled from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by the apostle John.
3. Then he heard a voice from heaven say, “Thou are my beloved Son; with thee I am pleased.” (Matthew 1:9-11) All those who have undergone baptism at this location have their names inscribed on ‘The Wall of New Existence,’ which represents the beginning of their new life.
4. Additionally, there are large changing rooms with showers and toilets for your convenience.
5. If you want to go by public transit from Jerusalem, Egged bus961, which continues to Yardenit, departs from the Jerusalem Central Bus Station at 2:15 p.m.
6. at the Jerusalem Central Bus Station.
7. Hours of operation:From March to November, Sunday through Thursday from 8 a.m.

to 4 p.m.

to 5 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m.

In order to confirm the site’s operating hours for the main Jewish holidays, call (04) 675-9111.

Tours available on a daily basis: You may visit Qasr El Yahud as part of the Qasr el Yahud and West Bank trip, which departs from Jerusalem on Saturdays and brings you to the West Bank.

Alternatively, you may hire a private guide to accompany you (and combine many other area sites as well, including Mt.

Temptations, Jericho, Qumran, and the Dead Sea). Beata Andonia is employed by the Bethlehem tourism bureau and writes a regular blog on Bethlehem for Travelujah-Holy Land Tours about her experiences there. Her home country of origin is Poland, and she relocated to Bethlehem in 2010.

Where was Jesus baptized? UNESCO says Jordan, not Israel

Jordanian city of Al-Maghtas For centuries, Christian pilgrims have stepped into the Jordan River from both its eastern and western banks in order to connect with a central event in their religion – Jesus’ baptism. Jordan and Israel were able to compete for tourism revenue by promoting one of the most important places in Christian history because of their comparable traditions. Jordan’s baptismal region on the eastern bank has officially been designated a World Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

• There were applause when the decision was announced in Jordan, where the number of visitors has plummeted dramatically since the Arab Spring of 2011 and the advent of the Islamic State organization.
• The UNESCO judgment also drew the attention of a number of researchers.
• Experts who assessed Jordan’s UNESCO proposal admitted that there is no credible archaeological evidence to support the claim that “Bethany Beyond the Jordan,” also known as al-Maghtas, Arabic meaning baptism, is the true site of the biblical city of Bethlehem.
• Several texts in the New Testament refer to Jesus’ baptism as the beginning of his public ministry.
• Jordan’s tourism minister, Nayef al-Fayez, told the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization that the country is delivering a message of tolerance.
• In the West Bank, the Israeli-run site, known as Qasr al-Yahud, is one of three sites taken by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war and desired by the Palestinians for the establishment of a state.
• Palestinians would profit if the city of Qasr al-Yahud were to be added to the World Heritage list if they were to achieve statehood, yet pushing for this at this time might anger their partner, Jordan.

A half-million people flocked to Qasr al-Yahud in Israel last year, compared to several tens of thousands who visited the Jordanian side, according to Israeli officials.

Ukrainian pilgrims wore white robes with baptismal themes, which they purchased for $8 from a gift store, over their swimwear throughout their visit.

Worshippers from South Africa were singing “Glory, Glory Hallelujah” to the accompaniment of an acoustic guitar on a hilltop above them.

For decades, such sights were unthinkable, and they still are.

Over the years, Israel has permitted access to pilgrims on religious festivals, and in 2011, after removing neighboring mines, it opened Qasr al-Yahud for daily visits, albeit thousands of mines remain buried in the surrounding region.

Archaeological excavations revealed the ruins of baptismal pools, chapels, and monks’ caves – a setting that was represented in the narratives of early pilgrims.

Some experts believe that a baptismal place in the eastern hemisphere would make sense.

As Yisca Harani, an Israeli specialist on pilgrimage, put it, “If there is a theological imperative to utilize one side, I would recommend the eastern half.” She went on to remark that the western side was “a bit of a stretch.” In Harani’s opinion, however, the designation of both banks as a single location should have been made in order to better symbolize the significance of baptism as a trip from the “spiritual desert” to the Holy Land.

A number of religions, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Greek Orthodox Church, and the Lutheran Church, have issued letters of support for the Jordanian side, which has been visited by three popes since 2000, including the Roman Catholic Church.

“People come from all over the world to celebrate Epiphany,” he added, adding that worshipers “gather in the river” during the festivities.

Laub reported from the West Bank city of Qasr al-Yahud. Mohammed Daraghmeh, a journalist for the Associated Press based in Ramallah, West Bank, contributed to this report. The spelling of Yisca Harani’s name has been fixed in this story, which was previously incorrect.