Place Where Jesus Was Baptized

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.

  1. 3- The Mantle Chapel and the “Baptismal Pool,” which is a first of its kind.
  2. 670) in his important notes.
  3. Hence, in plan we have a huge cruciform baptismal pool, where pilgrims would descend through the marble steps and be baptized.
  4. In fact this is the only cruciform baptismal pool on earth that used the river water for baptism.
  5. Parts of the southern wall of the “Lower Basilica” could also be seen in those trenches.
  6. 5 – The Basilica (The Church of The Trinity) (The Church of The Trinity) Although it was built at a ground level higher than the surrounding remains, relatively little remains of the Basilica.
  7. Since the basilica was built over the remains of earlier structures (the lower basilica and John the Baptist Church), its construction made use of these remains as foundations, especially for its northern and southern walls.
  8. Features in the central aisle include the sandstone foundations of the chancel screen, a rectangular apse measuring 7.6 meters long and in its center the altar (0.8m x 0.8m), made of sandstone.
  9. On the northeast corner of the vase a rosette is depicted).
  10. It had a marble floor of various geometric shapes and colors and a gate to the east in line with the staircase that leads to the lower uniquely designed cruciform baptismal pool.

Among the things he mentioned was that John the Baptist dwelled in a cave with a spring, about a mile beyond the, and added: “On the bank of the river is the church of the forerunner and another big church in honor of the Trinity.” 6 – The Chapel At some point, after the destruction of the four piers over which the mantle chapel was carried on 4 vaults and arcs, a small chapel with a small apse was built on the remains of the northwest pier.

The existing remains of the chapel show that it was built using materials similar to all the churches mentioned above.

In the midst of the northern wall an entrance, 1.6m wide led to the chapel in which only the whitish bedding of the pavement now remains.

Abbot Daniel (A.D 1106-1107) wrote “The place where Christ was baptized is distant from the river as far as a man can throw a small stone.

There is a little chapel with an altar. This marks the place where John the Forerunner baptized our Lord Jesus Christ”. The chapel was recently restored and a shelter was added to protect its fragile remains.

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.

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

The Jordan River baptism

To get to where the river is currently, you’ll need to walk a little further down the road. It is nevertheless spiritual, even though the location of the water is not historically significant, unlike the traditional baptism site, because of the presence of water. It is the symbolism that the Jordan River conveys that is so significant. It is a place where Christians from all over the world may come and perform baptisms in the same river where John the Baptist performed one on Jesus 2000 years earlier.

Palestine is located on the other side of the world, close enough to have a discussion or hurl something.

The Jordan baptism location is quite peaceful today, although the other site is fairly crowded.

On the other side lies a territory known as Qasr el Yahud, which, despite the fact that it is located in Palestine, is controlled and governed by Israel.

In Israel’s view, this is a means of attracting Christian tourists and pilgrims who wish to visit the Jordan River in order to be baptized. They are attempting to entice guests who might prefer to go from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv rather than from Amman, with the assistance of some creative marketing.

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.
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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.

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:

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.

  • 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).
  • 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.
  • The Holy Spirit will baptize you with the Holy Spirit, not with water, as I have done (Mark 1:7-8).
  • Immediately following his baptism, Jesus rose to his feet out of the water.
  • “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am delighted,” a voice from heaven said.
  • 3:16-17 (KJV) It is estimated that Jesus was around 30 years old at the time of his baptism.
  • According to the apostle John, he stayed there and a large number of people came to him.
  • And it was at that location that many people came to trust in Jesus.
  • 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.
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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.

  1. 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.
  2. John responded by saying that he was only the messenger sent by God to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord.
  3. “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).
  4. 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.
  5. According to John 1:29–34, Jesus traveled to the east bank of the Jordan River and was baptized by John the Baptist.
  6. According to the Bible, a large number of individuals came to Jesus at that location.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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).
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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?

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How do we know this is where Jesus was baptized?

In response, John said, “I baptize with water, but among you sits one whom you do not know.” The one who comes after me, whose sandals I am not worthy of untying, is he.” “He is the one whose sandal straps I am not worthy of untying.” John was baptizing people at Bethany, which was on the other side of the Jordan at the time of this event. The Baptism of Jesus is, without a doubt, one of the most important motifs in Christian art. Almost every great master of the Renaissance, from Giotto to Verrocchio, and from Piero Della Francesca to Perugino and Leonardo da Vinci, has worked on this iconic biblical scene at some point in his or her career.

  • All three of these scenes are set in Jerusalem.
  • But, more importantly, do we truly know where this one-of-a-kind occurrence is alleged to have occurred?
  • Madaba, located about half an hour south of Amman, is home to the largest Christian community in Jordan, at least in terms of relative size: both Catholics and Greek Orthodox Christians account for around 10% of the city’s total population, according to official figures.
  • This is the time period between the second and seventh centuries, when the Christian community of the city came to be founded in the city.
  • The Greek Orthodox church of St.
  • Furthermore, it is at this location that the most remarkable and revealing map of the Holy Land can be found: the famed “Madaba Map,” a complex floor mosaic dating from the 6th century and the world’s oldest geographical portrayal of the Holy Land still in existence today.
  • Within it, you will find more than 150 towns, villages, cities and other points of interest, as well as some very curious symbols, which some archaeologists believe to symbolize pilgrimage sites.

During their swim in the Jordan River, one of them appears to be swimming away from the Dead Sea while the other appears to be swimming towards it.

Most historians and archaeologists thus see this as symbolizing a moment of convergence for Christian communities.

Al-Maghtas is the name of the location.

Bathing in water (immersion) differs from other types of baptism such as affusion (pouring) and aspersion (sprinkling), and biblical scholars generally believe that the early church favoured bathing in water (immersion), maybe inspired by Jesus’ personal baptism.

As far back as Byzantine times, this spot has been revered not just as the original site of Jesus’ baptism, but also as the location where John the Baptist lived and served, and as the scene of the Prophet Elijah’s ascension into Heaven.

One of these is Jabar Mar-Elias, which translates as “Elijah’s Hill.” This is the location where, according to tradition, Elijah went to heaven around the 9th century BC.

“I am a wailing voice in the desert, preparing the path of the Lord,” he said.

In the 5th century, a monastery was erected around it, becoming the first monastery to be established on the Eastern side of the River.

John the Baptist, which is located close the river itself.

A magnificent Byzantine church and monastery, erected during the time of Emperor Anastasius II, was discovered here by archaeologists, along with the remains and foundations of the structure (491-518 AD).

John the Baptist on this side of the river, according to various historical sources including the testimony of Theodosius, who wrote: “5 miles north of the Dead Sea, in the place where the Lord was baptized, there is a single pillar, and on the pillar an iron cross has been fastened, and there too is the church of Saint John the Baptist, which the Emperor Anastasius built.” Despite the fact that the pillar designating this location has not yet been unearthed, the archaeological and architectural relics found here are consistent with what Theodosius reported.

No doubt, the fact that Jesus’ baptism took place by the Jordan River was a happy coincidence.

The crossing of the Jordan River, like the crossing of the Red Sea, is not so much an escape as it is an arrival: it is more of an arrival.

Is this the place of Christ’s baptism?

One of the most important biblical sites in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is known as “al-Maghtas,” which literally translates as “baptism” or “immersion” in Arabic. It is one of the most significant biblical locations in the world. It is located on the eastern coast of the River Jordan, right across the stream from its Israeli counterpart known as “Qasr al-Yahud” (“the castle of the Jews”), which is only a few feet away across the stream. Traditionally, this is the location on the Jordan River where the Israelites under Joshua are said to have miraculously crossed on dry ground into the Promised Land (Joshua 3:14-17), where the prophet Elijah was taken to heaven, and where John the Baptist baptized Jesus, according to biblical tradition.

  • While this was going on, the Israelis built a northern baptismal site named Yardenit, which is located just south of the Sea of Galilee and is historically insignificant.
  • It is undeniably true that ancient Christians were reverently honoring the location as early as the fourth century A.D.
  • John the Baptist at al-Maghtas late in the fifth century during his reign.
  • This was a significant historical event.
  • Several hundred people flocked to hear John the Baptist speak and be baptized in “the desert of Judea,” according to the New Testament.
  • If this is correct, then John’s action appears to have taken place around Jericho, a very old city located on the river’s west side, just north of the Dead Sea, and at the southern end of the Jordan River.
  • The authorities of the Jews in Jerusalem dispatched priests and Levites to the Jordan River Valley (which is thousands of feet below sea level) to question John about his identity.
  • (To which he responded that he was not.) Why would they ask him that specific question in the first place?
  • John was dressed in clothing made of camel hair and skin (Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:6), which recalls the prophet Elijah’s very similar attire (Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:6).
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One other possible explanation, though, may be related to the place itself: Elijah was originally from Gilead, which is a region east of the Jordan River that is regarded as the “Holy Land.” Today, it is referred to as Jal’ad, and it is located entirely inside the borders of Jordan’s northern region.

  1. According to the story, Elijah and his successor Elisha journeyed from Jericho eastward to the bank of the Jordan River to pray.
  2. Once again, the miracle was performed after Elijah’s ascension.
  3. As a result, John appears to have emerged in the exact same location — on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, not far from Jericho — where the identically clad Elijah had inexplicably vanished around nine centuries before.
  4. It’s fair to say that the priests and Levites of the first century who inquired as to whether John was the prophet Elijah were not asking an entirely unreasonable inquiry.
  5. (Matthew 3:15).

William Hamblin is the author of many works on premodern history, the most recent of which was published in 2012. They are only speaking for themselves.

Can I Get Baptized Where Jesus Was Baptized?

Waiting For The Word/Photo courtesy of Flickr. The Jordan River was the location of Jesus’ first meeting with John the Baptist when he was around 30 years old. This was around six months after John began preaching, and it was not only a pleasant visit, nor was it to inquire as to how John’s ministry was developing in the eyes of Jesus. Jesus appears and approaches John, requesting that he baptize him. John, on the other hand, is naturally dismissive. “I am the one who has to be baptized by you, and you are coming to me?” John wonders.

  • Moreover, he recognizes that the baptism he is administering is for individuals who have repented of their sins.
  • The Lord insists on the timing despite John’s disapproval, stating, “Let it be now, for in that way it will be appropriate for us to carry out everything that is righteous” (Matthew 3:15).
  • His eyes were awakened as He witnessed the Spirit of God descending like a dove and shining on Him at that time.
  • What a moving experience that must have been for those who had gathered by the Jordan River on that particular day.
  • Baptism was required in the New Testament for anybody who decided to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
  • In the context of baptism, there are two fundamental goals.
  • A very intimate encounter awaited you when you accepted Jesus as your personal Savior.

You are a member of the Church, the Body of Christ, and you are linked to one another as members of God’s family, as brothers and sisters.

And that includes the sacrament of baptism.

People were baptized by John.

When a person followed the Lord into the waters of baptism, he or she was making an official, public declaration that they were believers in Christ and a part of the Christian movement, according to the early Church.

‘I am a member of God’s family,’ I believe.

To take the next step in your spiritual path and to follow in the footsteps of Christ, you can be baptized in the same section of the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized, which is located in the Wilderness of John the Baptist!

The baptism of Jesus is mentioned by all four Gospel writers, although only John identifies the location as Bethany across the Jordan River.

The site is divided into two different areas: Tell al-Kharrar, also known as Jabal Mar-Elias (Elijah’s Hill), and the region containing the chapels of St.

Tell al-Kharrar is located in the Tell al-Kharrar neighborhood.

Further downriver, nearer the river, the massive archaeological remnants of early Christian churches may be found just where the early Christians thought Jesus was baptized.

From the 4th century CE forward, this location, where John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, became a popular pilgrimage destination.

As Jacinthus the Presbyter described in the late 11th century, “On the feast of the Epiphany cripples and ailing persons come and, using the rope to support themselves, drop down to immerse themselves in the water: ladies who are barren also come here.” Even today, people travel long distances to seek physical and spiritual healing from those same waters.

  1. The baptism of Jesus by John, recorded in the New Testament, is a watershed moment in the life of Jesus and a watershed event in the history of the Christian Church.
  2. Besides serving as a metaphorical “river of life,” the Jordan was also recognized as the place of a divine manifestation of God, for just as water had been the fundamental element that saw God’s creation, the Jordan had seen the beginning of Jesus’ life and ministry.
  3. A large number of chapels and guest homes have been constructed just beyond the boundaries of the protected area to serve pilgrims of various religious beliefs.
  4. These were His final words to them, and these were the things He truly wanted them to remember until He came back to take them home.

Due to the fact that baptism is a sign of God’s favor as well as a means of publicly declaring our loyalty to Him, Jesus mandates it for His disciples. It is recommended that you consider being baptized at Bethany beyond the Jordan if you are ready to obey Jesus’ order.

Al Maghtas, Jordan

Jordan is the location. The year 2015 has been designated. Culture is a category. Criteria:(iii)(vi) The following is the reason behind the designation: The place where Jesus of Nazareth is believed to have been baptized by John the Baptist symbolizes the beginning of one of the world’s major faiths and incorporates numerous additional sites that are significant to all three Abrahamic religions, including the site of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist. Jesus came to John in order to be baptized by him, according to John 1:28, and the Bible pinpoints Bethany beyond the Jordan as the spot where he did so (Matthew 3:13).

Historically, religious historians believe that this is the location where Jesus began his career and called together his first disciples (and future apostles): Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael (John 1:35-51).

John the Baptist Church, at the bottom of a set of worn marble stairs going down to a natural spring.

Sandstone walls dating back to the first century A.D.

Throughout the years, medieval saints, monks, and scribes have maintained that this is the location of the baptismal ceremony.

At Al Maghtas, a larger collection of old and modern churches serves as a tribute to the global growth of Christianity, as well as to the spirit of tolerance that has prevailed under Jordanian Islamic authority.

Hermit monks used to live in the neighboring caverns, which are now open to the public and easily accessible.

Peace, understanding, and religious tolerance between all peoples are promoted via the establishment of a worldwide holy site, which is the overarching aim of this location.

To travel to Al Maghtas is to walk in the footsteps of ancient prophets, holy men, and pilgrims, as well as to see the very origins of so many things in the current world, all in one place.

How to Get There

The Dead Sea Highway is about 45 minutes away from Amman, making it a quick trip. Sweimeh is located on the right (north) side of the road; follow the signage. The trip from the Dead Sea resorts to the Allenby Bridge is about 15 to 20 minutes long and takes you through beautiful countryside.

How to Visit

The baptism site is much more than just a spring, so don’t anticipate a fast drive-by tour if you’re just passing through. Visiting all of the many sites, shrines, and churches in the region might easily take up a whole day of one’s time. For a better understanding of the historical setting, stop by the visitors center and enjoy a tour with a local guide who will lead you through 2,000 years of history. Keep in mind that this is still a rather sensitive border location between the east and west banks of the Jordan River, and that the situation is fluid.

When to Visit

This location is open year-round (8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the winter), yet it’s important to know that the Jordan River can overflow and flood during the winter months, so be cautious when visiting (December and January). The last admittance is one hour prior to the end of business hours.

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