Get Baptised at the Same Site as Jesus
If you would like to follow the footsteps of Jesus and get baptized in the Jordan River, then you may want to check out Bethany-Beyond-the-Jordan where many believe the biblical John the Baptist lived and baptized Jesus.
Border disputes between Israel and Jordan resulted in the area being covered with thousands of landmines and it has only become accessible in 1996 after the two countries signed the 1994 Peace Agreement. It took two years of clearing landmines to make the area safe for archaeologists to come in an excavate whereupon they quickly uncovered an astonishing 21 ancient sites including five baptismal pools from the Roman and Byzantine periods; a Byzantine monastery; 11 Byzantine churches (many with mosaics and Greek inscriptions); caves of monks and hermits; and lodgings for pilgrims. None of these ruins however, date back to the time of Christ leading some to believe that Jesus was baptized on the west bank in Israel – but who really knows – that was a very long time ago.
Border disputes between Israel and Jordan resulted in the area being covered with thousands of landmines and it has only become accessible in 1996 after the two countries signed the 1994 Peace Agreement. It took two years of clearing landmines to make the area safe for archaeologists to come in an excavate whereupon they quickly uncovered an astonishing 21 ancient sites including five baptismal pools from the Roman and Byzantine periods; a Byzantine monastery; 11 Byzantine churches (many with mosaics and Greek inscriptions); caves of monks and hermits; and lodgings for pilgrims. None of these ruins however, date back to the time of Christ leading some to believe that Jesus was baptized on the west bank in Israel – but who really knows – that was a very long time ago.
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In January 2000, over 40,000 people gathered at the Baptism Site along with church leaders from 15 world churches in a massive pilgrimage. Shortly after, the Armenian Church officially declared the site to be the location of the baptism of Jesus and on March 20, Pope John Paul II held an outdoor mass at the site with 25,000 worshippers in attendance. The site is still a military zone and potential border crossing into Israel and that’s why people are not allowed to walk around the site unescorted. At times, the Jordan River is so low that a person could easily wade over to Israel.
The tour, which is given in both English and Arabic, starts at a site with the ruins of three ancient churches and a large staircase descending into what, during periods of higher water, was a baptismal pond. Depending on the time of year, the pond may be dry or have little water. This is the site where many believe Jesus was baptized, however others believe the baptism took place on the Israeli side of the river. The guide will also bring you to the newest baptism pool complete with outdoor seating and a speaker’s platform. Church groups often reserve this area for pilgrimages to the holy land and to perform baptisms. |
In fact, Pope John Paul II visited the site on his tour of the Holy Land on March 21st 2000 and Pope Benedict XVI visited the site on May 9th 2009. Upon your request (and if the guide has the time) he will take you on the longer tour of the site which includes walking to some caves once inhabited by the holy men who lived at the site. Maybe John the Baptist stayed in one of the cave...you never know!
The tour ends on a platform overlooking the Jordan River constructed for those wanting to be baptized in the actual river. Across the river you can see a similar more elaborate platform built bythe Israelis. So be sure to visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan and get baptized in the Jordan River or at least dip your toe in and say a prayer like I did just to be safe!
The tour ends on a platform overlooking the Jordan River constructed for those wanting to be baptized in the actual river. Across the river you can see a similar more elaborate platform built bythe Israelis. So be sure to visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan and get baptized in the Jordan River or at least dip your toe in and say a prayer like I did just to be safe!
Teresa the Traveler at Baptism Pond
Modern Baptism Pool on Site
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Church at Bethany Beyond Jordan
Church on site
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Beduin Guide
Map of Site
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Baptism platform on Jordan River
Cave where monks lived
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The Story of the Baptism of Jesus
John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus, was God’s appointed messenger who traveled throughout Jerusalem and Judea to announce the coming of the Messiah. He encouraged the people to repent, quit sinning and be baptized. During one of his baptism ceremonies Jesus appeared and asked to be baptized but John said, “I need to be baptized by you.” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” John consented and baptized Jesus whereupon the heaven opened and the spirit of God descended upon him. Witnesses claim to have heard a voice from heaven saying, “This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus, was God’s appointed messenger who traveled throughout Jerusalem and Judea to announce the coming of the Messiah. He encouraged the people to repent, quit sinning and be baptized. During one of his baptism ceremonies Jesus appeared and asked to be baptized but John said, “I need to be baptized by you.” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” John consented and baptized Jesus whereupon the heaven opened and the spirit of God descended upon him. Witnesses claim to have heard a voice from heaven saying, “This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
BUSINESS RECOMENDATIONS
Khaled Amin Al-Araj
Cab Driver– English Speaking Guide Mobile: 962 77 7461013 Email: Khalidalaraj@yahoo.com Khaled teaches English to Jordanians during the week and on his days off drives a taxi Rent a Reliable Car
Mohammed Hallak – Manager Amman/Madaba, Jordan Tel: 6-5929676 Email reliable@nets.com.jo The cars are nice and they deliver them right to your hotel and pick them up as well. |
Teresa the Traveler's Bethany Beyond the Jordan Travel TipsBe Nice to Your Guide - If you are nice to the guide, and he/she has the time, they may bring you to some of the more remote areas of the site that are not offered on the general tours.
Go When the Water is High - Water levels rise and fall depending on the time of year and whether or not there is a drought. If you are hopng to find baptismal ponds full of water you may want to check into when the best time of the year is. Bring Comfortable Shoes - This is a walking tour, so make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes that you don't mind getting dirty as most of the paths are made of dirt. For tips on visiting Jordan CLICK HERE For tips on visiting the Middle East CLICK HERE For general travel tips on what to pack and how to plan ahead CLICK HERE For tips on travelling on a budget CLICK HERE
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Where I Stayed...
Mariam Hotel 7110 Aisha Um Mu’meneen St, Madaba, Jordan Tel:00 962 5 325 1529 Email: mh@go.com.jo Website: www.mariamhotel.com Check them out on Trip Advisor 
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HOW TO GET THERE – To get to the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea, fly into the capital city of Amman, then take a minibus to Madaba. From there hire a cab driver to take you to the Dead Sea on a daytrip or if you want to splurge, you can book a hotel right on the Dead Sea. Bethany Beyond the Jordan is located on the North end of the Dead Sea, signs along the highway will indicate the turn-off.
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