11/01/2025 0 Comments
Bethany Beyond the Jordan – Baptism Site Visitor’s Guide 2025
Bethany Beyond the Jordan – Baptism Site Visitor’s Guide 2025
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Bethany Beyond the Jordan – Baptism Site Visitor’s Guide 2025
Article by Emma Tryon
If you are hoping to see the authentic and exact location of Jesus’s baptism, you will need to visit a site called Bethany Beyond the Jordan. This is situated in the country of Jordan on the East Bank of the River Jordan. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know to plan an independent visit to Bethany Beyond the Jordan in 2025 (The Baptism Site).
Why Visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan?
One of the main reasons that people visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan is to visit the site of the baptism of Jesus. The baptism of Jesus is a very significant story in the Gospels. Jesus’s baptism marked the start of his ministry of miracles and teaching. After his baptism, he was led by the Holy Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. The baptism story is also an example of a Holy Trinity moment in the Bible. According to the gospel accounts, when Jesus was brought out of the water, the father’s voice was heard audibly saying, “This is my son in whom I am well pleased; listen to him,” and the Holy Spirit descended on him in the form of a dove.
There are also some lesser known biblical events associated with this site too. For example this is though to be the area that Joshua crossed the river Jordan before travelling north to Jericho. It is thought to be the location that Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind and Elisha took the Mantle that fell from Elijah (2 Kings 2:1-22)
However, the baptism site may also be of interest to non-Christians. This area has a fascinating culture and history. In 2015, Bethany Beyond the Jordan was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which underscores its importance as a place of historical and religious significance. Many dignitaries, religious leaders, and world leaders have visited this site over the years.
Many people visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan to be baptised at this super special site.
Is Bethany Beyond the Jordan the Authentic Baptism Site of Jesus?
The Baptism Site, “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas), is considered by the majority of the Christian Churches to be the location where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. The actual baptism site is now disconnected from the path of the River Jordan. However during Jesus’ time this current recognised Site of Jesus’ baptism was connected to the path of the Jordan River. There is also additional evidence that supports this as the genuine spot that Jesus was baptised.
Here is some evidence supporting the authenticity of this site:
- Historical and Biblical Accounts: The belief in Bethany Beyond the Jordan as the authentic baptism site is based on historical and biblical accounts. The New Testament, particularly in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John, references a place “Beyond the Jordan” as the location where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. This biblical reference suggests that the site was east of the Jordan River.
- The Madaba Mosaic map (pictured above) is the oldest surviving map of the Holy Land and dates back to the 6th Century. This map depicts the river Jordan and the Baptism Site of Jesus on the east bank near the outlet into the Dead Sea.
- Early Christian Tradition: Early Christian tradition, as documented by figures such as Eusebius of Caesarea, an ancient Christian historian, identifies Bethany Beyond the Jordan as the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. These early Christian writings have helped establish the site’s significance in Christian tradition.
- Archaeological Discoveries: Archaeological excavations at Bethany Beyond the Jordan have uncovered remains of ancient churches and baptismal pools, which date back to the early Christian period. These findings add historical weight to the site’s authenticity.
- Pilgrimage and Religious Practice: Over the centuries, Bethany Beyond the Jordan has become a popular destination for Christian pilgrims who come to visit and participate in religious ceremonies, including baptismal reenactments. This ongoing tradition has helped solidify its status as the authentic site of Jesus’ baptism.
Can you visit the baptism site of Jesus in Israel?
You can also visit the Jordan River Baptism site from the Israel side. However, if you do this it is only possible to see the river Jordan and not the Baptism Site itself. The actual baptism site of Jesus is located a few hundred meters inland on the east bank of the river Jordan. This is in the country of Jordan rather than Israel.
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