What the Bible Say
Madaba is one of the oldest towns still existing that was mentioned in the Bible as being part of the territory parceled out by Moses to the Reubenites and the Gadites.
Joshua chapter 13 verse 9
“From Aroer, that is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river and all the plain of Medeba unto Dibon”.
The land was taken from the Moabites, as is said in
Numbers chapter 21 verse 30
“Heshbon is perished, even unto Dibon and we have laid them waste even unto Nopha, which reacheth unto Medeba.”
The town of Madaba indeed dates back to the time of Moses
Significance of the Church of St. George and Madaba Floor Mosaic Map
Though the Church of St. George and Madaba Floor Mosaic Map is not Biblical, its location is nearby Mt Nebo, hence the visit.
Madaba is famous for its floor mosaics dating back as early as 560AD. The floor mosaic located inside the Church of St George (a Greek Orthodox Church) clearly shows the Holy Land and its neighboring areas. Very visible on the map are Jerusalem and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dead Sea, the Jordan River, Hebron, Jericho, Egypt, Nile River, Turkey and Lebanon. The mosaic was made around 560 AD and originally composed of over 2.3 million pieces and measured a staggering 25 x 5 meters.
What is most interesting is the depiction on the map regarding the “Baptism Site of Christ.” Excavations were undertaken and the site of Bethany was uncovered, exactly on the site shown on the map.
The Church which is relatively new is open daily from 8:30AM to 6PM except on Friday and Sunday that it opens at 10:30AM. Regular Sunday masses are still being conducted here.
MY PERSONAL REFLECTION AT ST GEORGE CHURCH
Because the Madaba Floor Map clearly depicts the place of Jesus’ Baptism, I am reminded of my own baptism – that I am a part of a larger community and family of Jesus Christ. My baptism washed away my original sins and hence, I should remain obedient to His words and be transformed into His image and likeness. I should strive to be a faithful witness of His love and mercy, not only today, but always.
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Dominic Rielo Amayun 