Jordan River and the Baptism of Jesus

Scholars, historians, and theologians believe with absolute certainty – which can be established with unprecedented verifiable facts – that there are two events in the life of Jesus that are very impossible to doubt or deny and these are: His baptism by John the Baptist and His crucifixion.

Jordan River starts from the mountains of Syria and Lebanon and flows to the Sea of Galilee and ends in the Dead Sea.  Jordan River has the lowest elevation of any river on earth and the surface of the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth. Jordan River divides the lands of Israel and Jordan.

Today, I am visiting Yardenit, a popular baptismal site of Jesus believed by some traditions.  However, historical proofs have been laid with certainty that this is NOT the actual baptismal site.  However, Yardenit is still part of the Jordan River and any water flowing in Jordan is part of the same water where Jesus was baptized.  The actual site of the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist is Bethany-Beyond-Jordan or Al-Maghtas in Arabic on the Jordan side of the Jordan River.  Al-Maghtas is a UNESCO world heritage site.

My visit here is more than just visiting Jordan River.  It is more of a spiritual journey of hope and renewal.

That the Bible Say

Luke (3:21-22)

When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.

Mark 1:9-11

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.

Matthew 3: 13-17

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.  But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.  And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” “

John 1: 28-34

These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.  The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

MY PERSONAL REFLECTION AT JORDAN RIVER

Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist is the starts of His public ministry.  His baptism is a symbol of this faithfulness to The Father.  As such, our baptism is also a symbol of our faithfulness to Him.  Since our baptism is a symbol of communion with Jesus, we should always be willing to follow His words and do our ministry of spreading the words of salvation.

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