Traditional Baptismal Site Of Jesus On The Jordan River

Qasr al-Yahud On The River Jordan

Qasr al-Yahud on the river Jordan is believed to be the traditional baptismal site on the Jordan River where Jesus of Nazareth was baptized by John the Baptist. The baptismal site is located on the  bank of the Jordan River, just east of Jericho. The baptism of Jesus is recorded in Matthew 3:13-17. 

Matthew 3:13-17 King James Version13 

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

14 But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Baptismal ceremonies during times of war and upheaval in the land have not always been allowed. However, in the 1980's at the request of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch they were renewed. This was generally done on Easter Sunday and Epiphany Sunday. In time, this was followed by the  Franciscan, Ethiopian, Coptic, Syriac, Russian and Romanian monasteries and churches. Each denominations religious calendar was used when setting the dates. 

Another View Of Qasr al-Yahud

Currently, Qasr al-Yahud has been opened to pilgrims of all Christian denominations who wish to renew their Baptismal vows. Pilgrims and adventurers visiting the site are welcome to visit the nearby Deir Hijleh Monastery, which is an active monastery in the Jericho desert. There is a small shop with air-conditioning which serves cold drinks and has some souvenirs. The monastery also has toilets, a public prayer chapel for pilgrims, and seating where you can sit and enjoy the view of the river Jordan. 

Qasr al Yahud is considered to be the third holiest religious site in Israel, with the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem being the first and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem being the second.

For those wanting to make a pilgrimage to Israel which is to include a baptism at Qasr al Yahud, you are welcome call ahead for current baptismal times and any current restrictions. They can be reached by Phone at: 02-650-4844 or by email at: [email protected]. Adventurers do not really need to call ahead unless they are wanting to renew their vows in baptism. 

Adventurers and pilgrims to the area, often find the connection with Elijah an interesting piece of history. According to various traditions, this is also the site where Elijah ascended into heaven in a fiery chariot after he and Elisha crossed over the river Jordan. (This account is found in 2 Kings 2:8) and it is also considered to be the place  where the Children of Israel crossed the Jordan River to enter the Holy Land after having wandered in the desert for 40 years. (This is recorded in Joshua 3:13)

Whether you are a pilgrim wishing to walk in the steps of Jesus of Nazareth or an adventurer traveling to Israel, Qasr al Yahud is an excellent holy site to visit and those wishing to renew their baptismal vows are welcome to do so. 

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 This post was originally published on  March 29, 2017  at:  

https://exploretraveler.com/traditional-baptismal-site-jesus-jordan-river/

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