The Jordan River is a river in Southwest Asia which flows into the Dead Sea. Historically and religiously, it is considered to be one of the world’s most sacred rivers. It is 251 kilometers (156 miles) long.
In Bible,in the old testment, the Jordan appears as the scene of several miracles, the first taking place when the Jordan, near Jericho, was crossed by the Israelites under Joshua (Joshua 3:15-17). Later the two tribes and the half tribe that settled east of the Jordan built a large altar on its banks as “a witness” between them and the other tribes (Joshua 22:10, 22:26). The Jordan was crossed by Elijah and Elisha on dry ground (2 Kings 2:8, 2:14). Elisha performed two other miracles at the Jordan: he healed Naaman by having him bathe in its waters, and he made the axe head of one of the “children of the prophets” float, by throwing a piece of wood into the water (2 Kings 5:14; 6:6).
Because the Israelites made a difficult and hazardous journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom in The Promised Land, the Jordan can refer to freedom. The actual crossing is the final step of the journey, which is then complete. The Jordan also can signify death itself, with the crossing from life into Paradise or Heaven.
The New Testament states that John the Baptist baptized unto repentance in the Jordan (Matthew 3:5-6; Mark1:5; Luke 3:3; John1:28). This is recounted as having taken place at Bethabara (John 1:28).
Jesus came to be baptized by him there (Matthew 3:13; Mark 1:9; Luke 3:21, 4:1). The Jordan is also where John the Baptist bore record of Jesus as the Son of God and Lamb of God (John 1:29-36).
The prophesy of Isaiah regarding the Messiah which names the Jordan (Isaiah 9:1-2) is recounted in Matthew 4:15. The New Testament speaks several times about Jesus crossing the Jordan during his ministry (Matthew 19:1; Mark 10:1), and of believers crossing the Jordan to come hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases (Matthew 4:25; Mark 3:7-8). When his enemies sought to capture him, Jesus took refuge at Jordan in the place John had first baptized (John 10:39-40).
Jordan is really a good choice among the Holy Places, for one to see. Check out some pics of the sacred river Jordan above.
GOD IS WONDERFUL
Hello,
I would like to be a born again christian by being at the Jordan river for batism.
Can you advise please, date ,when..ect..??
I will appreciate and thanks indeed.
God bless.
Dear Jennifer, the wonderful truth is that you can become a born again Christian right now and right there where ever you are. Jesus died on that cross and paid the price for our inequities. BUT, He rose again and is waiting for you to accept His salvation, to acknowledge Him as the Son of God, to believe that He is the only way to the Father – to an eternal life in heaven.
How do you do that? You bow down before God, and pray in the name of Jesus, repenting your sins, asking for His forgiveness as He promised, asking for the Holy Spirit to fill your heart and mind and guide you.
Now, believe that your sins are forgiven. Break with the old life and strive to follow Jesus’ footsteps. Tell the first three people you see that you are born again and washed in the blood of Christ.
When you have an opportunity to visit Israel you may visit the baptism site and be baptised – remember that this is in obedience to Christ/God and a living testimony to others that you have given your life to Christ. It is not the gateway to heaven, although truly special. If you cannot go to Israel, you may be baptised at your local church.
Please remember, build your relationship with God through studying your Bible and sound literature, and fervent prayer. Seek a church community where you can share in communion with other Christians.
Love-in_Christ
Wayne
2011-04-17
i love you jesus
i love to come and view river jordan by myself can anyone help
I am getting baptize in two weeks. I am so excited. My pastor preached on a message about the Jordan River. God is good. I would love to visit Jordan River where Jesus was babptized. / Doretha Anderson
“a river in Southwest Asia”???
Excuse me?
The River Jordan is in the holy land of Israel
you could have just said the holy land if you don’t like Israel for some reason
but don’t obscure the simple geographical facts
Just a quick question:
Where exactly in South-West Asia does this Jordan river flows?
I would really like your advise on how to get there.
The baptism site (Bethany Beyond Jordan) at the Jordan River is situated in Jordan. One can arrive at the Queen Aliya International Airport, Amman and travel to Bethany (Baptism site) via Madaba. In Madaba the pilgrims can also visit the Saint George Church and the Mount Nebu where the the memorial of Mosses lies. From mount Nebo, if the sky is clear, we can see Jesuselem. And the Dead Sea is also on the way to the Baptism site.
Even though I am not a christian i visited all these places last year and it was a wonderful experience to me visiting all these holy places. All belivers (irrespepctive of religion) should visit these places.
God bless you.
You can also arrive in Israel and go to this site on the southern edge of the Sea of Gallilee, near Tiberias:
http://www.yardenit.com/
I have only been hearing about Jordan, i want to be there. May God help me.
Can I use this picture in a Bible study? It will be published on carolboggess.com (still being tested but up soon). The study will not be sold. It may also be used in a blog on heisyourlife.org
Do I pay for the picture or give recognition of your site or not use it at all?
The study is coming because God is really challenging me in new ways about what it meant to cross the Jordan….
I also am curious about whether I could use a photo of the Jordan River for a publication that I am preparing on New Testament Baptism. Is that permissible?