In the Footsteps of Ancient Pilgrims towards Biblical Sites Part II – Bethany-Beyond-the-Jordan

“Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days”. (John 10:40)

For almost two millennia, the area beyond the Jordan which extends along the east bank of the river Jordan, opposite Jericho, has been known to be the place where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist. But it was not until the combined evidence from the biblical text, pilgrims’ and historians’ account, the mosaic map of the Holy Land in Madaba, the local traditions of the Orthodox Church and the most recent archaeological studies and excavation works along the length of Wadi al-Kharrar successfully identified the exact site where John had been living, preaching and carrying out his baptism and where Jesus was baptized that Bethany-Beyond-the-Jordan was finally revealed to the modern world.

John the Baptist's Spring

John the Baptist’s Spring: Originating at a spot near Elijah’s Hill, the spring flows through the eastern bank of the river Jordan and reaching the area near John the Baptist’s Church. According to travelers and historians accounts, the spring was sweet and clear-flowing water was used for drinking and baptism.

The ruins of John the Baptist Church

The ruins of John the Baptist Church built at the time of the Emperor Anastasius (491-518 AD). Note that the remains of two basilicas linked through marble steps to a unique monumental cruciform baptistery that used running water for baptism.

“In the place where the Lord was baptized, there is a single pillar and on the pillar an iron cross has been fastened. There too is the Church of St. John the Baptist, which the Emperor Anastasius built: this church is very lofty, being built above large chambers, on accounts of the Jordan when it overflows.” --- (Theodosius, 530 AD)

“…by the side of the Jordan, …where the Lord was baptized, at the place where the water returned to its bed, …marble steps descend into the water.” --- (Antoninus of Piacenza, )

“…At the edge of the river is a small square church, built, as is said, on the spot where the garments of the Lord were taken care of at the time when He was baptized. This is raised, so as to be uninhabitable, on four stone vaults, standing above the waters which flow below. ” --- (Arculfus, 670 AD)

“The place where Christ was baptized is distant from the river Jordan as far as a man can throw a small stone. There is a little chapel with an altar. This marks the place where John the Forerunner baptized our Lord Jesus Christ. ” --- (Abbot Daniel, 1106 – 1107 AD)

A modern mosaic map shows the place where Jesus was baptized.

Though Jesus Christ’s divinely inspired role was announced before and during his birth, he actually launched his public ministry at Bethany-Beyond-the-Jordan at the age of 30, immediately after he was baptized by John and anointed by God. Several events took place during this three-day stay at Bethany: It was here that Jesus first prayed to God and it was here that he gathered his first disciples – Simon, Peter, Andrew, Philip and Nathaneal. Pottery, coins, stone objects and architectural remains confirm the site was used in the early 1^st century AD, during the time of Jesus and John. Also identified is the cave where John the Baptist lived and carried out his mission. Early pilgrim noted that water flowed from the cave which John drank and used for baptism. The cave was transformed into a church during the Byzantine period (early 4^th to 7^th centuries AD).

Bethany formed part of the early Christian pilgrimage route between Jerusalem, the Jordan River and Mount Nebo and was depicted and named on the 6^th century mosaic map of the Holy Land located in Madaba. 

The mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land created on the floor in the Orthodox Church of Saint George in Madaba is the earliest religious map of the Holy Land in any form to survive from antiquity. Part of the mosaic map showing Bethabara, the place where John the Baptist baptized.

Jordan river

Note: Bethany-Beyond-the-Jordan was designated as Jubilee Year 2000 pilgrimage site by the Catholic Church in the Middle East, along with Mount Nebo, Mukawir, Tall Mar Elias and Anjara.