Mentioned in many verses of the Holy Bible and in religious stories, the Jordan River is an extremely important place in Christianity.
The Jordan River is a 156-mile-long river that flows from the north to south through the Sea of Galilee and into the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. It is located about a 40-minute drive from Jordan’s capital city of Amman.
(Pope Francis at the Jordan River)
Not only is the Jordan River religiously significant because it is believed to be the place where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist but both the Old and New Testament also mention important stories that occurred in the area of the Jordan River. For example, in Joshua 3:9-10, it states, “Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: `When you reach the edge of the Jordan's waters, go and stand in the river.' Joshua said to the Israelites, ‘Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God.’”
Additionally, the Jordan River is believed to be the place where John the Baptist began his public ministry and where various baptism ceremonies occurred throughout history. According to Mark 1:5, it states “And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.”
From the Old to the New Testament, the Jordan River has been an incredibly significant place in Christianity. Today, the River remains in its exact same location and those who visit Jordan can plan a trip to experience all it has to offer.