Yardenit Baptismal Site

 

Location

 

There are two main baptismal sites on the Jordan River.

 

Yardenit Baptismal Site

 

1. Yardenit is just a couple hundred yards (meters) west of Hwy. 90, at the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee.

 

2. It’s a popular spot, and the water is clean and abundant.

 

3. For those desiring to get baptized here in the Jordan River, the Yardenit gift shop provides white robes and towels for a small fee.

 

4. Yardenit has a large gift shop for the purchase of souvenirs and other miscellaneous items as well.

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5. Yardenit is also a great place to view the Jordan River.

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6. Entrance to the site is free.

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Jordan River Baptismal Site of Jesus (Qasr al-Yahud)

 

1. This Baptismal site is located about 2 miles (3.2 km.) east of Hwy 90, across from Jericho. 

 

2. It’s also known as Qaser al-Yahud, Kasser al-Yahud, and the Baptismal Site of Jesus.

 

3. It’s the place where it’s believed Jesus was baptized, and where John the Baptist and the disciples of Jesus baptized many people as well. 

 

4. The water is not as clean as Yardenit, but thousands of pilgrims are baptized there each year because of its spiritual significance.

 

5. It’s also the believed location where the Israelites crossed the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land.

(For more, please see Jordan River Baptismal Site of Jesus)

 

Places of Interest

 

1. Yardenit Baptismal Site

 

2. Jordan River

 

3. Parking area

 

4. Hwy. 90

 

5. Sea of Galilee

 

Historical Background 

 

1. The concept of baptism is rooted in the Old Testament. As far back as Genesis, eight people were saved from the great flood of God’s judgment. The Apostle Peter indicated that the water of the flood “symbolizes baptism that now saves you” (1 Pet. 3:21).

 

2. Old Testament prophets such as Isaiah, Ezekiel, and King David likewise used water as an external symbol for internal cleansing (Isa. 1:16: Ezek. 36:25; Ps. 51:2).

 

Isaiah 1:16: Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil.

 

3. The word baptize, baptized, baptizing, or baptismal is mentioned around 83 times in the New Testament and, therefore, shows the value God places on it.

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(For the full Bible teaching on baptism, please see the Jordan River Baptismal Site of Jesus – Qsar al-Yahud Baptismal Site.)

 

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