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Yardenit is a popular baptism site. Here, the
water flows into the Jordan River, eventually flowing into the
Dead Sea located more than 100KM (62Miles) to the south. This site is
believed by some traditions to be the actual site where Jesus
was baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3: 13 : "Then Jesus
came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John"). It was
an important turning point event in the life of Jesus.
Many Christian pilgrims stop at this site and perform baptism
ceremonies, normally in small groups and accompanied by the
group's pastor. It is a remarkable, charming site - and
should not be missed.
The New Testament text identifies the
place of baptism as "Bethabara beyond Jordan", but it is not
clear where Bethabara is located, and there are several
traditions on the site along the long Jordan River. Some point
to the Yardenit area closer to the Sea of Galilee, some go south
to Beit Shean, others to Jericho, way down the river.
For more info on this site, click
here
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Jn 1:28-42:28 "These things
were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold
the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is
he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before
me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should
be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with
water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending
from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him
not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto
me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining
on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I
saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
Again the next day after John stood, and two
of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith,
Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and
they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following,
and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi,
(which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he
dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth
hour. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was
Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother
Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is,
being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And
when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona:
thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone".
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4
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Jesus calls his first five
disciples to meet at the place of baptism |
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