It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me,
whose sandals strap I am not worthy to untie.
" This all happened at Bethany on the east side of the Jordan River,
where John was baptising. (John 1:27-28)
After almost a year since our visit to Mount Nebo, we finally had a chance to go to the baptism site, Jordan River, which is believe was the place where Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist.
Now this place is open for public and pilgrimage, and are welcome to have a baptism ceremony here. However, due to earthquakes in the region and time the Jordan River has shifted, the actual baptism is no long in the path of the Jordan River. There is a small stone bowl filled with jordan river water on the side of the river available for people who want to have baptist in this site.
It's rather amazing to see that Israel is only a few feet away, separated by fences only. The river which also flows across that country made it possible to have a Baptism site on their end. However it believes there is no archaeological evidence has been found over there. Whilst on Jordan side, the excavation which were began in 1996 have uncovered more than 20 churches, caves, and baptism pools from Roman and Byzantine periods. This place also has endorsed by the Pope.
From the ticket office where we had to park our car, we then should wait for a shuttle minibus to take us to the site. We were then surprise that we actually have to walk for about 2km through the jungle of Jordan until we find the actual place where believes is the place where Jesus was baptised and where John's the baptist church is. The walk should be easy, but we found it hard. Not because of the footpath, but it was burning hot! I just realised that it's located nearly the lowest point on earth (the lowest point is Dead Sea), at over 350m below sea level. The air is thick and hot, and the temperature might be about 41C at that time.
While it's a sacred place, where we should pray and contemplate, but no time and desire to do such thing. The heat and poor Evan trapped in his hot stroller made us just to have a quick look, Can't wait to go back or be under the shelter. The souvenir shopping after that was quite good, though. Some shops have the AC on, which was a relieve, where we found some unique souvenirs to buy. We then could not wait to have a nice lunch and cool rest in one of the hotel in Dead Sea where we going to stay for a night. Off we go to Dead Sea!
Note: The actual trip to baptism site and dead sea was made on 3-4 July 2008.
Now this place is open for public and pilgrimage, and are welcome to have a baptism ceremony here. However, due to earthquakes in the region and time the Jordan River has shifted, the actual baptism is no long in the path of the Jordan River. There is a small stone bowl filled with jordan river water on the side of the river available for people who want to have baptist in this site.
It's rather amazing to see that Israel is only a few feet away, separated by fences only. The river which also flows across that country made it possible to have a Baptism site on their end. However it believes there is no archaeological evidence has been found over there. Whilst on Jordan side, the excavation which were began in 1996 have uncovered more than 20 churches, caves, and baptism pools from Roman and Byzantine periods. This place also has endorsed by the Pope.
From the ticket office where we had to park our car, we then should wait for a shuttle minibus to take us to the site. We were then surprise that we actually have to walk for about 2km through the jungle of Jordan until we find the actual place where believes is the place where Jesus was baptised and where John's the baptist church is. The walk should be easy, but we found it hard. Not because of the footpath, but it was burning hot! I just realised that it's located nearly the lowest point on earth (the lowest point is Dead Sea), at over 350m below sea level. The air is thick and hot, and the temperature might be about 41C at that time.
While it's a sacred place, where we should pray and contemplate, but no time and desire to do such thing. The heat and poor Evan trapped in his hot stroller made us just to have a quick look, Can't wait to go back or be under the shelter. The souvenir shopping after that was quite good, though. Some shops have the AC on, which was a relieve, where we found some unique souvenirs to buy. We then could not wait to have a nice lunch and cool rest in one of the hotel in Dead Sea where we going to stay for a night. Off we go to Dead Sea!
Note: The actual trip to baptism site and dead sea was made on 3-4 July 2008.
waiting for the shuttle minibus
Jordan River
The actual baptism site, and John's the Baptist church and ruins at the back
place where people have baptism ceremony
New Orthodox Church of St. John the Baptist at the background. Look at Evan,... struggling with the bright sunny hot sun. :0
The other country, just across the fence.
2 comments:
airnya ijo!! Keluar dari tuh sungai bisa jadi Shrek! Heheheh
bon....
gmn caranya bikin foto2nya berjejer gitu
maklum gaptek hehehe
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