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Bethany Beyond the Jordan, known in Arabic as Al Maghtas, is the site on the eastern bank of the Jordan River honored as the place where John the Baptist preached and baptized Jesus.
Excavations have uncovered ancient churches, baptismal pools, and the remains of a monastic settlement, and the site is now recognized by the Vatican and listed by UNESCO. It sits directly across the river from Qasr al-Yahud on the Israeli side, both marking the same holy stretch of water.
The Jordan here is narrow and quiet, lined with reeds, much as it would have looked in the time of John. Pilgrims come down to the water's edge to pray and to renew their baptism.
Here John baptized Jesus, and as Jesus came up from the water the heavens opened and the voice of the Father was heard.
It is one of the great moments of the Gospel, the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus. "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17)
Why does Bethany Beyond the Jordan matter to pilgrims?
It is where the baptism of the Lord took place, and where pilgrims may renew their own baptismal promises in the same river. Standing at the water where heaven opened, many find it one of the most moving moments of their whole journey.
On the eastern, Jordanian bank of the Jordan River, across from Qasr al-Yahud and near the Dead Sea.
Yes. Groups come down to the water to pray and to renew their baptismal promises.
It is honored as the place where John baptized Jesus, and is recognized by the Vatican and UNESCO.
Holy Sites
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