As you make the drive from Amman, you notice a considerable decline in the landscape and your ears will pop at times. Since the Dead Sea is so close to this site, you realize this is the lowest point on earth. You see this beautiful mountain range off the sides of the road where you also see tents of farmers, where yes they live in, and the herds of various types of animals. It is nothing to see camels, sheep, goats, donkeys, etc. along the sides of the roads and in the fields. Vendors will be along the road selling mainly fruits and vegetables as this part of the country is primarily farming. I see a banana farm with large netting covering the plants, acres and acres. Lots of olive trees and it is the season to pick them. You see women, men and children out with their ground cover, rakes and ladders working together to get as many of the olives to pickle them as they say, and take to have olive oil made. (I did participate when my sister Anne was visiting in picking the olives at a farm and going to a location where they made the oil). Hard working people just trying to make a life for their family, just like the farmers in the Jordan, Minnesota area and any part of the world!
We have arrived at our destination! This is one of my favorite sites I have toured in Jordan. I have visited this site a couple of times in the last 3 months and each time I am overcome with what this AREA of the world represents. Less then 20 miles from the Dead Sea and 40 miles from Amman.
The name Bethany means beyond the Jordan. Bethabara is the name used by some of the New Testament for the site where John the Baptist preached, met with a group of priests and Levites sent by the Pharisees to investigate his ministry, and where he baptized Jesus. At one time the river stretched out to this VERY important area. However, now dry but within walking distance to the Jordan River and Israel. Mary, another friend Allison and I were able to walk down into the actual area that history is pointing too that Jesus was baptized in. Of course, no way to tell the exact location of Jesus baptism as the Jordan River has changed course over the centuries. Very emotional and humbling experience to walk this land.
As we walked the path you come upon a foundation of a church that was built close to the baptism site. There are remains of more than 20 Christian sites discovered, including several churches, a prayer hall, sophisticated water reticulation system, etc. All this dates back to the Roman and Byzantine periods,
There is an area adjacent to the baptismal site, it is believed Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan River to the Promised Land after the waters miraculously stopped flowing (Joshua 3:14-16).
Elijah, a prophet, also crossed the Jordan River on dry ground in this area. Read 2 Kings 2:8-11 and it describes that he had the miraculous honor of not dying but being taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire. Known as Elijah’s Hill, he descended to heaven in the 9th century BC.
We also saw a cave where it is believed that John the Baptist lived for a time. It was reported that Jesus visited John here. There had been a church at one time built around this cave. When you look out over the land you see small rough bushes and interesting enough they say this is great habitat for bees, which John is reported to have eaten honey.
As you continue down the path there is a church right before the Jordan River, St. John the Baptist Church. This is the same name of the church I grew up attending in Minnesota. Architecturally an elegant church that overlooks the Jordan River, you walk down about 40 steps to a landing and you look out on the Jordan River. You see Israel and people being baptized in the water. There are guards carrying rifles so people are not able to freely cross back and forth from this location.
I am doing some research on this area and discovering so much biblical history on this side of the river. Definitely a must see site for you!
In the midst of my Jordan excursions, I went to Paris, France for 7 days. I had previously visited Paris but on this visit I saw some additional sites, revisited some favorite sites and tried new restaurants. So, next blog I will talk about Paris!
Wadaeaan (Good bye)
#Bethany #Jordan #Ammam #Jesus #Johnthebaptist #Elijah #olives
From Jordan to Jordan 