Visiting the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ

Where was Jesus Christ Baptized?

While no one for sure knows the exact place where Jesus Christ was baptized in the Jordan River, there is a place that is the consensus location of Jesus’ baptism. According to the Bible, John 1:28 states, “These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan where John [the Baptist] was baptizing.” The location of Jesus Christ’ baptism is near the Jordan/Israel border to the east of Jericho.

 

The Baptism Site of Jesus Christ
The Baptism Site of Jesus Christ

Video Highlights of My Visit to the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ

Visiting the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ - Table of Contents

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About the Baptism of Jesus Christ

The baptism of Jesus Christ marked the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. It is also a time when he is recognized by God as his beloved Son. The baptism is described in the New Testament by Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John.
 

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus comes to  his cousin John the Baptist at the Jordan River and asks to be baptized. John is not sure if he is worthy to baptize Jesus. However, Jesus insists, and John agrees. As Jesus is being baptized, a voice from heaven speaks, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)

Information About the Baptism of Jesus Christ
Information About the Baptism of Jesus Christ

How to Visit the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ

The Baptism Site of Jesus Christ is located in the Palestinian-controlled portion of the West Bank. Tourists are allowed to visit the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ, except Israeli citizens. Israeli law states that citizens of Israel are forbidden from entering the Palestinian Territories. It takes around an hour and fifteen minutes to reach the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ from Jerusalem.

In my opinion, the easiest way to visit the Baptism Site is to take a tour. I chose to tour the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ with the tour company Elias Tours. This tour stopped at three locations, Bethlehem, Jericho, and the Baptism Site.

Jordan River Where Jesus Christ was Baptized
Jordan River Where Jesus Christ was Baptized

My Visit to the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ

We spent about thirty minutes visiting the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ. Upon arrival, it was a short walk from the parking lot to Jordan River.

Approaching the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ
Approaching the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ

The part of the Jordan River near the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ is very narrow. Across the river is the country of Jordan.

Baptism Site of Jesus Christ
Baptism Site of Jesus Christ

For those interested in being baptized in the Jordan River, white gowns can be purchased or rented at the gift shop. Two members of our tour group were baptized in the same location as Jesus Christ.

Visitors can be Baptized in the Same Location as Jesus Christ
Visitors can be Baptized in the Same Location as Jesus Christ

The Jordan River has been plagued by overuse and is just a trickle of what it was during the time of Jesus Christ. The photo below shows how much the water level has dropped in the last ten years.

The Water Level of the Jordan River has Dropped Over the Years
The Water Level of the Jordan River has Dropped Over the Years

Tours that Visit the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ

In my opinion, the easiest way to see the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ is to take a tour. I have linked a few tours below that stop at the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator. If you purchase a tour using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.

Bethlehem, Jerico, and Baptism Site of Jesus Tour
Bethlehem, Jericho & Jordan River Tour from Jerusalem - $99.00

Departing from Jerusalem, this one day tour takes you to some of Israel's most popular sites. Discover Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus and visit some of its key sites including the Church of the Nativity. Head towards Jericho, the oldest city on Earth for a guided tour. Ascend the Mount of Temptation by cable car. Enjoy a guided tour of the Monastery, before visiting the Baptism site on the Jordan River, Qasr al Yahud.

Jericho, Baptism of Jesus Site, and Dead Sea Tour
Jericho, Jordan River, Mt. Temptation, and Dead Sea Tour from Tel Aviv - $126.00

This tour takes you down below sea level to the Dead Sea region. Here you will see the dramatic desert landscape and visit Biblical, natural and historical sites. The tour takes you to Tel Jericho, the excavated original Jericho settlement; Elisha Spring that provided a vital water source to the people of Jericho and to the sycamore tree in Jericho which is mentioned in the Bible. You will visit a Mount Temptation and the baptismal site of Qaser el Yahud where you can be baptized in the Jordan River. Then enjoy time on one of the Dead Sea’s best beaches.

Batpsim Site of Jesus Christ and Dead Sea Private Tour
Baptism Site Of Jesus Christ & Dead Sea Private Full-Day Tour - $200.00

With an included one-day pass to Baptism Site "Bethany Beyond" & Dead sea, you will not only have a guided tour but will also spend time at your leisure to focus on the sections that interest you. Experience the best buoyance this side of outer space with time for your small group to effortlessly float in the super-salty water of the Dead Sea.

Moreover All of Our friendly chauffeurs are locals, and are happy to share their insights or give tips on what to do at your destination, from ancient ruins to natural wonders, we bring you door-to-door with no surprises.

Bethany Baptism Site from Jordan
Bethany Baptism Jordan River Site Visit from Dead Sea - $128.21

Stand beside the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized on this private 4-hour trip from Dead Sea. Travel to Bethany Beyond the Jordan River Baptism Site, also known as “Al-Maghtas”, tour the riverbanks and ruins of ancient churches, wells, and baptismal pools. Entrance fees, Local Guide, and round-trip private transport with a well-informed English-Speaking Driver included. If you wish to upgrade to add a visit to the nearby Iraq Al Amir caves and pre-Roman Qasr al-Abad palace. Return to your hotel included.

Jericho and Baptism Site of Jesus Christ Tour
Jericho Oldest City in the World and Jesus Baptism Site Private Tour - $929.07

This tour takes you back to the beginning of the Human Civilization – to Jericho, the first city in the History. You will see the Tower built over 10,000 years ago.
We shall further take a Cable Car, which will bring us to the Monastery of Temptation. This monastery, built at the top of the steep mount, is considered one of the miracles of the Holy Land.
We shall visit the Qasr Al Yahud, the Baptism site at the Jordan River. Qasr Al Yahud is believed to be the place where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist This exclusively beautiful site, at the border between Israel and Jordan, is surrounded by the new and ancient monasteries and creates a strong feeling of Mystery.
We shall stop at Deir Hajla Monastery. Initially built in the V CAD, the monastery was further destroyed by the invading Persian Army., and it still keeps the sculls of the monks executed by the invaders.
Finally, if the time permits, we shall make a detour to see Wadi Qelt deepest gorge, famous for its beauty.

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