Bethany beyond the Jordan, a place of passage and a place of prophecy.

To appreciate the history of the baptism site we need to look at some of the stories from the bible. 

 Joshua (about 1400 BC)

Moses led the Israelites for 40 years but died on Mount Nebo before they reached the Promised Land.  When  Moses died his assistant Joshua became leader.  He led the tribes down the mountain and headed towards Jericho.  He crossed the river at what is now Bethany beyond the Jordan.

According to the biblical account, the waters of the Jordan, which were in flood, stopped flowing when the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the river. This allowed the entire nation to cross on dry ground.

Elijah and Elisha (about 850 BC)

Elijah was an important Hebrew prophet.  He was a fierce opponent of the worship of the pagan god Baal and called the Israelites back to their covenant with God, performing numerous miracles and prophecies along the way. Elijah is considered a significant figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. 

Hundreds of years after Joshua, Elijah and his disciple Elisha left Jericho, came to the river. Elijah crossed the Jordan River by using his mantle to part the waters, enabling him and Elisha to walk across on dry ground.  The mantle was not just a piece of clothing but a symbol of prophetic authority and the power of God working through the prophet.

Once they crossed over Jordan they went up the hill.  Then Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind and horses of fire.  His mantle fell to the ground and was picked up by Elisha.  This was a sign that Elisha was now God’s prophet.  Elisha went back to the river and, just like Elijah, used the mantle to part the waters.