Wadi al-Kharrar
The Wilderness of John
John the Baptist preached in the wilderness of Judea, east of the Jordan River. His ministry in the wilderness was a time of repentance and preparation for the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven.
John’s call to repentance required a setting that facilitated introspection and genuine transformation. The wilderness provided such an environment, where individuals could confront their sins and be baptized as a sign of their repentance.
From John the Baptist’s cave and Elijah’s Hill visitors have a great view of Wadi al-Kharrar. “Wadi” means “Valley”. From here several natural springs from pools start the flow of water through the wadi, eventually emptying into the Jordan River. We can see the contrast between the life of the Wadi and the bleakness of the wilderness that surrounds it. The Wadi is still full of the same reeds that John and Jesus would have seen and it is the home to a great variety of flora and fauna.
Pilgrim Trail Guide
Holy Year Indulgence
Heritage Site
