Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3: 13-17
Qasr-El-Yehud, located on the western bank of the Jordan River just 10km east of Jericho, is the site where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Here Jesus’ earthly ministry began.
This same site is believed to be the place where the Children of Israel crossed the Jordan River and entered the Holy Land after their 40 years of wandering in the desert and is also attributed as the place where Elijah’s ascended to heaven in a fiery chariot.
While in Jericho, we visited Qasr-El-Yehud to remember our baptisms through immersion in the Jordan River.
WOW. What an experience to be baptized in the Jordan River – the same river in which John baptized Jesus.
[…] After changing into our white gowns, we all gathered together to remember the meaning of the sacrament of holy baptism. We made our way down the steps towards the bank of the Jordan River.
October 22, 2019
It was almost surreal that this was happening. Walking in the Holy Land in places that Jesus was is one thing, but experiencing something that Jesus himself experienced is another. We were at the Jordan River, ready to remember our baptisms, in the same place that John baptized Jesus. It was so emotional.
There were reeds and river grass along the banks and the waterways a yellowish green. One by one we stepped into the waters just as Jesus and John had, and remembered our baptisms through immersion.
It was an incredible and emotional experience… walking into the cold waters. Holding onto the hands of Pastor Scott and Pastor Matt, submersing back into the river and feeling water rush over me. The experience was indescribable.
October 22, 2019
Another book I had read prior to our trip and took along with me to reread passages of was Adam Hamilton’s The Way, which is about walking in the footsteps of Jesus. The first chapter covers Jesus’ baptism and posed a concept that I had never given thought to before.
Baptism is an indication of our repentance from sin. And Jesus – who was sinless – was baptized by John the Baptist. A sinless man chose to identify with sinful people. Jesus wasn’t baptized because He needed to repent from sin and be washed clean in His faith. He joins us. He walks along side us, sinners. Jesus was beginning His ministry by identifying with the human race.
In the Methodist church when someone is baptized, those of who have previously been baptized are told to:
“Remember your baptism and be thankful.”
Our baptism brings us new life. It reminds us that we are God’s children. It gives us hope in that we can be washed clean from our sin and set apart by God to do His good works.
So I encourage you each day to remember your baptism and be thankful.
Father, thank You for washing us of our sins. Let us remember our baptisms and be thankful for Your overwhelming grace. Help us each day to live as Your children, spreading Your love. Amen.
Abbey Jo
Adventures with Abbey Jo 
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