Day 4 – Bethany (Beyond the Jordan) & The Dead Sea Spa

Signs of life have been reported along the shores of the Dead Sea. (Gilbert Sopakuwa/Flickr/Creative Commons)

Today as we leave Petra, we will be driving north along the Dead Sea Road and will make our way to Bethany Beyond the Jordan. Here, we will have an opportunity to be baptized in the place where many believe that John the Baptist lived and baptized Jesus. We will learn of Jesus’ baptism as it is discussed in John 1:19-34.

The supposed location where John baptized Jesus Christ East of the River Jordan. Photo Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bethany_(5).JPG

There are three other important biblical events which traditionally may have happened at this location or else nearby.

The first, is a very important event in the history of Israel – Joshua leading Israel as they crossed the Jordan river into the promised land (on dry ground). In Joshua 3:14-17, this amazing story is the bookend of the exodus from Egypt. In that event, God delivered Israel from the Egyptians, allowing them to leave Egypt once and for all, by crossing the parted Red Sea on dry ground. But in Joshua 3, having wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, Israel is about to enter the land of Canaan, by crossing the Jordan river on dry ground. This is the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise made to Abraham back in Genesis 15:13-21. Many lessons even for us today can be learned as we think back to God’s faithfulness to His people in this place over 3,000 years ago.

Joshua crossing the Jordan River. Photo Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Joshua_passing_the_River_Jordan_with_the_Ark_of_the_Covenant_(cropped).jpg

The second, another event took place several hundred years later, which involved the crossing of the Jordan river on dry ground. In 2 Kings 2:1-14 we read the story of Elijah as he was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. It is from this place, the Jordan river across from Jericho, where Elijah passed his ministry on to his disciple, Elisha.

Elisha dividing the waters of Jordan with Elijah’s mantle. Photo Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chapelle_des_Carm%C3%A9lites_-_Interieur_-_%C3%89lis%C3%A9e_divisant_les_eaux_du_Jourdain_avec_le_manteau_d%27%C3%89lie.jpg

Lastly, our Lord Jesus made this a place of escape from those who were trying to stone Him in Jerusalem. We read about this in John 10:22-42. In the place where John had prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry, Jesus returned and many believed in Him there. This is the place where we, who also believe, can be thankful for the Lord’s willingness to come and seek and save those who were lost – including us!

Jesus dispute in Jerusalem. Photo Credit:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:JesusPharisees.jpg

Finally, we will drive to the place we will stay for the evening, the Dead Sea Spa Resort (www.dssh.jo). Here we can enjoy the remains of the day to perhaps soak in the mineral rich Dead Sea (floaties not needed), or to take in a spa treatment. We will enjoy a nice dinner and spend the night.