Visiting Biblical Sites in Jordan

Yesterday, I ventured to several biblical related locations in Jordan with an organized trip from CIEE, my study abroad program. Check out Photos from the trip and these photos too!

Our first stop was Mukawir, the hilltop fortress of Herod the Great. Following Herod the Great’s death, his son Heard Antipas inherited the stronghold. It is on this mountain where John the Baptist is said to have been imprisoned and later beheaded by the orders of Herod Antipas.

There was not much to see on top of the mountain, since the stronghold itself was mostly destroyed from an earthquake. Yet a few pillars are still upright. Despite the lack of much to see on the mountain itself, the view of the Dead Sea was beautiful. After the hike up the mountain and the sun beating down, all I wanted to do was take a swim in the Dead Sea (unfortunately we did not have time and it was not as close as the view made it seem like it was).

Our second stop was the city of Madaba. Years ago, Madaba was inhabited with Christians primarily. And still today, Madaba is still significantly Christian with Muslims living there as well, and the sight of mosques and churches throughout the city demonstrates the ability for two people of different faith traditions to engage in dialogue and friendship.

In Madaba, we visited St. George’s Church, a Greek Orthodox Church, that houses the mosaic map of the Holy Land. The map is believed to date back to 560 AD, covering the front section of the Byzantine church that was erected prior to the Greek Orthodox Church in its place. The mosaic map of the Holy Land provides a clear view of the walled city of Jerusalem with the Church of the Holy Sepluchre, the Dead Sea, the Jordan River, Jericho, the Nile Delta in Egypt, and southern Lebanon.

I am still amazed at how this mosaic map has been persevered still to this day. After witnessing several Jordanians creating mosaic masterpieces in a shop nearby, I believe that this around 6 years to complete. The intricacy, precision, and patience involved in the process of creating a mosaic masterpiece like this is unbelievable. Unfortunately, if I were given the task of a mosaic-maker, I would probably be out of job in a day or two.

Our third stop was Mount Nebo where there is a gorgeous view of the Holy Land and the River Jordan. It is here that God gave Moses a view of the Promised Land. After years of abandonment and neglect, the Franciscans purchased this site in 1993 and excavated and restored the area. Pope John Paul II visited Mt. Nebo during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land on March 19, 2000. He planted an olive tree next to the Byzantine chapel for peace. As a Catholic, it was a very special experience, having the opportunity to visit an important biblical site.

Our final stop was to the Baptismal Site of Jesus at Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan. A recent discovery, excavations on the Jordanian side began in 1996. This biblical site is where it is believed that John the Baptist lived and baptized Jesus. It was a long walk from the entrance at the Visitor Center to the site of Jesus’ baptism. Walking down a long, dirt path with trees and shrubbery along the path, I had a very solemn and graceful journey to the site on the River Jordan. 

This experience brought to mind my passion for serving others and my desire to do all that do for the Greater Glory of God (AMDG). I imagined what it must have been like years and years ago when John baptized Jesus, and at the age of thirty Jesus began his ministry in spreading the Gospel, curing the sick, and serving the poor. I was able to place my hands in the River Jordan where he was baptized. Despite the lack of cleanliness of the water, I still felt rejuvenated in a sense – knowing that I am being called to serve God in a unique way.

Despite the general tourist nature of our trip, for me it was much more than that. I felt the presence of God in a different way, in a reassuring and comforting way. I wish I could have spent more time at these sites, yet I am thankful that I was able to make this journey.