The Jordan River gives life to its surrounding population. The name in Hebrew is Yarden. It’s sound is so pleasing that many of us name out children (both boys and girls) after it. It evokes feelings of life and beauty. It represents beginnings. The Israelites cross through its dry river bed into their long-promised home (Joshua 3:16-17). The story of Jesus begins in the river in the Gospel of Matthew (1:9).
When we arrive here at the southern side of the Sea of Galilee we are witnessing the beginning of the “lower” Jordan river. From here, the stream will meander at a painfully slow rate south. As it travels it eventually demarcates the border between the modern states of Jordan and Israel. Then it demarcates the border between the West Bank and the state of Jordan. Finally it flows into the Dead Sea. Along the way we pass several significant events from Biblical history including the crossing of the Jordan by the Children of Israel (Joshua 3:1-4:24) at Gilgal.
Where did John the Baptist baptize Jesus? Somewhere along this course of river. Near the Sea of Galilee or near the Dead Sea? Scholars will disagree. Some even believe it too place north of the Sea of Galilee along the Upper Jordan River. Nevertheless the members of Kibbutz Kinerret, the second kibbutz in the history of the modern Jewish settlement of the land of Israel, have established an excellent site for Christians who wish to be baptized again. Christian doctrine differs regarding the appropriateness of this action. Catholics remain opposed to a second baptism after the initial one taking place in childhood but other streams of the faith advocate for it. What cannot be denied is the powerful emotional and spiritual significance of the baptisms which take place here every day and which are a highlight of a stop here.