Miracles at the Jordan

AN AMAZING FACT: The Jordan River begins near Mount Hermon and meanders 156

miles before ending at the Dead Sea. At its widest, the Jordan is about 20 yards across. South of the Sea of Galilee, the river is highly polluted, and some environmentalists fear that part of the river is in danger of dying.

The Jordan River, which has been flowing for millennia, is one of the best-known waterways. Each year it is visited by thousands of Christian pilgrims from all over the world. The children of Israel had a long history with the Jordan, and it was the site of many miracles. One of these miracles occurred under Joshua’s leadership. The Ark of the Covenant was carried over the Jordan. When the priests’ feet touched the water, the river receded and became dry land until all the people had crossed over. God always leads the way. Though He was sinless, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan. When He came up from the water, the symbol of the Spirit of God miraculously descended upon Him, and the Father voiced His approval of His Son. Why was Jesus baptized? He was leading the way for us, setting an example. Baptism is important, a powerful symbol for death and resurrection. A person who is baptized dies to the old, destructive way of life and is resurrected to a new, victorious life in Christ.

KEY BIBLE TEXTS

Behold, the ark of the covenant of the LORD of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan. Joshua 3:11And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Mark 1:9-11