Where was Jesus immersed (baptized)? Qasr el Yahud, though less commonly known, is more likely to be the historical place where John immersed people.
Qasr el Yahud is located 50 km from Jerusalem. The sight is managed by Israel’s National Park. Entry is FREE! The site was opened since 2011, after cleaning mines placed by Jordan in this area. And when you come here, you can actually see Jordan’s Baptismal site being just a stone’s throw away.
You have to arrange for your own transportation, because no public transportation goes here yet!
The Meaning: Qasr el Yahud
Qasr el Yahud means the fortress of the Jews in Hebrew. So how come the place where Jesus (Yeshua) was baptized was named Qasr el Yahud? It’s possible to suggest that the place was popular for Jews to be immersed, since it’s the closest spot from Jerusalem.
Jordan River in the Bible
Jordan River is mentioned for 176 times in the Bible (Chinese version), it is a significant place both in geography and in miraculous events happened here. Abraham and Lot departed each other from here. After 40 years in wilderness, the children of Israel finally crossed Jordan River to enter the land of milk and honey. This place is very close to Gilgal, where God said to Joshua,
“This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.”
Jesus (Yeshua) was baptized in Jordan River by John. After this he went into the wilderness and was tempted for 40 days.
Then Yeshua came from the Galilee to John, to be immersed by him in the Jordan. But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be immersed by You, and You are coming to me?”
But Yeshua responded, “Let it happen now, for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”
So John yielded to Him. After being immersed, Yeshua rose up out of the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Ruach Elohim descending like a dove and coming upon Him. And behold, a voice from the heavens said, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased!” (Matthew 3:13-17) (TLV Version)
Qasr el Yahud Experience
This baptismal site belonged to Jordan until 1967. And then Israel miraculously won the Sixth Day War in 1967. Now the Jordan River became the physical boundary between Israel and Jordan. So naturally, Jordan River is split between 2 countries. The Israeli side of Jesus’ baptismal sight was taken back in 1967, but it wasn’t opened to public until 2011 due to safety issue.
Qasr-el-Yahud is not a big place! And it’s FREE on Israeli side (and 12JOD on Jordanian side, that is $16!) It’s gaining popularity because more people know this is the real place where Yeshua (Jesus) was immersed.
The boundary, well, I guess the exact boundary will be that fence. Don’t try to swim over to the other side! Police are watching from both sides!
How Come Jordan River is so Muddy?
There’s a Israel-Jordan Peace Agreement, so that means the water of Yarmuk River in Jordan will not flow to here, and the water of Sea of Galilee (Tiberias) in Israel will not flow to here either. So what’s this water we see? It’s agricultural and industrial waste water…. So yes, you need to be determined and literally take the “leap of faith” if you want to be immersed here! 
A small chapel can be found here. And free toilet!!
Transportation Tips
- No public transportation
- You can hire a driver from Bethlehem ($100 for a day), come with a tour group, or come with a rented car
