Where was Jesus baptized?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, specifically at a place called Bethany across the Jordan. His baptism marked the start of His public ministry and was accompanied by the Holy Spirit descending like a dove and God’s voice affirming Jesus as His beloved Son. Jesus’ baptism was an act of humility and obedience, identifying fully with humanity and God’s plan, though He had no need of repentance for sin. For believers today, baptism symbolizes repentance, identification with Jesus’ death and resurrection, and entry into new life as part of God’s family. It is a public declaration of faith and commitment to follow Christ throughout life.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Where Jesus was baptized is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist who baptized many people and prophesied of the coming Messiah: "I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire" (Mathew 3:11).
• Matthew further tells us that "Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River to John, to be baptized by him" (Matthew 3:13; see also Mark 1:9).
• John the Baptist's ministry was located in a town called Bethany. There were two different towns within the region named Bethany, and the one John the Baptist was in was known as "Bethany across the Jordan." We see it referred to like this in the gospel of John: "These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing" (John 1:28). The other Bethany was located east of Jerusalem and is noteworthy for being Martha, Mary, and Lazarus' hometown (John 11:1).
• Jesus' baptism was marked by the presence of the Holy Spirit descending on Him like a dove and the voice of God the Father speaking from heaven: "And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased'" (Matthew 3:16–17).
• Later in His ministry, the Jews asked Jesus to tell them clearly if He was the Christ, the Messiah they had been waiting for. Jesus affirmed this by making the statement that He and God the Father were one, and for this, He faced intense opposition from people who wanted to stone Him for blasphemy. He escaped from the Jews who wanted to arrest Him and went back to the same town of Bethany where He had been baptized by John. This was a peaceful place where He was safe and stayed for a while, ministering to many people who came to believe in Him as Lord (John 10:24-42).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Jesus’ baptism was not because He needed forgiveness—He was without sin—but rather to identify fully with humanity and fulfill God’s righteous plan. By being baptized, Jesus demonstrated humility and obedience, setting an example for us to follow. His baptism marked the beginning of His public ministry, showing His commitment to God’s mission and inviting others to join Him. It also symbolized the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon Him, empowering Him for the work ahead. In this, Jesus revealed that baptism is not about cleansing from sin for Him but about dedicating oneself to God’s purposes and entering into a new life.

For us, baptism is a powerful act of faith that publicly declares our identification with Jesus—His death and resurrection. It symbolizes our repentance, and reflects outwardly what has already happened inwardly when we trusted in Jesus for salvation. Baptism also unites us with the body of Christ. By following Jesus’ example in baptism, we express obedience to God’s command and embrace the new identity He gives us as His children. Baptism is not just a ritual; it’s a step of trust and transformation that marks the beginning of a lifelong walk with Christ.

UNDERSTAND

• Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River at Bethany across the Jordan, starting His public ministry.
• Jesus’ baptism showed humility and identifying with humanity.
• Jesus’ baptism confirmed His deity through God speaking and the Holy Spirit descending on Him.

REFLECT

• How does Jesus’ humility in being baptized inspire you to live in humble obedience to God’s will?
• How does your baptism reflect your identification with Jesus’ death and resurrection?
• How has publicly declaring your faith through baptism affected your relationship with God and others?

ENGAGE

• How can we explain the significance of Jesus’ baptism?
• What does it mean for us to identify with Jesus’ baptism when He had no sin but chose to be baptized anyway?
• How can baptism serve as a meaningful public declaration of faith in a culture that may not always value such commitments?