Jordan is preparing to commemorate the 2,000th anniversary of the baptism of Jesus Christ in 2030, with major investment planned to establish the Muslim-majority kingdom as a leading destination for Christian pilgrims.
Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan recently met Christian leaders and signed agreements for an extensive redevelopment of the historic baptism site at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, on the eastern bank of the Jordan River.
The project, reportedly valued at about $120 million, will include a purpose-built village for Christian pilgrims and other visitors, a museum devoted to the baptism of Christ, a green corridor and improvements to roads and other infrastructure serving the area.
The year 2030 is generally recognised as marking approximately two millennia since Jesus was baptised in the Jordan River by John the Baptist, an event traditionally regarded as the beginning of Christ’s public ministry.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan, also known as Al-Maghtas, lies opposite the West Bank. At the time of Christ, the area formed part of Perea, a territory under Roman influence.
The site has attracted considerable attention from the Catholic Church over the decades. Four popes — Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis — have visited the area, making Jordan the only country to have hosted all four pontiffs.
Islam is Jordan’s official religion, but the kingdom also has a longstanding Christian community numbering about 350,000 people.
Hassan said commemorating the anniversary “reflects Jordan’s historical and religious standing and its role as a global destination for Christian pilgrimage”, while also demonstrating the kingdom’s tradition of religious coexistence.
Jordan’s preparations come as other major Christian pilgrimage destinations in the region remain affected by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Across the Jordan River are two of Christianity’s most important holy places: the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, traditionally identified as the site of Christ’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection, and Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity, built at the traditional location of his birth.
Access to Bethlehem from Jerusalem involves passing through Israeli-controlled checkpoints and can be affected by security restrictions, road closures and changes to movement controls.
Jordan is hoping its investment in Bethany Beyond the Jordan will significantly increase the number of international Christian visitors as the 2030 anniversary approaches.
Jesus came only for the lost sheep of the House of Israel
Revelation 13:8
Looks like that leaves You out
Depart from me You Who work iniquity
2000th anniversary of superstition…people never learn……….