The Baptism of Jesus Christ - A documentary film (2007)
In 2007, a documentary film was made AbOUT the baptism of Jesus, Locating the event on the east side of the Jordan river.
Biblical background
In the synoptic gospels, Jesus Is baptised by John the Baptist. This event is the basis of the Christian rite of baptism (see also .) In these accounts, John the Baptist preached repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus comes to the Jordan River and is baptised there by John. After the baptism occurs the heavens open, the Spirit like a dove descends from heaven, and God pronounces that Jesus is his son. Jesus then goes into the wilderness where the devil tempts him, and when he returns he begins his ministry.
Most Christian groups view the baptism of Jesus as an important event, and historically it has caused much debate on the issue of Christology.
Locating the Baptism site on the east bank of the Jordan
A site showing early Christian activity on the Eastern bank in Jordan in Al Maghtas (Baptism, or Immersion in Arabic), is considered by more and more specialists and church denominations to be the site of the baptism of Jesus Christ following UNESCO-sponsored excavations. The location fits with : These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. This site has been visited by Pope John Paul II in March 2000.
The location appears on the Map of Madaba as Aenon or Sapsaphas (Place of the Willows).
Filmmakers' description of documentary
The Baptism of Jesus Christ - Uncovering Bethany beyond the Jordan
A spiritual journey through an archaeological detective story
"An archaeological-detective story uncovering the pieces of The Ancient mystery of where Christ was baptized. Christians around the world know Bethlehem where Jesus was born, and Jerusalem where Jesus died and was resurrected, but no one knows the location of his baptism. This being one of the three holiest places of Christianity.
Where was he baptized? Why was the site lost? How was it discovered and what was found there? The remarkable story of how the actual location of Jesus’ baptism had disappeared from human memory, lost in time for almost 1000 years; And the fascinating story of its rediscovery and the ongoing excavations taking place there. Only 5% of the area has been dug until today. Who knows what else lies beneath this place and what it could reveal about Jesus Christ and the birth of Christianity.
The 47 minute documentary is concerned with the recent discovery of the baptism site of Jesus Christ in an area known as ‘Wadi al-Kharrar’ on the east bank of the river Jordan, the “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” of the Gospels. A complex of unique churches, baptismal pools and monasteries are amongst the important discoveries uncovered so far. The area, since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, was a military zone and heavily mined making it impossible of access. However in 1994 after Jordan and Israel signed a peace treaty, archaeologists begun their excavations..." (from the filmmakers: Ten Thousand Films)
External links
- Official film website: The Baptism of Christ - Uncovering Bethany beyond the Jordan - 47 min Documentary
- Official website of filmmakers: Ten Thousand Films (10,000 Films)
- Official website of the "Royal Commission for the Baptism site of Jesus Christ", Jordan
- 'The sanctuary of Bethany beyond the Jordan where John the Baptist baptised' by Michele Piccirillo
- Pope to visit Mt. Nebo, Baptism Site during Jordan trip - Jordan Times
- 'Archaeological evidence shifting views on site of Jesus' baptism' - The Baptist Standard
- 'Site of Jesus’ baptism believed east of Jordan' - The Alabama Baptist
- The New Life Mission's explanation of baptism
- UNESCO: The Baptismal Site (Bethany beyond the Jordan)
es:Bautismo de Jesús it:Battesimo di Gesù ja:イエスの洗礼 pl:Chrzest Pański