Places from the Scriptures

The Jordan River

What happened here, and what can we learn from it?

Where Is It?

Map from Getty Images

Its source is at Mount Hermon in the north.

It flows south into the Sea of Galilee—and out again.

It ends by flowing into the Dead Sea.

For most of its length, it is below sea level.

It is the most important river in this region.

What Happened Here?

Joshua led the children of Israel across the Jordan River on dry ground to enter the promised land (see Joshua 3–4).

Jesus Christ was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist (see Matthew 3).

Did You Know?

The name Jesus is the Greek form of the name Joshua. And events at the Jordan River are a connection between Jesus Christ and the Old Testament prophet Joshua.

Joshua	Jesus Christ
Came after Moses.	Came to fulfill the law of Moses.
Led the children of Israel into the promised land.	Showed us the way to enter the celestial kingdom.
Crossed the Jordan River on dry ground.	Went into the Jordan River and was baptized.
Had priests carrying the ark of the covenant step into the river to part the waters.	Was baptized by John the Baptist, who had priesthood authority. This showed us the first step to entering covenants with God.