Last weekend we made a trip to Christ’s baptismal site and the Dead Sea. Like many other ancient sites in the Middle East the baptismal site is only a guess and likely not the exact spot where he was baptized. There is, however, greater substantial evidence than other sites and was only recently discovered. About ten years ago archeologists discovered Byzantine churches and other various Byzantine artifacts that revealed where they (the Byzantines) believed the baptismal site to be. Of course the Byzantines didn’t come until a few hundred years after Christ was baptized but it’s still a significant discovery that gives greater credence to claiming it as “the place.” The Jordan River is narrow and super dirty but it was nonetheless a special experience to stand on the ground where Christ himself walked and taught.
After the baptismal site we made our way 400 meters below sea level to the Dead Sea – the lowest point on earth. The rumor is true – the water really is so buoyant that it’s literally impossible to sink! As you walk in your feet are forced from under you and if you lie back the water supports you like a cradle. It’s so salty though that the coolness of floating in the Dead Sea wears off pretty fast and you want to get out. It feels like you are covered in oil and the salt stings every part of the body. It was still way worth it though. We spent the rest of the afternoon swimming in a beautiful chlorinated pool overlooking the Dead Sea. We definitely had another successful weekend excursion.
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