"And in those days, it happened that Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. Just as he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens open. And the Spirit descended like a dove upon him. And then came a voice from heaven, saying, You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Luke 3: 15-22)

Israel’s River Jordan is spiritually significant because of New Testament references to Christ’s baptism in the waters where the Jordan meets the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee. The baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist was a sign of his revelation as the Messiah. Many people of all faiths find meaning in this water’s rich spiritual symbolism and biblical origins.