Desert Wanderings
Carousel of images for this Bible Exhibit
The Baptism of Jesus
Jesus’ baptism is depicted in the 19th-century painting. John the Baptist is wearing traditional robes made of camel hair, pouring water over Jesus, who stands before him. The dove from heaven has descended on Jesus, representing the Holy Spirit's presence.
The Spirit Descending on Jesus
This painting from 1895 shows John the Baptist pouring water over Jesus, whose head is illuminated, representing his divine nature. The Holy Spirit, represented by the dove, is descending on Jesus.
The Baptism of Christ
This Renaissance painting from 1591 imagines the scene at the Jordan River where John the Baptizer is pouring water over Jesus as the dove descends from God the Father, pictured in the clouds.
The Baptism of Christ
This Baroque period painting from 1622-1623 imagines the scene of John pouring water over Jesus while the Spirit descends in the form of a dove.
The Baptism of Christ
This 19th-century painting depicts God’s light shining down on Jesus as he rises up out of the water.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
The baptism site known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” ruins on the eastern side of the Jordan River across from Jericho. This location has been preserved as the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.
The Baptism Site of Jesus
This is a side view of Jesus’ baptism site, known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan,” on the eastern side of the Jordan River, across from Jericho.
The Modern Jordan River
This picture is of the modern Jordan River near the traditional baptismal site. In Jesus' day, the river would have been significantly wider with a greater water flow.
A Monument Marking Jesus’ Baptism
A cross marking the area of Jesus' baptism site overlooking the Jordan River.
St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
This is one of several churches or chapels rebuilt in this area, marking Jesus’ baptism.
Listen to this Bible Exhibit
The story of Israel wandering in the desert for 40 years begins after they were delivered from slavery in Egypt under the leadership of Moses. After parting the Red Sea, the Israelites traveled to Mount Sinai to receive God’s Law and then on to the edge of the Promised Land. The journey proved to be much more difficult than they had anticipated.
At Kadesh-Barnea, the Lord told Moses to send some men from each tribe of Israel to go and explore the land Numbers 13:1-3. These twelve spies were to report back on the military strength of the inhabitants as well as how fertile the land was. After a 40-day excursion into the land, the twelve men reported back on the incredible bounty of the land. They also saw walled cities for the first time, and the people were tall. Ten of the twelve spies stated that the people in the land of Canaan were too strong and could not be attacked Numbers 13:17-33.
The Israelites complained and rebelled against the Lord, wishing to return to Egypt. God’s anger burned against his people for doubting his ability to give them the land of Canaan and for rebelling against his appointed leaders, Moses and Aaron. He declared that none of the Israelites over the age of twenty at the time of the rebellion would be allowed to enter the Promised Land except for Joshua and Caleb, the two spies who remained faithful to God. Instead, they would die in the wilderness over forty years Numbers 14:1-38.
For forty years, the Israelites wandered in the desert until that entire generation of people who had doubted and rebelled against the Lord had died out. Only then would their descendants be allowed to enter the Promised Land. The 40 years in the desert was seen as a period of testing and preparation for the Israelites, who were being molded into a people who could fully trust and obey God. It was also a time for God to show His power and faithfulness to the Israelites, providing for them and sustaining them amid their hardship and unbelief.
This Bible Exhibit is one of the several hundred found on the Bible Compass within the Bible Ventures app
