Muslims and Jews Prepare for the 2,000th Anniversary of Jesus’ Resurrection

Jordan is preparing a $100 million project

In December 2022, Jordan unveiled an ambitious $100 million master plan to develop the region of Bethany Beyond the Jordan, known as Al-Maghtas, on the east bank of the Jordan River. This site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, is traditionally regarded by many churches as the place where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. The project aims, in particular, to attract up to one million Christian pilgrims and to prepare the infrastructure in anticipation of the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ baptism, expected around 2030. This project was officially unveiled in the presence of King Abdullah II of Jordan, his sons, and the Jordanian prime minister. In a predominantly Muslim country, the King of Jordan is publicly taking on the responsibility of preserving and developing a major Christian site. 
 

Israel is also investing in baptism sites

On the other side of the Jordan River, Israel has also devoted considerable resources to developing sites associated with baptism. The Qasr al-Yahud site, on the west bank of the Jordan River, recently underwent a major renovation costing 25 million shekels, or approximately $8 million. The work is funded by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism. Also worth mentioning is Yardenit, south of the Sea of Galilee, another popular official baptism site on the Jordan River. Yardenit itself states that it was built by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism and now welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors and pilgrims each year. Israeli investments in Christian tourism are even more extensive. In 2014, the Ministry of Tourism reported having invested nearly $33 million in the development of Christian pilgrimage sites and the necessary infrastructure, notably Yardenit and several other holy sites.
 

And what about the Church?

These figures should give us pause. Nations are already taking seriously the historic opportunity presented by the anniversaries of the major events in Jesus’ life. The question that then arises for Christians is simple, if governments and non-Christian actors are investing to prepare for welcoming pilgrims on the occasion of the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ baptism, how much more should the Church mobilize to celebrate the 2,000th anniversary of his earthly ministry, between 2030 and 2033, and especially the 2,000th anniversary of his resurrection in 2033? This is not merely a matter of building infrastructure or organizing events. It is about seizing a unique opportunity to bear witness to Jesus Christ, to proclaim the Gospel, to bring Christians together in unity, and to turn the world’s gaze toward the One whose life, death, and resurrection changed history.
 

The time has come to invest

The Church must not let this opportunity pass us by. The years 2030 through 2033 are now close enough that we must begin taking action right away. Investing financially, creatively, spiritually, and personally in this celebration means preparing a global witness centered on Jesus Christ. May every church, every movement, every organization, and every Christian ask this question: What will we do to ensure that the whole world hears about Jesus on the occasion of the 2,000th anniversary of his ministry, and especially the 2,000th anniversary of his resurrection in 2033? Now is the time to prepare, to unite, and to invest.