Wilderness of Judea

The Wilderness of Judea was the rugged, dry country sloping down from the hills of Judea toward the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. John the Baptist preached repentance there and baptized in the Jordan, preparing the way for the Lord. It was into this same wilderness that the Spirit led Jesus to fast forty days and be tested before he began his public ministry.

• Also known as: Judean Wilderness, Judean Desert
• Role: Desert region of Judea
• Key Scripture: Matthew 3:1, Mark 1:4, Matthew 4:1

Go deeper in My Daily Bread

Read Wilderness of Judea's full story, the people and places connected to it, and how it speaks into today's readings.