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Mary and John

Perhaps the strangest - and most astonishing thing - I learned on this trip was the following...

After Jesus' death and resurrection, the Virgin Mary - along with John the Evangelist - moved to Ephesus. And lived here for years!

In fact, brace yourselves, because this is wild: Here is the house where the Virgin Mary lived out the rest of her years on earth.



There's actual historical evidence that she lived here. And though the house is a reconstruction...it's built on the original first century foundations.

She lived at the top of a little mountain and had this for a view every day:



All I could think about while I was in this area was what her life must have been like. She was a virgin who gave birth. Her son grew up to be a man. The Messiah. He was crucified, died, and was buried. And He was resurrected. He then ascended into heaven.

And yet, she was still alive. And spent years reflecting on all these things in the city of Ephesus. If that doesn't blow your mind, I don't know what will.


As I mentioned, Mary wasn't alone in the city. She was also with John. You remember John, right? He's known as the "beloved one" in the Bible. And speaking of the Bible, he wrote The Gospel according to John.

Yeah, that John.

Well, he lived here, as well. And in fact, he's buried in the city of Ephesus.

There isn't much left of the 6th century church where he's buried, unfortunately. But it must have been pretty cool looking centuries ago.





And there it is: The tomb of Saint John. Conveniently written in English in case we miss it...



Mary and John in the city of Ephesus. I had no clue. But I'm glad I went...