Zebedee's Ambitious Wife

"And many women who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him, were there looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons." Matthew 27:55-56

As a mother of two boys I think I have some understanding of where James and John's mother was coming from. Don't we all?

When Cameron and Corey were growing up I wanted the best for them. I not only wanted the best but I wanted them to want it too. I would have been pretty pleased if they were to have come home in kindergarten and announced they were the teacher's pet. I wished for them to be the best team player, the best of any friend, the number one seed in golf, the highest of ranking anything they set out to do or be, and they had my complete support. I was ready to go to bat for them at any given time.

If we were to have been afforded to live in Jesus' day I'm sure I would have prayed that my boys would have been two of the chosen disciples, and then to have ask Jesus for the seats on His left and right. Just like this mother, her human ambition clouded her godly ambition as she knelt before Jesus, requesting special favor for her boys.

"And He said to her, "What do you wish?" She said to Him, "Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.""

(Matt. 20:21)

When Jesus taught His disciples, the mother of James and John listened with pride in her two sons. Naturally talented and dedicated to the Lord, they were included in Jesus' inner circle. They probably urged their mother to speak to Jesus about this matter, but neither they nor their mother understood the basic requirements for spiritual responsibility. This woman, who undoubtedly loved the Lord passionately, having joined the women who attended Him, is thought to be Salome. (Mark 15:40).

Salome followed Jesus to the Cross and to the grave, Her highest fulfillment was to give her two sons to Christ and the influence of a godly mother is certainly evident in them. But like many believers, she failed to grasp the essence of greatness which is humility. To follow Him is to take up one's own cross. Salome teaches us the importance of imitating Christ who came to serve.

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)

I love you & He loves you more!

Lord, Forgive me for all the times my vision is clouded with earthly gain. May I seek You more so that my walk here on earth comes closer to matching that of Jesus'. May my highest aim be to serve You by serving others. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.