A Mother's Bold Request

In Matthew 20:20-22, we read of a heartfelt yet misguided request made by the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee. Bowing before Jesus, she asked that her sons be granted to sit at His right and left hand in His kingdom–positions of highest honor. This seemingly bold act opens a window into the interplay between cultural norms, family ambition, and spiritual misunderstanding.

From a cultural perspective, her action is not entirely inappropriate. In the honor-shame society of first-century Judea, it was common for family members–especially mothers–to seek advancement for their children. Advocating for one's sons was often seen as a demonstration of love and loyalty. Additionally, it is possible that this woman, traditionally identified as Salome, was a relative of Jesus and may have thought her family ties justified her request.

However, her request also reflects a misunderstanding of Jesus' mission. Despite her reverence and faith in His coming reign, she, like many others, assumed that Jesus would soon establish a political kingdom. Her sons had left everything to follow Him, and perhaps she believed they deserved a prominent place when that kingdom came. Yet, she failed to grasp that the path to Jesus' glory ran through suffering and the cross, not through status and exaltation.

From a discipleship perspective, the request exposes both faith and ambition. On one hand, it demonstrates a belief in Jesus' kingship. On the other, it reveals a worldly mindset–one that sought greatness through proximity to power rather than through humility and service. Jesus' response was gentle but penetrating: "You do not know what you are asking." He shifted the focus from positions of honor to a willingness to suffer: "Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?"

Interestingly, Mark's Gospel shows James and John themselves making this request, suggesting their mother may have simply been the spokesperson for their shared ambition. Jesus ultimately addresses the two brothers directly, indicating that their desire was not merely a mother's dream but their own as well.

What of Zebedee, their father? In a patriarchal society, it might seem odd that he wasn't the one advocating. But Scripture gives no indication that Zebedee was a disciple. He remained behind, managing the fishing business, while his wife followed Jesus and supported His ministry (see Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40). It may have been her spiritual proximity to Jesus that emboldened her to speak, even if her understanding was incomplete.

In the end, Jesus neither rebuked nor shamed them. He redirected them. He taught that greatness in His kingdom is not bestowed through favoritism or family ties, but through suffering, humility, and servanthood.