Matthew 4:18-25; Matthew 20: 20-28
Salome was filled with excitement mixed with fear and confusion as she walked slowly along a dusty Bethsaida road in Galilee toward her home. She had just met with Jesus, a bold move even for her in this patriarchal society.
In her mind, she defended her actions. “Is it a sin to ‘go to the source’ and ask a favor?
She justified herself.
“My husband Zebedee is a prosperous Galilean fisherman who comes from a long line of gifted anglers,” she thought. “God blessed us with two sons, John and James, who are filled with zeal and courage. My boys were among the first to follow Jesus and shortly after they joined up with Jesus and his disciples, I too began to support His mission both financially and with service. My husband’s wealth made this possible.”
“What mother wouldn’t be proud of her family, happy with a life like hers?” she said aloud to no one in particular.
Salome forced herself to admit that she was a bit worried when James and John shared news of their calling by Jesus. Her sons were in a fishing business with Peter and his brother Andrew. These young men already knew Jesus because He had been preaching around the Sea of Galilee, traveling to the surrounding 30 fishing towns that included Capernaum, the largest. She had heard how Jesus had invited first Peter and Andrew, and then her boys to come work with him and leave their lucrative fishing business. His recruitment pitch was that they should begin “fishing for people.”
“How do you make money from that? She asked herself, chuckling. She was happy that no one could read her thoughts.
Everyone in town excitedly talked about Jesus’ powerful preaching ministry and its exponential growth. Often, he spoke in the synagogues. But mainly His teaching, preaching, and healing transpired as He and his disciples walked the streets and countryside. Imagine that! HEALING too. He shared the gospel, the Good News, to everyone who wanted to hear about how the kingdom of God has come, that God is with us, and that he cares for us. Who wouldn’t want to follow a man like that? She pondered.
The more positive feedback about Jesus, the more she plotted.
“Sure, her sons were following the right man, but they should make the most out of it,” she reasoned. “I am ambitious for my sons, even if they aren’t. They can thank me later.”
Her mind continued the reverie.
“Aren’t my aspirations for my sons similar to that of any mother’s? What mother wouldn’t want the best for her children?” She didn’t understand the danger of desires that may stand in the way of God’s specific will for her children.
Finally, her mind drifted to the encounter she had with Jesus hours earlier. She remembered joining her sons and the other disciples as they prepared to walk to Jerusalem with Jesus. They were in an uproar, something about how Jesus predicted his death and resurrection. AGAIN. This was the third time he broached this subject.
Unperturbed, Salome focused on her mission. She saw Jesus in the crowd and walked to him. She knelt respectfully to ask a favor.
“What is your request?” Jesus asked, accepting the worship that Salome brought but noting that her real motive was to get something from him.
“In your kingdom,” Salome said shyly, “please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”
Jesus’ reply shocked Salome and her boys, who stood near their mother.
“You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink?” Jesus asked.
“Oh yes,” James and John answered excitedly in unison. “We are able.”
This prompted Jesus to issue a stern message: “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. My father has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.”
At that moment, Salome realized something that Jesus had been teaching all along. She now understood that Jesus is under the authority of God, his Father, who alone makes the decisions about leadership in heaven. Intuitively she finally comprehended that leadership in the kingdom are rewards that are not granted as favors. They are for those who have maintained their commitment to Jesus despite severe trials.
Also, Salome saw the discord she had brought to the group. The other disciples were indignant when they heard what she had asked.
Jesus called everyone together and said: “You know that the rulers in the world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Salome managed a rueful smile. Despite the friction she caused, everyone had learned a great lesson that day. Everyone now knew that authority is given, not for self-importance, ambition, or respect, but for useful service to God and his creation.
Mark 15:39-41 tells us that Salome remained faithful to Jesus until his death. She watched his brutal crucifixion from afar with several other women. Also, Salome went with Mary, Jesus’ mother, and Mary Magdalene to the tomb. They had intended to anoint his body with spices. However, when they arrived, they found the stone was rolled away and Jesus had risen. The women were among the first witnesses of Christ’s resurrection. (Also see Matthew 27: 56, John 19:25 and Mark 16:1)
