Salome, a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, is prominently known in the New Testament for her request to Jesus regarding her sons, James and John, who were among the twelve apostles. This event is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, where Salome approaches Jesus with a bold petition on behalf of her sons.

Biblical Account

The account of Salome's request is found in Matthew 20:20-21 : "Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and knelt down to make a request of Him. 'What do you want?' He inquired. She answered, 'Declare that in Your kingdom, one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand and the other at Your left.'"

Salome's request reflects a common misunderstanding among Jesus' followers regarding the nature of His kingdom. At the time, many anticipated a political and earthly kingdom, and Salome's request for her sons to hold positions of honor suggests she shared this expectation. Her approach to Jesus, kneeling in reverence, indicates her respect and recognition of His authority.

Response of Jesus

Jesus responds to Salome's request with a profound teaching moment. In Matthew 20:22-23 , He says, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?' 'We can,' the brothers answered. 'You will indeed drink My cup,' Jesus said, 'but to sit at My right or left is not Mine to grant. These seats belong to those for whom My Father has prepared them.'"

Jesus' response highlights the sacrificial nature of His mission and the cost of true discipleship. The "cup" He refers to symbolizes the suffering and sacrifice He would endure. By stating that the positions of honor are determined by the Father, Jesus emphasizes the divine order and purpose beyond human ambition.

The Reaction of the Disciples

The request made by Salome and her sons stirred a reaction among the other disciples. Matthew 20:24 notes, "When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers." This indignation likely stemmed from a sense of rivalry and misunderstanding of the nature of greatness in the kingdom of God.

Teaching on Servant Leadership

In response to the disciples' indignation, Jesus seizes the opportunity to teach about true greatness in His kingdom. Matthew 20:25-28 records His words: "But Jesus called them aside and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.'"

Through this teaching, Jesus redefines greatness as servanthood and self-sacrifice, contrasting the worldly pursuit of power with the kingdom's call to humility and service.

Salome's Legacy

Salome's request, while initially misunderstood, ultimately serves as a catalyst for one of Jesus' most profound teachings on leadership and service. Her devotion to her sons and her desire for their prominence in Jesus' kingdom reflect a mother's love and ambition, yet also reveal the need for spiritual insight into the true nature of Christ's mission.

Salome is also noted for her presence at the crucifixion and the empty tomb, indicating her continued faithfulness and dedication to Jesus. Her account, intertwined with the lives of her sons, James and John, underscores the transformative journey of understanding and living out the principles of the kingdom of God.Matthew 20:20,21
Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.
Nave's Topical Index

Who was Zebedee in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

New Testament Individuals ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

Questions about People in the Bible (All) | GotQuestions.org

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