Salome's Request for James and John 

The house of Zebedee was like a second home to Jesus. The family loved Jesus, who had stayed in their house while working in Zebedee’s boat-building business. All three sons became dedicated followers of the gospel, and Jesus once told James and John that they had always been his apostles. David was young and took on a role similar to a project manager, handling logistics, supplies, and keeping everyone informed. Their mother, Salome, thought of Jesus as her son.

This closeness gave Salome the confidence to ask Jesus for a special favor for her sons. Believing the time had come when Jesus would be proclaimed king, becoming the Jewish Messiah who would free his people from Roman rule, she boldly asked Jesus to promise that he would assign prominent positions to James and John.

Before she made this request, she tried to get Jesus to pledge in advance whatever request she might make, like asking for a blank check. The Master would not agree and asked her simply, "What do you want me to do for you?" Salome said, "Master, now that you are going up to Jerusalem to establish the kingdom, I would ask you in advance to promise me that these my sons shall have honor with you, the one to sit on your right hand and the other to sit on your left hand in your kingdom." Jesus stated, "Woman, you know not what you ask."

Jesus then focused his attention on James and John, saying: "Because I have long known and loved you; because I have even lived in your mother’s house; because Andrew has assigned you to be with me at all times; therefore, do you permit your mother to come to me secretly, making this unseemly request. But let me ask you: Are you able to drink the cup I am about to drink?"

Without a moment for thought, James and John answered, "Yes, Master, we are able." Jesus then said: "I am saddened that you know not why we go up to Jerusalem; I am grieved that you understand not the nature of my kingdom; I am disappointed that you bring your mother to make this request of me; but I know you love me in your hearts; therefore I declare that you shall indeed drink of my cup of bitterness and share in my humiliation, but to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give. Such honors are reserved for those who have been designated by my Father."

Secret meetings never seem to remain secret. Word was leaked to the other apostles, and they were upset, thinking they may have lost their bid for the higher positions. Jesus called them all together and explained, "You well understand how the rulers of the gentiles lord it over their subjects, and how those who are great exercise authority. But it shall not be so in the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever would be great among you, let him first become your servant. He who would be first in the kingdom, let him become your minister. I declare to you that the Son of Man came not to be ministered to but to minister; and I now go up to Jerusalem to lay down my life in the doing of the Father’s will and in the service of my brethren."

After hearing these words, the apostles withdrew by themselves to pray. Peter discussed the hurt feelings with James and John, who apologized and restored the friendly feelings they shared with one another.

In less than a month, Jesus experienced a horrible mortal death, with a dying thief on one side and another transgressor on the other side. Salome witnessed the crucifixion and, looking up at the scene, remembered the foolish request she had made of Jesus on this day.