Friday 25 July 2025

Psalm 126

Background
In Mark’s account of this conversation, James and John approach Jesus alone (Mark 10:35-45). In Matthew’s account, however, their mother approaches Jesus on their behalf, asking for her sons to sit "one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom" (v. 21). This has led to her sometimes being dismissed as a ‘pushy woman', eager to see her sons gain a higher status – like a mum who emails the school repeatedly advocating for her child to be given the role of Mary in the school nativity. But (in what has become something of a theme this week!) perhaps there is more to the mother of the sons of Zebedee?

In Matthew 27:56, the mother of the sons of Zebedee is listed among the faithful few disciples (all of whom were women) who watched from a distance as Jesus was crucified. Cross-referencing the accounts of the crucifixion in the different gospels has led some to deduce that James and John’s mother was named ‘Salome’. As a faithful disciple, it seems she understood clearly the importance of Jesus’ mission. Perhaps, in her request, she wanted her sons to serve Jesus in the kingdom. Or, perhaps, she was seeking to secure them a higher status. All of us, as disciples, are on a lifelong journey of learning and growth. We make mistakes, we misunderstand the gospel message, and we pray for the wisdom to allow God to guide us onto the right path.

Jesus used this opportunity to teach Salome (if that was her name) and the other disciples about the importance of service over status. It follows neatly from earlier passages in Matthew 20: the parable of the labourers in the vineyard, in which those who worked longest were disgusted to find that the vineyard-owner gave everyone what they needed, not what they deserved; and Jesus’ third prediction that he would be condemned, mocked, flogged and crucified before rising again. Jesus asked James and John if they, too, would be willing to drink from the same cup – to suffer, if necessary, in the service of others. This is a recurring theme in Matthew's Gospel, which repeatedly cites the book of Isaiah (drawing on Isaiah 42:1-4 in Matthew 12:18-21 and Isaiah 53:4 in Matthew 8:17) and the image of the Suffering Servant to show that willing but costly service by one can bring about liberation and hope for many.

To Ponder:

• Are there subtle ways that we sometimes jostle for status in our churches? How can we resist this particular temptation?
• Can you think of any examples of servant leadership in action? What impact did this kind of leadership have?
• We hear relatively little of the mother of the sons of Zebedee. What do you think life was like for her, following Jesus alongside her two sons?

Bible notes author: The Revd Naomi Oates
Naomi is a Methodist minister, currently serving in four churches across five communities in the North Kent Circuit. When not being rugby-tackled by her two young children, she enjoys cycling, baking and reading Golden Age detective fiction (although not all at the same time).