Text: Matthew 20:20-23

A Mother’s Desire

I. She followed the right person – Jesus Christ. 20:20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons…

A. She was involved in His ministry from Galilee to Jerusalem. Luke 8:3 to Mark 15:41

1. Salome had brought up her children right – looking for the coming of the Messiah.
2. John, along with Andrew, was listening to the message of John the Baptist. John 1:35-41
3. Salome believed the Lord.
a. She heard the testimony: the baptism and the marriage miracle at Cana.
b. She saw the ministry: Peter’s mother-in-law healed by Jesus.
c. She followed the Lord.

B. She was present at His crucifixion.
Mark 15:40-41 There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.

C. She was a witness of His resurrection.
Mark 16:1-2 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
Matthew 28:9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

II. She approached Him the right way. 20:20 …worshipping Him…

A. Salome worshipped the Lord. No irreverent familiarity. She was most likely His mother’s sister, but she did not bring family pressure to bear. It was a simple request.

B. The Lord Jesus Christ deserves all worship. He is worthy.

III. She desired the right thing.
20:21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom

A. She could have desired her sons be sent back home to the family business, after all – Jesus was preparing to depart. Refer to 20:18,19

1. They were in a successful family business. Mark 1:20
2. They were partners with Peter and Andrew. Luke 5:7-10
3. They had a good business to continue with.

B. She could have desired her sons to be protected from the suffering to come.

1. Some may suggest they did not realize the extent of the suffering which they faced.
2. Whether they realized it or not, they stood for the Lord as the trouble came.

a. Salome stood both at the cross and at the grave.
b. James was killed soon after the crucifixion. Acts 12
c. John went through repeated persecutions, even exile on Patmos when the Revelation was given to Him. Was he feeling sorry for himself? Refer to Revelation 1:9,10.

C. She desired that her sons have the highest honour in serving the Lord.

1. She was familiar with the ministry of Jesus.
a. He did not seek riches. He gave that which He had away day to day.
b. He did not seek power. He used His power for the good of others, not for self!
c. He was under constant threat of death.
d. He sought only to do the will of the Father. “Thy will be done…”

2. She asked that her sons sit with Him in His kingdom.
a. This is not a wrong desire.
b. This position is prepared from some.

Romans 5:17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

3. She desired the best for her children – to serve with the Lord!

She desired the right thing! Mothers, I ask you the questions that will influence your family:
– are you following the right person?
– are you worshipping Him with you life?
– are you desiring the right thing?

James and John were not little boys – they were men, and still yet their mother cared for them and for their good.