04.05.03 Biblical Story of a Value-Adding Mother

Salome and Her Aspirations to Add to the Profile of Her Sons, James and John

Before we discuss how to add value to a child’s life, I wish to share a biblical example of a woman, Salome, who was so fervent at adding value to the profiles of her sons, James and John, both being Jesus’ disciples. She was married to Zebedee a wealthy businessman who operated a fishing enterprise on the Sea of Galilee. Some bible scholars assert that Salome was the sister of Mary of Nazareth, which would mean that Salome was Jesus’ Aunt while James and John were his cousins.

Salome’s attempt to add value to her children’s profiles is seen in Matthew 20:21-23 where she requested Jesus to allow her sons to sit at His right- and left-hand side in Paradise. The scripture reads (NKJV): ²⁰Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. ²¹And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.” ²²But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” ²³So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.”

Indeed, James became the first disciple to be martyred for his faith (Acts 12:1-2) in accordance with Salome’s request and James’ affirmation that he would be able to ‘drink’ the same cup as Jesus’ and be baptised in the same baptism.