The readings for today are Matthew 20:1-24:51

So far in our readings in Matthew we have seen Jesus take on demons, storms, illnesses, death and the Pharisees. In one of our readings today, we see Him take on one the most imposing forces in all the world–a pushy mother. I am talking about the mother of James and John in Matthew 20:20-28.

She has a request–and quite a request it is. She isn’t asking for something simple like wealth or wordly fame. She wants to make sure her sons are recognized through all eternity. This mother (her name is Salome) makes this request of Jesus:

“Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”

Wow! This was one bold lady. It would be easy and perhaps even appropriate to criticize her and her sons and her request for pride, a self-serving attitude and a complete and utter lack of the humility that was so important to Jesus.

But since judging others is never a good idea (and since we have most likely been guilty of the same sins), perhaps we would be wiser to find out more about this woman. She will show up again in the life of Jesus. Her next appearance is in Matthew 27:55-56:

“Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.”

The Mother of Zebedee’s sons is none other than the arrogant mother of our previous story. And look at where she is–at the cross watching Jesus die, having followed Him there to tend to His needs. And look at who isn’t there–everyone else. They have run away to hide. But these women stick it out to the very end. So as it turns out, this was not only a woman of arrogance and pride who wrongly sought glory for her sons. This was also a woman of faith–the kind of faith that would stick it out with Jesus when everyone else had gone into hiding.

We have a choice. We can look at one side of Salome and condemn her for her pride or we could look at another side and praise her for her faithfulness. I believe that is true of most of Jesus’ followers–even us, or maybe I should say, especially us.

What biblical truths does God show me in these verses?
All of God’s saints have their strengths and weaknesses

Since God tells us in the book of James to be doers of the Word and not merely hearers, how can I apply these Biblical truths to my life?
Today, instead of looking at peoples’ sin and weakness, I will look for their faith and faithfulness.