Mothers DON’T Always Know What’s Best!
Matthew 20:20-24
20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. 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 the kingdom. 22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. 23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of 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 shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. 24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.
In one of my devotional studies I cam across a woman by the name of Salome. Salome was the mother of Zebedee’s sons. Zebedee had a fishing business that his two sons, James and John, helped with. One day James and John left the family business to follow Christ.
Salome loved her sons very much and wanted the best for them. In verse 21 she made a request to Jesus. She asked that her sons sit on each side of Christ in Heaven. WHAT A REQUEST!!! Christ told her it was not His decision. “...it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.”
So many times we think we know more than God, what’s best for our children. We love to see them honored for an accomplishment. But how do we react when he/she is passed over for some honor? Why are mothers so eager to elevate their children?
Really think about this question and answer honestly. Don’t we sometimes brag on our children because it makes us look good as a parent? We get prideful of what they have done. There is nothing wrong with being proud of our children, as long as we give the honor to Whom it belongs! We must teach our children the difference between the world’s honors and God’s honor.
Those accomplishments here on earth are only temporary and many times overlooked in life. But those things which are done in Christ’s name, and for His sake, are never overlooked or forgotten by Him. We are to lay up treasures in Heaven.
Salome thought she new what James and John needed. How do you think she felt when Jesus told her those two seats shall be given only by the Father? I believe Jesus, in His kind way, put her in her “humble” place.
Scripture exalts the position of mothers. It recognizes the importance of her role in her children’s lives. What kind of a role model are we for our children? Are we like Salome, she though she knew what was best for her sons, even in eternity? Are we modeling our lives after Christ so that our children will know how to go to God for His will, and not our own.
Back to Articles page