We’ve all heard or read stories about a stage mom. Maybe you know one. Maybe you are one.

Stage moms are usually proud for a reason. They believe they have exceptional kids who deserve commensurate amounts of attention. And they will do what it takes to ensure their kids are in the spotlight.

Salome was one of those moms. She had raised two exceptional sons, James and John, who had left behind everything to follow Jesus. So why shouldn’t they receive the glory they’re due? she wondered.

Her stage mom antics earned the ire of her sons’ fellow disciples. But Salome’s story goes deeper than that, deep into a heart of faith that sought a greater glory.

From Family Fishers to Fishers of Men

Salome was the wife of Zebedee, who ran a commercial fishing business with his sons, James and John. The family partnered with Simon, who came to be known as Peter, and his brother, Andrew (Luke 5:10). 

But both family businesses would soon suffer a staffing crunch as all four young men made an unusual and immediate career change.

Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed Him. And going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed Him.—Matthew 1:16-20 (ESV)

The sons left with no recorded objections from their parents. In fact, Salome seems to have come alongside James and John on their ministry journey.

Her Bold Request

James, John and Peter became part of Jesus’ inner circle among His 12 disciples. And Salome—whose name we infer from connecting the dots between Matthew 27:56 and Mark 15:40—was there cheering them on while also possibly supporting the ministry of Jesus.

Salome had heard Jesus talking about the kingdom of heaven being near. Would her boys, whose nickname was Sons of Thunder, have their rightful place in it? It was time for her to enter stage mom mode.

Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of Him. “What is it you want?” He asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right and the other at Your left in Your kingdom.” “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from My cup, but to sit at My right or left is not for Me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by My Father.”—Matthew 20:20-23 (ESV)

Salome obviously recognized who Jesus is, but she didn’t clearly understand that Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world. Jesus gently rebuked her and used her request as a teachable moment about servant leadership and the potential cost of discipleship, which both her sons would eventually pay.

A Stalwart Supporter

It wasn’t long till the days of Jesus’ ministry—and His very life—came to an end. And Salome was there, along with other women who had supported the Lord along the way. Even then, in the face of danger, they were unashamedly devoted to Jesus.

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 Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.—Matthew 27:55-56 (ESV)

Commentators believe she was among the women also present at the resurrection. Along with Mary Magdalene and other female disciples, Salome probably continued to serve a role as the church was established.

What We Can Learn from Her

Did Salome get it all right? Of course not. Do we? No. Sometimes we make foolish requests, have unchecked motives, or want to exert inappropriate control.

One moment may show something of our heart, but it doesn’t define us. Salome’s infamous moment of stage mom-ness is recorded for all the world to read. But look deeper, and you’ll see a woman who remained faithful even at the risk of her own life.

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This is Part 31 in a series about biblical women—some named, some not, some honorable, some less so. But all have earned a place in scripture, and all have important lessons to teach us.