A Mothers Request
Partial Outline: FULL PDF HERE
Matthew 20:20-28
I hesitated to use Mrs. Zebedee (aka Salomé) for my Mother’s Day sermon. Many are critical of her request for her two sons. At first, it sounds like she is being brash, doesn’t it?
However, upon further consideration, I’ve come to appreciate her boldness. As I read this text, I see “mother” written all over it. Here is a mother who comes to Jesus with a bold request (vs. 20-21). She asks nothing for herself. She only wants something for her two sons. This was just a mom being a mom!
Mark 1:19-20 tells us James and John were partners with their father Zebedee in the fishing business. Jesus called them as they were mending their nets. They left their nets and their father to follow Jesus. The request of Mrs. Zebedee shows she was supportive of her sons’ choice to leave the family fishing business to follow Jesus.
Let’s take a closer look at six things about this “mother’s request.”
I. It was made to the right Person.
A. She came with the right approach—She came worshipping. She knew Jesus was God.
The word “worship” literally means to kiss or lick the hand (like a dog). Her request was bold, but her attitude was humble.
B. Mrs. Zebedee recognized Jesus was going to be King and establish His kingdom. He would be the One in charge, and that is who she went to with her request.
II. It was a NATURAL request.
A. It is natural for a godly mother to want her children to be part of God’s kingdom.
What good is it if our children have successful careers, make money… drive fancy cars… and live in high-class neighborhoods, if they miss the kingdom of God?
B. It is natural for a mother to love her children and to want what is best for them. There isn’t a mother here that doesn’t want the best for their children.
- Just be sure you want God’s best for your children, and not what you think is best, or what the world thinks is best (money, popularity, elevated position, good profession, etc.).
- Maybe God wants your child to be a preacher or missionary. Look at your children from God’s point of view. Too often mothers only see their children from their own point of view.
Jesus asked, “What wilt thou?” Hey Mom, if Jesus asked you “What do you want?” what would you say? Mrs. Zebedee wasn’t bashful about her request! She asked for a good thing!
III. It was a PERSONAL request.
A. She didn’t ask for someone else’s children. She probably saw the other disciples there. She knew they were good men, too. But she asked Jesus “grant that these MY two sons” sit at your right and left.
Partial Outline: FULL PDF HERE
