Matthew, in his Gospel (chap. 20th), has recorded a highly instructive
incident in relation to the disciples, James and John, whose parents
were Zebedee and Salome. The latter, it would seem, being of an
ambitious turn, was desirous that her two sons should occupy prominent
stations in the temporal kingdom, which, according to the popular
belief, Jesus Christ was about to establish in the world. That she had
inspired _them_ also with these ambitious aspirations, is apparent from
the narrative; she even induces them to accompany her in her visit to
Christ, and so far they concurred with her designs. On entering his
presence she prefers her request, which is, that these sons may sit, the
one on his right hand, and the other on his left, in his kingdom. The
request was made with due respect, and, doubtless, in all sincerity.

Now, it cannot be denied that there may be a just and reasonable desire
on the part of parents, that their children should be advanced to posts
of honor and distinction in the world. But that desire should ever be
accompanied with a wish that those honors and distinctions should be
attained by honest and honorable means, and be employed as
instrumentalities of good. If such wish be wanting, the desire is only
selfish. And selfishness seems to have characterized the desires of
Salome, and probably of James and John. We trust that they all, at
length, had more correct views of the character and kingdom of Jesus,
and sought and obtained spiritual honor in it, infinitely to be
preferred to the honor which cometh from men.

But at the time we speak of, the desires of the mother were narrow and
selfish. Yet, it is remarkable with what courtesy Christ treated her and
her sons, while at the same time he gave them to understand that they
did not know the nature of their request, nor the great matters involved