There are some women in the Bible who frequently get overlooked; Salome is one of them. This seldomly-mentioned woman is worth taking a second look at. She was the wife of Zebedee, and the mother of James and John, disciples of Jesus. Salome, herself, had followed Jesus since the beginning of His public ministry and soon after, her sons were hand-picked by Jesus to be among His twelve disciples. Jesus spent much time in their hometown of Capernaum and was a frequent visitor in the “Zebedee” home. Because of the relationship her sons held with Jesus, Salome got to know Jesus personally and most likely cooked for and served him on a regular basis, which in itself was an honor and privilege!

Like most parents, Salome wanted the very best for her sons; and in this case, that was Jesus! Also like most Christian mothers, she did her very best to raise her boys as upstanding citizens and men of God. But her wild boys made it difficult at times, so much so that Jesus himself gave these rambunctious young men their nickname, “sons of thunder”! Salome was at times overzealous in her ambition for her boys’ relationship with Jesus. At one point, she went as far as to ask the Lord to give each of her sons a place at either side of Him in Heaven (Matt. 20:20-21). Although her request was erred, some might say even selfish, she had followed Jesus so faithfully that she knew He would listen to her. Jesus denied Salome’s request (v.22-24), but it, by no means, swayed her from following her Savior. In today’s verse, we find Salome at the cross along with other women who were also faithful followers of Jesus.

We don’t know much else about Salome, except that she was a wife and a mother of children who served the Lord. We know that she faithfully followed and served Jesus, and that is enough to make her an honorable mention in Jesus' story. Will we be mentioned by name in Jesus’ book for our faithfulness to Him?

Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for using Salome as an example of faithfulness for parents everywhere. Because of her devotion to you, her children walked closely with you, and you called them your friends. Oh, that my children could be among your friends also! Thank you that we can come boldly to your throne of grace and put our requests before you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1.    Mark 15:40-41 (ESV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.