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.”
When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles Lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Zebedee’s wife was bold in her approach, and yet self-serving in her request. The fact that James and John allowed their mother to make this request for them shows a little gamesmanship might have been at play.

They likely did not want to do this directly for how it would seem to the rest of the disciples. So they agreed to have their mom do it for them.

This brings up an interesting principle I have noticed in life: if what you plan to ask or do or say may not be received well, having someone else ask or do or say it for you will usually turn out worse.

Position in Jesus’ Kingdom is not gained by politics or position, or any earthy means. God rewards the heart.

Instead of angling for a high position, how can I find more ways to be a servant of all?

Lord, thank you for this great “learning lesson” passage. Help me to seek the servant roles over the leadership roles. Then, when asked, I can step up into leadership with a humble heart and a mind controlled by your Spirit.