Salome (disciple)

Salome, in biblical tradition, is typically identified as one of the women who followed Jesus and ministered to him. She is mentioned in the Gospels as being present at the crucifixion and as one of the women who went to Jesus' tomb after the Sabbath and discovered it empty.

While not all Gospels mention her by name in the same events, a comparison of the accounts suggests a probable identification. Mark 15:40 lists "Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome" as witnessing the crucifixion from a distance. Matthew 27:56, in a parallel passage, lists "Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee's children." This leads many scholars to identify Salome as the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were two of Jesus' apostles.

If Salome is indeed the mother of James and John, this sheds further light on her potential motivations and position within the group of Jesus' followers. The request of the mother of the sons of Zebedee for her sons to sit at Jesus' right and left hand in his kingdom (Matthew 20:20-28; Mark 10:35-45) is often attributed to her, highlighting her ambition for her children. However, the story also illustrates Jesus' teaching on service and humility.

In summary, Salome is an important, though not always explicitly named, figure in the New Testament narrative, representing one of the devoted women who supported Jesus during his ministry and witnessed his crucifixion and resurrection. Her potential identity as the mother of James and John adds another layer to her significance, linking her to two of the most prominent apostles.