Zebedee had two sons in his fishing business, James and John, before Jesus called the young men to follow Him. Their mother was probably called Salome (comparing the names of the women in Matthew 27:56 and Mark 15:40). She was undoubtedly committed to Jesus, going in the early morning to anoint His body in the tomb. She was also committed to her two boys and wanted the very best for them. Presuming that she had a special relationship with Jesus, she asked Him to give James and John the top jobs in His government when He became 'king of Israel'.
 
Certainly John seemed to have a particular affinity with Jesus and He is not ashamed to describe himself as 'the disciple who Jesus loved' (John 13:23, 19:26, 20:2, 21:7, 21:20). James and John, along with Peter, were specially selected to accompany Jesus at the raising of Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:37), the transfiguration (Mark 9:2) and at Gethsemane (Mark 14:33). We do not know who prompted this initiative to approach Jesus, but there does seem to have been some family collusion as the men accompanied their mother and subsequently the other disciples were angry with them.
 
Jesus asked the men about their commitment to Him. Were they willing to 'drink the cup' (of suffering and death) with Him? They said they were willing. But the places next to Jesus in the kingdom of heaven had already been appointed by Father God, and could not be extracted from Jesus as a favour for faithful service and committed friendship. It may have been that since the men stopped fishing, Zebedee may not have been able to continue the business, and the family income may have suffered. Perhaps his wife was trying to solve a financial problem or just wanting the best for her boys. Whatever the motive, Jesus said He could not pick favourites for heaven.
 
However committed we may feel we are to Jesus, our sinful nature continually asserts our primary commitment to ourselves and our family. In one sense it is right to be concerned for family welfare; but to use spiritual relationships to get more power, more money or more recognition is wrong. In some cultures it is considered normal to use the family of the church to advance the interests of the nuclear family. But it is worldly, fleshly and evil. It is also offensive to any right minded person. It has the same smell as bribery and corruption. In Luke 14:26 Jesus is clear - even the most precious family instincts (including self-preservation) must be set aside to follow Him. Parents must not destroy their spiritual legacy: using God's kingdom to advance their children in this world is wicked.