Or, the brothers James and John (see Luke 5:10). Their mother, probably Salome (see Matt. 27:56; cf. Mark 15:40; 16:1), may possibly have been the sister of Mary, the mother of Jesus (see on John 19:25). She was one of a group of women who had accompanied Jesus and His disciples on their travels and had ministered to their needs (see Luke 8:1-3; cf. DA 548). Mark specifically mentions that James and John presented their request to Jesus in person (Mark 10:35), whereas Matthew withholds their names, but states that their mother presented the request. This mother had encouraged her sons in their ambition, and accompanied them in coming to Jesus with it (see DA 548). Apparently she broached the subject (see Matt. 20:20), and then James and John spoke on their own behalf (see Mark 10:35; see on Matt. 20:22).
Then came to him.
[The Ambition of James and John, Matt. 20:20-28=Mark 10:35-45. Major comment: Matthew.] This inopportune incident is closely connected with that of the preceding verses (vs. 17-19). To think that James and John came to Jesus with their selfish request to be first in the kingdom, immediately after Jesus had so vividly set forth the circumstances of His approaching death! Here the selfishness that moves the human heart stands forth in stark contrast with the selfless love of God. Perhaps it was meditation upon the announcement that the Twelve would sit upon twelve thrones “when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory” (ch. 19:28), that prompted James and John to request the thrones next to that of Jesus.