James the Lesser - Mark 15:33-41

LESSON NOTES AND QUESTIONS

Summary: This passage captures the moment of Jesus' death on the cross, including the supernatural darkness, His final cry, and the reactions of those present, illustrating the profound significance of His sacrifice for humanity. This passage highlights the emotional and spiritual turmoil surrounding this event.

Application: Christians can be encouraged to confront their own doubts and struggles when facing trials. The message illustrates that even in moments of despair, God is present, offering salvation and hope, which can foster resilience and a deeper faith amid life's storms.

Background on Disciple: Very little is known about James, the lesser. He is not to be confused with James the son of Zebedee or James the half brother of Jesus. James, the son of Alphaeus, is sometimes referred to as "James the Less" in Mark 15:40. The term "less" can mean "younger" or "small" and might indicate either his age, physical stature, or perhaps his lesser prominence compared to other disciples. Some Bible translations use the phrase "James the Younger" instead. Beyond his inclusion in the lists of disciples, the Bible provides no additional details about James, the son of Alphaeus.

1. Darkness Amidst the Light

Mk 15:33-34

Jesus hung on the cross for six hours, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. At noon, an unnatural darkness fell over the entire land for three hours. This event could have been caused by a sudden storm or thick clouds, but it is most likely a miraculous sign from God (solar eclipse). The darkness symbolized God’s judgment on human sin, which was placed on Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice (Isaiah 53:5-6; 2 Corinthians 5:21). At 3 p.m., Jesus cried out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" quoting Psalm 22:1. This cry reflects more than just human suffering. Jesus, bearing the weight of sin, experienced separation from the Father for the first time. This separation was judicial rather than relational—God the Father turned away because He cannot look on sin (Habakkuk 1:13). Despite this, Jesus’ words, "My God," show His continued trust in the Father. His forsakenness ensures that believers will never be abandoned by God (Hebrews 13:5).

QUESTION:

• Tell of a time you felt abandoned by God. How does reflecting on Jesus’ death on the cross help you to realize that because of His sacrifice, God promises to never leave us?
• What can we learn from Jesus’ continued trust in the Father, even in the midst of abandonment?

2. Distractions in Despair

Mk 15:35-37

Some bystanders misinterpreted Jesus’ words as a call to Elijah, a figure thought to deliver the righteous in distress. In response to Jesus’ statement, "I thirst" (John 19:28), a Roman soldier offered Him wine vinegar on a stick. This act prolonged Jesus’ life momentarily, allowing spectators to see if Elijah would rescue Him. Their taunts reveal their unbelief, contrasting sharply with Jesus’ ultimate purpose of salvation. Jesus’ death was unlike the typical crucifixion, where victims succumbed after prolonged suffering. Instead, Jesus cried out loudly and died suddenly, showing He voluntarily gave up His life (John 10:18).

QUESTION:

• In what ways are you tempted to be distracted from the gospel in moments of crisis?
• Discuss your human tendency to miss spiritual truths in moments of crisis.
• How can you stay focused on the redemptive work of Christ?
• In what ways are you inspired to persevere in faith?

3. Divine Declaration Received

Mk 15:38-39

His death was immediately accompanied by the tearing of the temple curtain from top to bottom, signifying that God had removed the barrier between Himself and humanity. This act opened the way for direct access to God through Jesus (Hebrews 10:19-22). The Roman centurion overseeing the crucifixion, deeply moved by Jesus’ death and the events surrounding it, declared, "Surely this man was the Son of God!" While he may not have fully understood the Christian meaning of "Son of God," his confession marks the climax of Jesus’ identity in Mark’s Gospel, affirming His divine authority.

QUESTION:

• Share when you recognized or acknowledged Christ’s identity as Savior.
• How does reflecting on Christ’s sacrificial love spur you on to grow in faith and good works?

4. Devotion Despite Distance

Mk 15:40-41

Among the crowd were faithful women who had followed and supported Jesus throughout His ministry. These women—Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and Salome—witnessed His crucifixion from a distance. Their presence stands in stark contrast to the disciples who had fled, showing their devotion and courage. These women would also play a key role as witnesses to Jesus’ burial and resurrection, demonstrating the importance of faithful discipleship.

QUESTION:

• How do the women’s actions inspire us to remain faithful, even in difficult circumstances?
• What does it look like for you to stand by truth amidst adversity?
• How can you actively live out the Gospel message?