Jonah
Jonah Introduction
The Book of Jonah stands as one of the most captivating narratives in the Old Testament, functioning both as historical account and profound spiritual metaphor. Unlike many prophetic books that primarily record prophecies, Jonah tells a story that masterfully weaves together divine calling, human reluctance, and God's overwhelming mercy. As Jesus himself referenced Jonah's experience, saying "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth" (Matthew 12:40), we see how this Old Testament story points forward to Christ's death and resurrection.
The renowned biblical scholar N.T. Wright reminds us that "The Old Testament is not just a collection of ancient stories about a distant people. It is part of our own family story." This perspective is crucial for contemporary Christians approaching Jonah's narrative. The story challenges our modern sensibilities with its miraculous elements – a man surviving inside a great fish, a plant growing and withering overnight – yet these very elements highlight God's sovereign power over creation and His ability to use nature itself to accomplish His purposes.
Pastor Timothy Keller offers a compelling insight when he notes, "Jonah is not so much a story about a fish as it is about God's mercy and how His people should share it with others." This observation is particularly relevant for today's Christians who might struggle with the Old Testament's seemingly harsh portions. Jonah's story reveals that God's character – His compassion, patience, and desire for repentance – remains consistent throughout scripture. The book demonstrates how God's concern extends beyond the chosen people of Israel to encompass all nations, as evidenced by His compassion for Nineveh when He declares, "Should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left?" (Jonah 4:11).
For contemporary Christians, especially those who might view the Old Testament as disconnected from modern faith practice, Jonah serves as a bridge. It addresses themes that resonate deeply with our current experience: wrestling with divine calls that push us out of our comfort zones, struggling with prejudice against those different from us, and learning to align our hearts with God's expansive mercy. Through this lens, we see that the Old Testament isn't merely a historical prelude to the New Testament, but rather an integral part of understanding God's character and His ongoing work in the world.
Session 1-"The Reluctant Prophet" Disobedience and Flight - Jonah 1:1-3
Read: Jonah 1:1-3 - Scripture focus: God's call to Jonah and his attempt to flee
Lead-in Question:
Have you ever felt God calling you to do something that made you uncomfortable or scared? How did you respond?
Overview:
Jonah was a prophet who didn't want to do what God asked him to do. God told Jonah to go to Nineveh, a big city, and tell the people there to stop being bad. But Jonah didn't want to go.
Instead of listening to God, Jonah tried to run away. He got on a ship going to Tarshish, which was very far from Nineveh. Jonah thought he could escape from God's presence, but he was wrong. As Thomas Smith, a Bible teacher, says, "To call Jonah a reluctant prophet would be a gross understatement. He literally runs in the opposite direction of his calling to preach repentance to the Ninevites".
Jonah didn't want to help the people of Nineveh because they were enemies of Israel. He was afraid that if he warned them, they might change their ways and God would forgive them. As one Bible scholar explains, "Jonah hated the Assyrians and did not want them to repent. He wanted God to pour out His wrath upon them, not His mercy". Jonah's actions show us that sometimes we let our feelings get in the way of doing what God wants us to do.
Think About This:
The story of Jonah begins with a clear command from God: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me” (Jonah 1:2). But instead of obeying, Jonah runs in the opposite direction. He boards a ship to Tarshish, trying to escape God's call. This act of disobedience reveals an important truth for us: even when we don’t understand or agree with God’s plans, we are called to trust and obey Him.
Jonah’s reluctance is something many of us can relate to. As Dr. J. Vernon McGee once said, "There’s a little Jonah in all of us." Sometimes we don’t want to face difficult tasks or confront people who challenge us. Jonah avoided Nineveh because he feared the people and likely doubted they deserved God’s mercy. Yet, God’s plan wasn’t about Jonah’s feelings—it was about His purpose. When we avoid God’s commands, we’re not just running away from responsibility; we’re running away from the blessings He intends for us and others.
One lesson from Jonah’s flight is that disobedience brings consequences. Charles Spurgeon put it this way: “God never allows His children to sin successfully.” Jonah’s journey to Tarshish didn’t bring him peace; instead, it brought a storm. Like Jonah, when we resist God’s direction, our lives can become unsettled. God may allow challenges to redirect us toward His will, not to punish us, but to lovingly guide us back to Him.
For Christians today, Jonah’s story encourages us to examine our hearts. Are there areas where we’re running from God’s call? Maybe it’s forgiving someone, sharing our faith, or stepping into a role we feel unprepared for. As we face these challenges, let us remember that God’s plans are always for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28). The prophet Jeremiah reminds us of God’s character: “For I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Jonah’s disobedience reminds us that God’s mercy is for everyone, even those we may struggle to love. As we follow His call, we grow in faith and help fulfill His purpose in the world.
Discussion Questions:
1. What specific command did God give to Jonah, and why do you think Jonah's immediate response was to run away?
God called Jonah to go to Nineveh, the capital of Israel's enemy Assyria. Consider how challenging it would be to share God's message with people you view as enemies. Jonah's fear and reluctance were very human responses.
2. The text says Jonah fled "from the presence of the Lord." What does this tell us about Jonah's understanding of God at this point?
Sometimes we too might think we can escape God's presence or avoid His calling. This reveals a limited view of God's nature and sovereignty.
3. Notice that Jonah went to Tarshish, which was in the opposite direction of Nineveh. What does this tell us about deliberate disobedience?
Jonah didn't just refuse to go - he actively went the other way. This reminds us that disobedience often involves conscious choices that take us further from God's plan.
Influence on Life Today:
Like Jonah, we often receive guidance or callings that challenge our comfort zones. This might involve reaching out to someone different from us, forgiving someone who hurt us, or serving in a way that seems beyond our abilities. Jonah's story reminds us that God's plans often push us beyond our personal preferences and prejudices. When we run from God's calling, we miss opportunities to be part of His larger purpose and to grow in our faith.
Take-Home Thoughts:
1. God's love extends to all people, even those we might consider unlikely or unworthy.
2. Running from God's call doesn't change His plans - it only delays our participation in His work.
3. God can use even our reluctance and mistakes to teach us about His character and grace.
4. Sometimes what we view as an unwanted assignment is actually an opportunity for both our growth and others' blessing.
Session 2 - "The Storm at Sea" Judgment and Deliverance - Jonah 1:4-16
Read: Jonah 1:4-16 - Scripture focus: God's intervention and the sailors' response
Lead-in Question:
When have you experienced a time when your actions affected not just you, but also those around you? How did that make you feel?
Overview:
The story of Jonah begins with God commanding him to go to the city of Nineveh, the capital of the powerful Assyrian empire. However, Jonah disobeys God and instead flees to the port city of Joppa. There, he boards a ship heading in the opposite direction.
Soon after the ship sets sail, a fierce storm arises. The sailors, terrified, cry out to their own gods. They cast lots to determine who might be responsible for this terrible ordeal. The lot falls on Jonah, and he confesses that he is running away from God. The sailors, realizing that Jonah has angered the true God, ask him what they should do.
Jonah instructs them to throw him overboard. Initially reluctant, the sailors try to row back to shore, but the storm intensifies. Finally, they throw Jonah into the sea. Miraculously, the storm immediately subsides. The sailors, astonished by this event, offer sacrifices to God and vow to serve him.
This story highlights the importance of obedience to God. As the sailors experienced, ignoring God's commands can have serious consequences. Jonah's disobedience not only endangered his own life but also the lives of many innocent people.
The story also emphasizes the power and mercy of God. Even when faced with the rebellious actions of humans, God demonstrates his love and grace. He intervened to save the sailors from the storm, demonstrating his compassion and forgiveness.
This passage resonates with many throughout history. As theologian John Calvin observed, "Disobedience to God always brings punishment." The sailors' experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking God's will and living in accordance with his commands.
Think About This:
As Jonah flees from God’s command, he finds himself in the middle of a fierce storm sent by God to get his attention. The storm symbolizes God’s judgment, not only on Jonah’s disobedience but also as a way to display His power and purpose to those around him. This storm reminds us that we can never truly outrun God’s presence or plans. As A.W. Tozer once wrote, “God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which He must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves.” God’s timing and methods are always perfect, even when they feel uncomfortable.
The sailors in the story represent humanity’s desperate search for deliverance in times of trouble. They try everything in their power—throwing cargo overboard, praying to their gods—but nothing works until they acknowledge the true God. Jonah’s confession that he serves “the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land” (Jonah 1:9) leads them to fear and worship the Lord. For Christians today, this teaches that our disobedience doesn’t just affect us; it can also cause harm or confusion to those around us. However, our repentance and witness can lead others to recognize the one true God.
Jonah’s willingness to be thrown overboard shows us an important truth about God’s mercy. The storm ceases as soon as Jonah is sacrificed to the sea. This points forward to Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice, who calms the storms of sin and judgment for all who believe in Him. As Charles Spurgeon said, “When Christ is in the vessel, the storm ceases.” This reminds us that deliverance comes only through surrender to God’s will.
For Christians today, the storm at sea encourages us to trust God, even in the trials of life. Storms can serve as wake-up calls, reminding us of our need to return to Him. They are not signs of abandonment but opportunities for growth and renewed faith. Like the sailors, we must turn to God in the midst of life’s storms, trusting that He is both our Judge and Deliverer.
Jonah’s story reminds us that God’s purposes are always greater than our plans. Whether through storms or calm seas, He works to draw us and others closer to Him. As we face life’s challenges, may we respond with faith and obedience, trusting in His power to deliver us.
Discussion Questions:
1. How did the sailors respond to the storm compared to how Jonah responded?
Notice that the pagan sailors prayed to their gods and took action, while Jonah was sleeping below deck. Sometimes those who don't know God can show more spiritual awareness than those who do. The sailors' desperate prayers show a natural human recognition that there is a higher power.
2. What strikes you about Jonah's honest admission in verse 12: "Pick me up and throw me into the sea"?
Despite his disobedience, Jonah showed concern for others' safety and accepted responsibility for his actions. He was willing to sacrifice himself to save the sailors - a small picture pointing to Christ's greater sacrifice.
3. Why do you think the sailors tried so hard to row back to land instead of immediately throwing Jonah overboard?
These pagan sailors showed remarkable compassion, trying to save the very person whose disobedience had endangered them. Their respect for human life, even in crisis, is touching and instructive.
Influence on Life Today:
Our choices, like Jonah's, can affect many people beyond ourselves - our family, friends, church, and community. When we run from God's will, we might "sleep through" opportunities to witness to others, while those around us actively seek spiritual answers. However, like the sailors, we should show compassion even to those whose actions cause problems, remembering that God's mercy extends to all.
Take-Home Thoughts:
1. God can use storms in our lives to get our attention and draw us back to His path.
2. Our disobedience often affects others in ways we don't expect.
3. God can use anyone - even those who don't know Him - to accomplish His purposes.
4. True repentance includes accepting responsibility for our actions and their consequences.
5. Sometimes the way through our storms is not fighting against them but submitting to God's will.
Session 3 - "Swallowed by a Great Fish" The Abyss and Awakening - Jonah 1:17-2:10
Read: Jonah 1:17-2:10 - Scripture focus: Jonah's prayer and deliverance
Lead-in Question:
Have you ever felt like you were at your lowest point, only to discover that God was still there with you? What was that experience like?
Overview:
After Jonah tried to run away from God, something amazing happened. God sent a big fish to swallow Jonah. The Bible tells us, "Now the LORD had appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights".
This wasn't just a story, but a real event that God used to teach Jonah and us an important lesson. Inside the fish, Jonah had time to think about what he had done. He prayed to God, saying sorry for running away. Jonah realized that God was still with him, even in the dark belly of the fish. As one Bible teacher explains, "The fish swallowed up Jonah, not to devour him, but to protect him".
God was keeping Jonah safe, even though it seemed like a scary situation. After three days and nights, God made the fish spit Jonah out onto dry land. This miracle showed how powerful God is. Jesus even talked about this story later, comparing it to how He would die and come back to life. The story of Jonah reminds us that God can do amazing things, even when we make mistakes. As one expert puts it, "It is granted that to nature this was impossible, but not to the God of nature, with whom all things are possible".
God used this experience to change Jonah's heart and prepare him for the important job of telling the people of Nineveh to change their ways.
Think About This:
When Jonah is thrown into the sea, God appoints a great fish to swallow him. This act of mercy saves Jonah from drowning, but it also places him in a dark and confined space—a place where he cannot run anymore. The great fish symbolizes both judgment and grace. It represents the depths of Jonah’s disobedience, but also God’s commitment to rescue and redeem him. As preacher Warren Wiersbe once noted, “When God disciplines us, it’s not to destroy us, but to bring us back to Himself.”
Inside the fish, Jonah has time to reflect. His prayer in Jonah 2:1-10 reveals a heart turning back to God. In verse 2, Jonah cries out, “In my distress I called to the Lord, and He answered me.” The fish becomes a place of awakening, where Jonah recognizes God’s mercy and sovereignty. This reminds Christians today that even in the darkest places of life—whether caused by our own mistakes or outside circumstances—God is with us. As Psalm 139:9-10 says, “If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me.”
Jonah’s three days in the fish also foreshadow the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself draws this parallel in Matthew 12:40, saying, “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Just as Jonah emerged from the fish to fulfill God’s purpose, Jesus rose from the grave to bring salvation to all who believe. This connection shows us that God’s plan of redemption has been consistent throughout history.
For Christians in this generation, Jonah’s experience teaches us the value of repentance and prayer. When we feel overwhelmed by the "abyss" of life, we can cry out to God, knowing that He hears us and desires to restore us. Charles Spurgeon said it well: “I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.” Even our struggles can draw us closer to God when we allow them to awaken us to His presence and purpose.
The story of Jonah in the fish reminds us that God’s grace is greater than our failures. No matter how far we run or how deep we fall, His mercy can reach us. Like Jonah, we are called to respond with renewed faith and obedience, trusting in the God who delivers us from the depths.
Discussion Questions:
1. What does it tell us about God that He "provided" or "appointed" the great fish?
The word used here suggests God's careful planning, not just coincidence. Even in what seemed like punishment, God was actually providing a way of rescue. The fish wasn't just a punishment - it was protection and deliverance.
2. How does Jonah's prayer change from the beginning of chapter 2 to the end?
Notice that Jonah begins by describing his distress but moves to thanksgiving. Even in the fish's belly, he remembers God's faithfulness and promises. His prayer shows a heart turning back to trust in God's mercy.
3. What do you find interesting about Jonah's reference to the temple (verse 4) while he's inside the fish?
Even when physically far from the temple, Jonah knew he could still turn his heart toward God. This reminds us that no place is too dark or distant for prayer to reach God's ears.
Influence on Life Today:
Sometimes we need to hit "rock bottom" before we look up to God. Our modern lives can be full of distractions that keep us from truly turning to God until we face a crisis. Like Jonah, we might find that what looks like our worst moment can become a turning point toward renewed faith and obedience. God can use even our darkest moments as opportunities for spiritual growth.
Take-Home Thoughts:
1. God's discipline is always aimed at restoration, not destruction.
2. Prayer can reach God from any place, even our deepest personal "pits."
3. Sometimes what feels like punishment is actually God's protection.
4. Thanksgiving can happen even before we're delivered from our troubles.
5. God often uses unusual methods to bring us back to His path.
Session 4 - "A Second Chance" Reluctant Obedience - Jonah 3:1-4
Read: Jonah 3:1-4 - Scripture focus: God's renewed call and Jonah's obedience
Lead-in Question:
When has God given you a second chance at something? How did it feel to receive that opportunity to start fresh?
Overview:
God gave Jonah a second chance to do what He had asked. The Bible tells us that God spoke to Jonah again, telling him to go to Nineveh and share His message. This time, Jonah listened and obeyed. As one Bible teacher explains, "Having learned the lesson that resisting the will of God is both futile and counter-productive, Jonah now obeys the call and goes to Nineveh".
Nineveh was a very big and important city. The Bible says it was so large that it took three days to walk across it. Jonah started walking through the city, sharing God's message. He told the people, "In forty days, Nineveh will be destroyed!" This was a warning from God, giving the people a chance to change their ways[2].
Even though Jonah obeyed God this time, he still wasn't happy about it. He didn't like the people of Nineveh because they were enemies of Israel. One expert explains, "Jonah is called out by God to go and prophesy to the enemy. For the story to work as it is intended, we must look through Jonah's eyes. We should not stand off on the sidelines and judge, but think of how we would feel in the same situation". This shows us that sometimes doing what God asks can be hard, especially when it involves people we don't like. But God's love is for everyone, even those we might see as enemies.
Think About This:
After Jonah’s time in the belly of the great fish, God gives him a second chance. Jonah 3:1 says, “Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: ‘Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.’” This shows that God is not only a God of justice but also a God of mercy and restoration. As preacher Charles Spurgeon put it, “God does not allow His servants to remain in their sin but restores them to their mission.”
Jonah obeys this time, but his obedience seems reluctant. He travels to Nineveh and delivers a simple, blunt message: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown” (Jonah 3:4). Jonah does not sugarcoat God’s warning, nor does he seem particularly invested in the outcome. Even so, his obedience accomplishes God’s purpose. For Christians today, this teaches us that even when we feel unqualified or hesitant, God can work through our faithfulness to bring about His will.
The second chance Jonah receives reminds us that failure does not disqualify us from serving God. Whether we’ve run from His call or stumbled in our faith, God’s mercy gives us the opportunity to repent and start again. Pastor Warren Wiersbe wrote, “The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you and the power of God cannot use you.” This means that when God calls us, He also equips us to complete the task.
Nineveh, known for its wickedness, symbolizes the seemingly unreachable people and places in our lives—those we may feel are beyond redemption. Jonah’s obedience shows that no one is too far gone for God’s grace. As Christians, we are called to share His truth even when it feels uncomfortable or inconvenient, trusting that His Word will not return empty (Isaiah 55:11).
For Christians today, Jonah’s story challenges us to embrace God’s calling with a willing heart. Reluctant obedience, while still obedience, misses out on the joy of serving God wholeheartedly. When we trust Him fully, our faith grows, and we become part of His redemptive work in the world. As Jonah’s story reminds us, God is always working to bring others—and us—closer to Him.
Discussion Questions:
1. Why is it significant that God's message to Jonah was "the second time"?
God's willingness to repeat His call shows His patience and grace. He didn't give up on Jonah after his first refusal but offered another opportunity to fulfill his purpose. This reveals God's character as one who gives second chances.
2. Notice that God's command is exactly the same as before. What does this tell us about God's purposes?
God's plans don't change just because we initially refuse them. His purposes remain steady, and He patiently waits for our obedience. The consistency of His command shows that His will is not negotiable.
3. How does Jonah's response this time differ from his first response?
This time, Jonah obeys "according to the word of the Lord." Though we don't see enthusiasm, we do see obedience. Sometimes simply doing what God asks, even without perfect motivation, is the first step toward deeper faithfulness.
Influence on Life Today:
We live in a society that often believes in "one strike and you're out," but God's way is different. Like Jonah, we might initially run from God's calling - whether it's to forgive someone, serve in a ministry, or share our faith with others. God's patience with Jonah encourages us that it's never too late to turn around and obey. Even if we've failed before, God offers fresh starts and new beginnings.
Take-Home Thoughts:
1. God's mercy includes giving second chances to those who have failed Him.
2. Obedience doesn't require perfect motivation - sometimes we just need to take the first step.
3. God's purposes remain unchanged even when we initially resist them.
4. It's never too late to say "yes" to God's calling.
5. Our past failures don't disqualify us from present service to God.
Session 5 - "Nineveh's Repentance" Unexpected Grace - Jonah 3:5-10
Read: Jonah 3:5-10 - Scripture focus: The city's response and God's mercy
Lead-in Question:
Has God ever surprised you by working in ways or through people you didn't expect? What did that teach you about His nature?
Overview:
When Jonah finally shared God's message in Nineveh, something amazing happened. The people of Nineveh believed God's warning and decided to change their ways. The Bible tells us, "So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth from the greatest of them to the least of them". This shows how seriously they took God's message.
Even the king of Nineveh joined in. He took off his royal robes, put on rough cloth, and sat in ashes to show how sorry he was. The king told everyone in the city to stop eating and drinking, and to pray to God. He said, "Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands"[6]. The king hoped that if they changed their ways, God might forgive them.
God saw how the people of Nineveh were truly sorry for their bad actions. Because of this, He decided not to destroy the city. As one Bible teacher explains, "God does not delight in the death of the wicked. God does not relish the judgment of the wicked by any means – rather, He desires that they repent and live"[2]. This story shows us how much God cares about people and how He's always ready to forgive when we're truly sorry. It's a wonderful example of God's love and mercy, even for people who were once enemies of His people.
Think About This:
When Jonah delivered God’s warning to Nineveh, the response was astonishing. The people of Nineveh, from the least to the greatest, believed God. They declared a fast, put on sackcloth, and cried out for mercy (Jonah 3:5-9). Even the king humbled himself, stepped off his throne, and urged everyone to turn from their evil ways. This unexpected repentance highlights the power of God’s Word to convict and transform hearts. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “The Word of God is like a lion; you don’t have to defend it. Let it loose, and it will defend itself.”
The repentance of Nineveh shows us the wideness of God’s mercy. Nineveh was a wicked city, known for its violence and idolatry, yet God offered them a chance to repent. This demonstrates that no one is beyond the reach of His grace. For Christians today, this is a powerful reminder that God’s mercy extends to everyone—even those we might think are undeserving. As Jesus said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32).
The sackcloth and fasting symbolize humility and a genuine turning away from sin. For us, this act reminds us of the importance of repentance in our own lives. True repentance isn’t just feeling sorry for our sins; it’s a commitment to change and seek God’s forgiveness. As Bible teacher Warren Wiersbe explained, “Repentance is not a feeling; it’s a change of mind that leads to a change of life.”
Nineveh’s repentance also points to the heart of God: He desires to save, not destroy. When God saw their repentance, He relented from sending disaster (Jonah 3:10). This shows that God’s judgment is not final if there is genuine repentance. For Christians today, it encourages us to pray for others, even those who seem far from God. It also reminds us to trust in His patience and His willingness to forgive when we turn to Him.
Nineveh’s story challenges us to reflect on how we view others. Are there people or groups we feel are beyond saving? The grace shown to Nineveh reminds us that God’s love is for all people, and we are called to share His message without prejudice. Like Jonah, we are God’s messengers, and we never know how He might use His Word to change hearts.
Discussion Questions:
1. What stands out to you about how quickly the Ninevites responded to Jonah's message?
These people, who were Israel's enemies and didn't know God's laws, believed immediately. Sometimes those we least expect to be open to God's message are the most responsive. The Ninevites' quick response puts to shame those who have known God's truth for years but resist it.
2. How did the king of Nineveh demonstrate true repentance?
Notice that he removed his royal robes, sat in ashes, and ordered both people and animals to fast. His actions showed genuine humility and complete surrender. True repentance involves both internal change and external actions.
3. What does verse 10 reveal about God's character when it says "God relented of the disaster"?
This shows God's ultimate goal is redemption, not punishment. When people genuinely turn to Him, His mercy triumphs over judgment. God's warnings of judgment are often invitations to repentance.
Influence on Life Today:
In our modern world, we often prejudge who might be receptive to God's message. The Ninevites remind us that God's grace can reach anyone, even those we might consider unlikely or unworthy. Their story challenges us to share God's message without prejudice and to believe that radical transformation is possible for any person or community.
Take-Home Thoughts:
1. No one is beyond the reach of God's grace.
2. True repentance affects both our attitudes and our actions.
3. God's warnings are often expressions of His mercy, giving people time to repent.
4. We should never limit who we think God can reach or transform.
5. Community-wide spiritual change often starts with individual responses to God's truth.
Session 6 - "The Prophet's Anger" Anger and Lament - Jonah 4:1-4
Read: Jonah 4:1-4 - Scripture focus: Jonah's displeasure and God's question
Lead-in Question:
Have you ever been upset or disappointed when God showed mercy to someone you thought didn't deserve it? What feelings did that stir up in you?
Overview:
When God decided not to destroy Nineveh, Jonah got really mad. The Bible says, "But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry" (Jonah 4:1). Jonah had done what God asked, but he wasn't happy with the result. He didn't want the people of Nineveh to be forgiven because they were enemies of Israel. Jonah was so upset that he told God he wanted to die. He prayed, "Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live" (Jonah 4:3). This might sound extreme, but it shows how strongly Jonah felt. He knew God was kind and forgiving, but he didn't want God to be kind to Nineveh. As Bible scholar Warren Wiersbe explains, "Jonah would rather die than see his enemies spared!"Jonah's anger reveals a problem in his heart. He cared more about what he wanted than about God's plan. Pastor John Piper points out, "Jonah's anger was rooted in his belief that he knew better than God how to run the world." Jonah thought he knew who deserved God's love and who didn't. But God's love is for everyone, even people we might not like. God responded to Jonah's anger with a question: "Is it right for you to be angry?" (Jonah 4:4). God wasn't scolding Jonah, but trying to help him understand. As theologian Matthew Henry writes, "When God asks us a question, it's not because He doesn't know the answer, but because He wants us to think about it." God wanted Jonah to realize that His mercy and love are bigger than human anger or prejudice. This part of Jonah's story teaches us an important lesson. Sometimes, like Jonah, we might get upset when good things happen to people we don't like. But God's love is for everyone, not just the people we think deserve it. As Christian author Max Lucado says, "God's love for you is not based on your performance. You are loved because you are His child. You are loved because that is what He is like." This story challenges us to love others the way God loves them, even when it's hard.
Think About This:
Jonah’s reaction to Nineveh’s repentance is surprising—he is not joyful but angry. Jonah 4:1 says, “But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry.” He resented that God had shown mercy to the people of Nineveh, even though they had repented. This anger reveals Jonah’s struggle with God’s character. Jonah knew that God is “gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love” (Jonah 4:2), but he wanted judgment, not grace, for Nineveh. His reaction teaches us how easy it is to let pride and prejudice cloud our understanding of God’s mercy.
Jonah’s anger symbolizes the human tendency to question God’s plans when they don’t align with our desires. Pastor Timothy Keller notes, “If your god never disagrees with you, you might just be worshiping an idealized version of yourself.” Jonah wanted a God who acted according to his expectations, not one who extended grace to his enemies. This is a reminder for Christians today to examine our own hearts: Are we willing to accept God’s will even when it challenges our sense of fairness?
In his anger, Jonah laments and says, “Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live” (Jonah 4:3). This dramatic statement reflects his inner turmoil and shows how unchecked anger can lead to despair. For Christians today, this highlights the danger of holding onto bitterness or resentment. Instead of clinging to anger, we are called to trust God’s perfect judgment and mercy. As Ephesians 4:26-27 says, “In your anger, do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
God’s response to Jonah’s anger is both gentle and probing: “Is it right for you to be angry?” (Jonah 4:4). This question invites Jonah—and us—to reflect on our attitudes toward others. Do we celebrate God’s mercy, or do we begrudge it when it is shown to those we find unworthy? As preacher Charles Spurgeon said, “No man can hate his brother and love God.” Christians are called to align their hearts with God’s heart, rejoicing in His grace for all people.
Jonah’s anger reminds us that God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Instead of focusing on what we think is fair, we are invited to trust in His wisdom and love. When we surrender our anger to God, we open ourselves to His peace and the joy of seeing His purposes fulfilled—even when they surprise us.
Discussion Questions:
1. Why was Jonah so angry about Nineveh's repentance and God's mercy?
Jonah's anger reveals his deep prejudice against the Ninevites and his limited understanding of God's mercy. He wanted God's grace for himself and his people, but not for his enemies. Sometimes we too can fall into the trap of wanting to limit God's mercy.
2. What does Jonah's prayer in verse 2 tell us about his real reason for running away initially?
Jonah admits he fled because he knew God was gracious and merciful. Ironically, he was angry at God for being exactly who He had always claimed to be - compassionate and forgiving. This reveals how our own biases can conflict with God's character.
3. What do you think about God's question to Jonah: "Is it right for you to be angry?"
Instead of scolding Jonah, God asks a question that invites self-reflection. God often uses questions to help us examine our hearts and attitudes. He wants Jonah (and us) to think deeply about whether our anger aligns with His character.
Influence on Life Today:
In our divided world, we might find ourselves angry when God's grace extends to people we consider undeserving - perhaps those with different political views, those who've hurt us, or those whose lifestyles we disapprove of. Jonah's story challenges us to examine our hearts and ask whether we're placing limits on God's mercy that He doesn't place there Himself.
Take-Home Thoughts:
1. God's mercy is bigger than our prejudices and preferences.
2. Our anger often reveals more about our heart condition than about others' unworthiness.
3. God patiently works with us even when we struggle with His ways.
4. We should examine whether our attitudes align with God's character of grace and mercy.
5. God's questions can lead us to important self-reflection and growth.
Session 7 - "The Lesson of the Plant" Mercy Triumphant - Jonah 4:5-11
Read: Jonah 4:5-11 - Scripture focus: God's object lesson and final message
Lead-in Question:
Has God ever used something simple in your everyday life to teach you a deeper spiritual truth? What was that experience like?
Overview:
After Jonah got angry with God for sparing Nineveh, he went outside the city to see what would happen. God decided to teach Jonah an important lesson about mercy. The Bible tells us, "God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery"[2]. Jonah was very happy about this plant that gave him shade from the hot sun.
But God's lesson wasn't over. The next day, He sent a worm to damage the plant, causing it to wither. Then God sent a hot wind and made the sun beat down on Jonah's head. Jonah became so uncomfortable that he wished he could die. As one Bible teacher explains, "God would let Jonah feel some of the heat!"[2]. This was to help Jonah understand how the people of Nineveh might have felt under the threat of destruction.
God then asked Jonah, "Do you have good reason to be angry about the plant?". Jonah said he did, even to the point of death. God used this moment to teach Jonah about compassion. He pointed out that Jonah cared so much about a plant he didn't even grow, which appeared and died quickly.
Then God made His main point: "Should I not have compassion on Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their right and left hand, as well as many animals?"[6]. God was showing Jonah that if he could care so much about a plant, shouldn't God care even more about a whole city full of people and animals?
This story teaches us an important lesson about God's love and mercy. As one expert puts it, "The story of Jonah is about the compassionate God whose mercy has no geographical, cultural, political, and economic frontier"[8]. God cares about all people, even those we might think don't deserve it. He wants us to learn to be compassionate too, just like He is.
Think About This:
In the final chapter of Jonah, God uses a plant to teach Jonah an important lesson about mercy. Jonah, still angry that God spared Nineveh, sits outside the city, hoping to see its destruction. God causes a leafy plant to grow, providing Jonah with shade and comfort. But the next day, God sends a worm to destroy the plant, leaving Jonah exposed to the scorching sun. Jonah becomes so upset over the loss of the plant that he laments his discomfort and even wishes to die. This object lesson highlights Jonah’s misplaced priorities and challenges him to see the world through God’s merciful perspective.
The plant symbolizes the temporary comforts and concerns of life that often consume our attention. Jonah cared deeply for the plant because it benefitted him, but he showed no compassion for the people of Nineveh. Pastor Warren Wiersbe observed, “Jonah had more concern for his personal comfort than for the spiritual destiny of an entire city.” For Christians today, this challenges us to examine our own priorities. Do we focus more on our convenience and preferences than on sharing God’s love and mercy with others?
God’s response to Jonah in Jonah 4:10-11 is filled with compassion and wisdom: “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow... And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?” This contrast shows the depth of God’s mercy. While Jonah mourned a plant, God cared for the lives of an entire city, even those who were spiritually lost. For Christians today, this teaches us to value what God values: people made in His image and in need of His salvation.
The lesson of the plant reminds us that God’s mercy is wider and deeper than we can comprehend. It is not limited by human boundaries, prejudices, or expectations. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “God’s mercy is so great that you may sooner drain the sea of its water, or deprive the sun of its light, than diminish the great mercy of God.” This challenges us to reflect God’s mercy in our own lives, extending grace to those who may not deserve it, just as we have received His unmerited grace.
For Christians in this generation, the story of Jonah and the plant encourages us to move beyond self-centered thinking and align our hearts with God’s mission. Instead of focusing on temporary concerns, we are called to be instruments of His mercy, sharing the good news of salvation and rejoicing in His compassion for all people. Like Jonah, we are invited to grow in our understanding of God’s character and to celebrate His triumphant mercy.
Discussion Questions:
1. Why do you think God provided the plant, then took it away?
God used this simple object lesson to reveal Jonah's heart. The prophet cared more about his own comfort (the plant) than the lives of thousands of people. Sometimes God removes our comforts to help us see our misplaced priorities.
2. What's significant about Jonah sitting down "to see what would happen to the city"?
Even after delivering God's message, Jonah was hoping to see punishment rather than mercy. He positioned himself as a spectator, waiting for judgment instead of rejoicing in repentance. This reveals how deeply his prejudice ran.
3. How does God's final question to Jonah compare the plant to Nineveh?
God points out Jonah's inconsistency - he had compassion for a short-lived plant he didn't create or tend, but lacked concern for thousands of people God had created. This teaches us about the vast scope of God's care for all people.
Influence on Life Today:
Like Jonah, we can become more concerned about our own comfort and convenience than about the spiritual welfare of others. We might care deeply about temporary things (like Jonah's plant) while being indifferent to the eternal destinies of people around us. This passage challenges us to examine our priorities and align them with God's heart for all people.
Take-Home Thoughts:
1. God often uses simple things to teach us profound spiritual truths.
2. Our comfort should never be more important than others' salvation.
3. God's mercy extends far beyond our human boundaries and prejudices.
4. We are called to share God's concern for all people, even those different from us.
5. The book of Jonah ends with a question - inviting us to examine our own hearts and responses to God's mercy.
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