Jonah
Background:
“Jonah might well be called the Old Testament’s “patriotic prophet.” A resident of Israel, his was the happy task of predicting the military successes won by Jeroboam II, and the almost unprecedented prosperity of his era (2 Kings 14:25). But when God called Jonah to go predict the downfall of Nineveh, the capital of an Assyrian Empire destined to destroy Jonah’s homeland, the prophet fled in the opposite direction! Jonah himself explained: He feared that the people of Nineveh might repent and that God would relent (Jonah 4:2). When the reluctant prophet finally did preach in Nineveh, his fears were realized.
Despite the simplicity of the familiar story, it is one of the richest of Old Testament books in terms of teaching pointed spiritual lessons. God is shown to be deeply concerned with the welfare of people of every nation, not just of Israel. God is also shown to be gracious in dealing with His prophet. Even though Jonah was knowingly, willfully disobedient, God gave this patriotic prophet a second chance. Perhaps one of the most fascinating lessons is seen in the timing of Jonah’s experience, during the reign of Jeroboam II. It was during this same reign that Amos’ brief, fiery ministry took place. That prophet confronted the rich of Israel and condemned the social injustices that developed with prosperity. Amos too announced judgment and called on the people of God to repent. The significance of Jonah is that God’s grace toward Nineveh served as a vivid object lesson for Israel, His own people. If Israel would repent she too could be saved. Unknown to Jonah, his mission to Nineveh was in fact a mission to Israel as well.”[1]
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Jonah 1: Fleeing from the Lord
Ø What was significant about the Lord sending Jonah, a Jewish prophet, to Nineveh?
Ø How did God handle Jonah’s disobedience? Is there any application for us?
Ø What do you find interesting about Jonah’s confession to the crew of the stricken ship? Any application for us?
Ø Do you believe that the Lord really provided a huge “fish” to swallow Jonah and preserve him or is this simply a figure of speech to prove a point? Why do you hold the position you do?
Ø Does Mathew 12:39-41 shed any light on whether or not this is a true event?
Jonah 2: Jonah’s Prayer
Ø Why do you think Jonah waited until he was thrown overboard and swallowed by the fish to pray?
Ø What lesson can we learn from Jonah’s prayer/
Ø From Jonah’s experiences would you say there is anywhere that one can hide from the Lord?
Jonah 3: Nineveh
Ø What does verse 3:1 teach us about God’s grace toward His own people?
Ø How did the heathen city of Nineveh respond to Jonah’s message? What does this teach us about proclaiming the Word of God to unbelievers?
Ø Was it Jonah’s responsibility to get a response from the people of Nineveh? Application for us?
Ø What does verse 3:10 teach us about God’s grace toward the heathen?
Jonah 4: Anger vs. Compassion
Ø Why did Jonah become angry with God? Application for us?
Ø How does Jonah describe God? If he was aware of God’s character, why did he get mad at God? Application for us?
Ø What was Jonah’s response to God showing His love and grace toward the people of Nineveh? Application?
Ø How did God deal with Jonah’s temper tantrum? What does this tell us about how God deals with His people?
Ø List several applications that we as Christians today can learn from Jonah and God’s response to him.
[1] Richards, L. O. (1991). The Bible readers companion (electronic ed.) (546). Wheaton: Victor Books.
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