Series in the Minor Prophets.                           

Jonah:

Purpose of Writing: Disobedience and revival are the key themes in this book. Jonah’s experience in the belly of the whale provides him with a unique opportunity to seek a unique deliverance, as he repents during this equally unique retreat. His initial disobedience leads not only to his personal revival, but to that of the Ninevites as well. Many classify the revival which Jonah brings to Nineveh as one of the greatest evangelistic efforts of all time.

Brief Summary of the story. .

Jonah’s fear and pride cause him to run from God. He does not wish to go to Nineveh to preach repentance to the people, as God has commanded, because he feels they are his enemies, and he is convinced that God will not carry out his threat to destroy the city. Instead he boards a ship for Tarshish, which is in the opposite direction. Soon a raging storm causes the crew to cast lots and determine that Jonah is the problem.

They throw him overboard, and he is swallowed by a great fish. In its belly for 3 days and 3 nights, Jonah repents of his sin to God, and the fish vomits him up on dry land (we wonder what took him so long to repent). Jonah then makes the 700k plus trip to Nineveh and leads the city in a great revival.

But the prophet is displeased (actually pouts) instead of being thankful when Nineveh repents. Jonah learns his lesson, however, when God uses a wind, a gourd, and a worm to teach him that He is merciful.

A summary chapter by chapter.

1. God calls Jonah (1:1-2)

2. Jonah disobeys God’s call (1:3)

3. God frustrates Jonah’s plan to disobey (1:4-16)

4. God appoints a great fish to rescue Jonah from certain death (1:17)

5. God hears the prayer of Jonah and transports him back to dry land and the path of obedience (2:1-2:10)

6. God calls Jonah a second time (3:1-2)

7. God blesses the preaching of Jonah, in spite of Jonah’s wishes, showing us God’s gracious and merciful character to the lost who repent and believe (3:3-10)

8. God ministers to Jonah: bringing about comfort and distress to expose his sinful attitude; asking him questions that help Jonah (and us) see the gracious and merciful character of God, which Jonah Himself is meant to imitate (4:1-11).

Questions…

Chapter 1 –

• What is your “Nineveh” – the thing God wants you to do that you don’t want to do?

Chapter 2 –

• God delivers us even when we resist His guidance in our lives.

Chapter 3 –

• God gives a second call, a second chance to Jonah. God gives second chances (1:1, 3:1).

Chapter 4 –

• God loves all people. Do you?

God loves even your The Ninevites were Jonah’s enemies, whom he found it difficult to love. Who are your Ninevites?

• Do you let petty frustrations with the daily things of life overwhelm what God is trying to do through your life?
• If God appoints even a worm to accomplish His purposes (4:7), He can definitely use you!