Jonah


Jonah’s story is told in the book of Jonah

  • Who Is Jonah?
    • Prophet in Israel during the 8th century BC.
    • God commanded Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh, a great but wicked Assyrian city, and warn them of divine judgment.
    • Jonah’s task was to tell the people to repent or face destruction.
  • Strengths and Accomplishments
    • Obedience (Eventually): After initial reluctance, Jonah eventually obeyed God and went to Nineveh.
    • Effective Speaker: Once he got there, his message led to the largest mass repentance recorded in the Bible.
    • Instrument of God’s Mercy: Through Jonah, God showed His grace and mercy by giving Nineveh a chance to repent and be saved.
  • Weaknesses and Mistakes
    • Disobedience: Initially tried to flee from God’s command by boarding a ship to Tarshish.
    • Self-Centeredness: More concerned about his own comfort and reputation than the welfare of the Ninevites.
    • Anger and Resentment: Became angry when God spared Nineveh after they repented; questioned God’s mercy.
  • Lessons from His Life
    • Running from God is Futile: Jonah learned the hard way that you can’t outrun God. He ended up in the belly of a “big fish” for three days as a result.
    • God’s Mercy is Limitless: The repentance of Nineveh teaches us that God’s mercy extends to all, even those we might consider “enemies.”
    • Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice: Jonah initially tried to run from responsibility, but true fulfillment only came when he obeyed God.
  • Key Verses (NIV)
    • “The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: ‘Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.'” (Jonah 1:1-2)
    • “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.” (Jonah 2:2)
    • “When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.” (Jonah 3:10)