Before Jonah is called by God to prophecy to the
nation of Nineveh he prophesied to King Jeroboam II and the people of Israel.
(2 Kings 14:25-26) Despite Jeroboam II doing “evil in the sight of the Lord,”
(14:23) he is blessed by extended borders, peace and prosperity. The ESV Study
Bible observes, “Jonah witnessed first-hand the restorative compassion of God
extended to his wayward people.” Having received a call to Nineveh, Jonah
rebels fearing God will extend compassion to his nation’s enemy.
Some scholars have read the book of Jonah as
allegory or a fictional parable. What evidence to the following scriptures
provide for reading Jonah as a historical narrative?
Jonah 1:1-3--
Jonah 3:2-10--
Jonah 4:11--
Matthew 12:40-41--
Read chapter
one in Tullian Tchividjian’s Surprised by
Grace, A Cure for Gospel Confusion. (Pages 15-22) Why is it significant
that early Christian writing and art held the “sign of Jonah” in high regard?
To what does the “sign of Jonah” point?
Read the
book of Jonah in one sitting focusing on Jonah’s character and attitude toward
God. Compare Jonah with the two men who went to the temple to pray in Luke
18:10-14. Which of these two men does Jonah most resemble?
Do you agree
with the conclusion that the writing of Jonah demonstrates his repentance? Why
or why not?
How have you
experience God’s call on your life? Where is the Holy Spirit leading you to
repent?
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