Jonah

BY She Reads Truth

This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book or two of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll continue looking at the Minor Prophets.

What Is Jonah? The book of Jonah is a prophetic narrative that recounts the events surrounding Jonah’s call to preach to the people of Nineveh. It includes the prophet’s time in the belly of a fish, his reluctant message to a repentant Nineveh, and his disappointment with God’s mercy toward the people of this ancient Assyrian city. 

How Jonah Fits Into the Story: The book of Jonah shows that God’s gift of salvation is offered not just to Israel, but to the whole world. It displays God’s power over nature and the futility of ignoring His instruction. Jonah’s time in the fish foreshadows Jesus’s burial and resurrection, pointing to Christ’s ultimate fulfillment of the salvation Jonah himself preached.

Reflection Questions: 
1. Why do you think Jonah was angered by Nineveh’s repentance? What root sin was at the heart of his actions?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?

Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.