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.
The Book of 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.
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92 thoughts on "Jonah"
Jonah’s story is one that I can relate to. Running from God and God saying “I am still here” abd showing me where I got off track. I pray I never lose sight of the calling that God gave all of us: to share the gospel and to love alli living things!
Oh She’s, your words and prayers are so precious to me. Thank you. Many of you have prayed for Savannah the last 5 years or so when I have mentioned her here.
Our prayers never return unheard. I feel strength as I walk beside my family, here with them in their home.
Rhonda J – so, so sorry for the loss of Savannah. Praying for her friends and family that her death will bring Jesus into the lives of those who do not know him. Praying for her grace filled mama and for you ❤️
Micah 6:1-8
Deuteronomy 10:12-22
Matthew 9:13, 23:23-27
Thank you!!
Scripture Reading:
Micah 6:1-8
Deuteronomy 10:12-22,
Matthew 9:13,
Matthew 23:23-27
Here is the scripture reading for Day 39 – Micah. I got it from the He Read Truth site.
Thank you
Thank you!!!
Does anybody have the passages to be read for today as the website isn’t updated for day 39?
I found it on He Reads Truth.
Mine isnt updated either
Precious Rhonda, I cannot tell you how much my heart goes out to you and your family! May our awesome God give you a peace that only He can give! ❤️
I really do think Jonah’s sin came down to what Is in our world racism and nationalism ( thinking that God only loves America) more than other nations. His love is for everyone who abides in Him. I think Jonah’s pride took over himself coming out wanting to look like a total liar.
Some of it, definitely. But I can identify with him some, honestly. It’s like if a whole prison turned to Christ. All those molesters, murderers, rapist….set free? What?
I think Jonah’s sin boiled down to what in our world we could describe as racism, nationalism (thinking that God loves America/our country) more than other nations, or classism (which does exist in America, although our classes are not as structured as in European societies). We are all tempted to think God loves us best. Or conversely, not at all. Which is just a dressed up form of pride, the original sin. But this leads into the second question, which is that God has always intended for the message of salvation to reach all people, even as he chose Israel to be his covenant people. It is woven through all of the prophets, including this one.
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Amen ❤️
I agree with all the responses here. In addition, I wonder if Jonah’s pride came out in not wanting to look like a liar, when what HE said DIDN’T happen.
Praying for the requests, especially for Rhonda and Savannah’s loved ones.
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Praying for our sweet Rhonda and family. Please let’s lift her and her family up to our Jesus.
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HEATHER H – you may have already found your answer, but the next study after New Testament is Faith in Practice and it’s 28 days – received my digital book today.
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Reflection Questions:
1. Why do you think Jonah was angered by Nineveh’s repentance? He felt that they didn’t deserve to be forgiven
What root sin was at the heart of his actions? Pride and arrogance.
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption? That we don’t know everything and we aren’t in control, God is in control and He knows what needs to be done to keep the wheel turning.
1. I think Jonah was angry because he felt the people of Nineveh did not get what he felt they deserved. Reminds me of the Veggie Tale movie “Jonah” who was portrayed by Archibald Asparagus, though a movie for children it was/is a great visual for me as an adult. I miss Veggie Tales! Jonah’s root sin was exactly that…they the people weren’t punished. God showed them grace. Just like me.
2. Today’s story shapes my thinking, my heart, my mind to extend that same grace, love and forgiveness, even when “I feel” they don’t deserve it. Really? Who am I to say they don’t deserve it, when I myself have been extended grace and forgiveness over and over and over.
With that said, and I want to be clear, it doesn’t mean I let down my guard or boundaries. Speaking of which on Monday the Judge showed me favor. It’s too much to explain here, however it’s still going to be difficult and I can’t wait for it to be over! I remind myself, I am no longer that man’s wife! God is still good! I am so so grateful HE showed me favor!
Great word, Mari! Thanks for tbe update re: court and thank yoh for sharing Veggie Tales! ❤
This makes me think of a time when someone who did horrific crimes and I said that I was pretty sure there was a special place in hell for them. A dear sister reminded me that God wants to redeem that person. She gently set me straight in love.
Pride is at the root. We think we are better because we have Jesus but we are all sinners Christ died for on the cross!
I think this shows God’s heart for the lost and for us. He corrected Jonah to see from a heavenly perspective and forgave Ninevah when they repented.
As my pastor says, “He goes after the one! One more lost sheep!”
May I see through my Father’s eyes not mine!
Rhonda, so sorry for your loss! Prayer for your sister and her family!
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Jonah, Jonah, Jonah …. You can run but you can’t hide from God. Jonah’s root sin, maybe pride? So many sins (same as us) – disobedience, rebellion, perhaps discrimination that the people of Nineveh weren’t worthy of God’s mercy no matter how repentant they were, uppityness (all are equal in God’s eyes) are all pride related.
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God will go the extra mile to draw people to him, never think anything is impossible for God.
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MERCY ❤️
B ❤️
WENDY B ❤️
RHONDA – praying for all ❤️
DWAN – praying ❤️
TAMI ❤️ great news!
MARGARET W ❤️
SUSAN BURLEY ❤️ me, one of my sisters and all of my nieces married a bit later. Trusting God’s plan for you!
MARTHA HIX ❤️
LYNNE FROM AL ❤️
❤ Truth!!
Thank you❤️
Thank you for thinking of me! ❤️
Morning,sisters. Apologies for the long share but NKJV Wiersbe Study Bible notes are so good- way better than anything I could say! So here they are:
“God wants to give us His love for the people around us who don’t believe in Him, no matter how hateful or vile they may be.
Jonah was a narrow-minded patriot who saw Assyria only as a dangerous enemy to destroy, not as a group of repentant sinners to be brought to the Lord. When reputation is more important than character and pleasing ourselves and our friends is more important than pleasing God, then we’re in danger of becoming like Jonah and living to defend our prejudices instead of fulfilling our spiritual responsibilities. Jonah certainly had good theology, but it stayed in his head and never got to his heart. And he was so distraught that he wanted to die! God’s tender response was to ask Jonah to examine his heart and see why he really was angry.
Catalyst: Jonah’s Lessons
Jon. 4:11
Each of the chapters in the Book of Jonah records a significant lesson the prophet had to learn. These parallel in many ways the lessons God consistently and patiently tries to teach each of us along the way.
In chapter 1, he learned the lesson of God’s providence and patience. We can run far, but we can’t run away from God.
In chapter 2, he learned the lesson of God’s pardon. God forgives those who call upon Him.
In chapter 3, he learned the lesson of God’s power as he saw a whole city humble itself before the Lord.
In chapter 4, Jonah had one more lesson to learn, perhaps the most important one of all. Here he had to learn the lesson of God’s pity, that God has compassion for lost sinners like the Ninevites, and His servants must also have compassion.
Incredibly, Jonah brought a whole city to faith in the Lord, yet he didn’t love the people to whom he was preaching. Jonah took God’s repeated pity on his own life for granted while he expected instant extinction for the sinners in Nineveh.
How often do we expect God to treat us one way while we pray He will treat others according to an entirely different standard? Apply Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:12 to Jonah’s situation and ours: The grace we expect from God, we ought to ask Him to give to others.”
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SONG SHARE:
Sinking Deep (Live) | The Worship Initiative feat. John Marc Kohl
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Really good, thank you!❤️
❤ Most welcome. There wasva LOT more, too!
I love the lessons by chapter. Thanks for sharing. One of my prodigals had a bad experience at a Christian camp last week. She was judged for her “religious “ upbringing. It touched a very tender spot. I saw positive things happening and I pray it does not make her bitter. She has such a sweet spirit. Please keep her in your prayers.
I hate to hear that she experienced such treatment at a Christian camp. May God use this experience to cause her to seek Him more rather than turn away from Him. Thank you for sharing; we can all learn a lesson from that! ❤
Wow, Cee Cee! Thank you so much for sharing this. It is so convicting for me. What a very humbling reminder that God wants all to seek him, and he expects us to seek them out. Thank you so much for sharing it.
You are most welcome Kim; thank you for sharing your thoughts- you nailed it! ❤
Thank you Cee Cee for the great clarification!
So welcome, Karen! ❤
CeeGee, this is excellent. Thanks for sharing. I’m praying for your daughter to see God’s love rather than people’s cruelty.
I’m sorry … I’m praying for Indiana Elaine’s daughter.
Thanks, Teresa! Yes, it’s unfortunate that kids experience this at a Christian camp.I am glad Elaine asked us to pray! ❤
Thank you for this
Very welcome, Wendy! ❤
I think there are a few things marking Jonah’s responses and reactions. Lack of compassion, pride, self righteousness, an unwilling, unsubmitted heart. He feels they don’t deserve God’s mercy because of how they were living. I have to say that there are times when my response may be like Jonah’s in circumstance where I think people may not deserve mercy or justice as it comes to them. I can not be the judge of such things. Its a good reminder to me that God’s mercy, grace and forgiveness is for everyone and that He desires submitted hearts, relationship and fellowship with all people no matter how far they may wandered. He made a way for all and His redemption is for all.
@Rhonda I’m so sorry about Savannah.
❤ Well said, Wendy! ❤
Amen ❤️
I don’t think I am like Jonah, but I really am. Lord, help me. EVERYONE deserves Your love and mercy!
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This account reminds me of our prodigals so much. God loves them very much, and I look forward to the day that our list is no more!
Amen!❤️
Jonah did not want the city to repent because he wanted them to get the judgement that they deserved (but that he didn’t, or so he thought).
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Although I hate to admit it, I can be just like Jonah. Judging others is a sin I’ve struggled with for a long time. I pray every day that it would stop, that I would see others through the eyes of Jesus – sinners, all needing the grace and mercy of God, just like I did and still do.
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Lord God, please help me not to judge others, but to pray for them and love them into the kingdom. May I be a light that shines bright in the very dark corners of the world..
In Jesus name.
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@Rhonda – I am so, so, sorry for your loss. My heart aches for your sister especially, and for you. Prayers for you all, and for Savannah’s friends – that each of them will come to know Jesus through her death. May God comfort you all. Hugs and prayers. ❤️
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Jonah was angered by Nineveh’s repentance because he did not want them to receive mercy from God.
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Pride was the root sin was at the heart of Jonah’s actions and attitude. HE, being a Jew, DESERVED God’s longsuffering and grace, but not the people who worshipped false gods and were “evil to the core.”
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Today’s reading reminds me that everyone is an enemy of God because of our fallen, sin nature. BUT GOD’s redemptive plan is for anyone who believes in Jesus.
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RHINDA J – prayers for you and your family. So sorry about Savannah. :-(
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Jonah was such a Pharisee!
“God has compassion for what he has made, no matter how ignorant,abusive, or violent the culture.Jonah is angry about God’s compassion,and God gives Jonah an object lesson in the form of a vine. He attempts to convince Jonah (and the reader) that the basic response of compassion for living things is more important than strict justice. God loves all his creation, for he is gracious and compassionate.” NIV Application Commentary
I see this in the New Testament. Jesus went about healing and doing good. The religious leaders were so upset that he was breaking the Shabbat!
“the basic response of compassion for living things is more important than strict justice.”
Love that!!❤️
Yes that is impactful ❤️
I am more like Jonah than I would like to admit. How contrary it is to grace. The Lord continues to work on me, reminding me that even though justice on this earth is determined by works, eternity is ruled by grace.
I think it’s a beautiful testament of God’s love and correction that even while Jonah was upset with Him, He still cared for him. He grew a plant to give him shade then sent the worm to destroy the plant. In times of anger, it can be difficult to appreciate God’s lessons. How good is He though that He would love us enough to always correct us?
Jesus came to save and forgive people. He is our example.
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Q1 – I think Jonah’s sin was pride and self-righteousness. He didn’t feel they deserved forgiveness. Before we judge Jonah for his callousness, it’s worth taking a look at what Assyria was during that time. Nineveh was the largest city in the world, and the Assyrians were a brutal military force, taking out others through “mass deportations, executions, torture, and destroying entire cities to intimidate their enemies”. Israel would be next only a few decades later. So asking Jonah to go to Nineveh would be like asking a Jewish person to go to the Nazis to get them to repent so God would forgive them. I’m not going to lie, I get Jonah. But God’s ways are so much higher than my/our ways. Q2 – God desires that not one of us is lost, and He will use whatever means He chooses to draw them to himself and offer them repentance. In Luke 15 the religious leaders criticized Jesus for “welcoming sinners and eating with them”. Jesus would be the first to go to Nineveh, and whether we like it or not, we are called to do the same. I think of Rhonda and her jail ministry. I’m sure many would say, “why them? Why do they deserve to be ministered to? They made their bed, they can lie in it”. But we are given a higher calling.
Lord forgive me when I judge others and don’t see them as worthy of Your love. I need a heart change Lord.
So good Tami..oh so hard to love people that out right go against God. But they are lost, and deserve to be found…just like I was. Oh it’s so hard…when the boyfriend of Savanhah’s came in that room right before we were taking her off life support, and two of her girlfriends that was apparent were her “party” friends. It was so hard…to love them even though he was part of it all. But oh…my sister’s grace. Gave him love and grace. And amazingly, I watched her lovingly take that girls hands and told her “you can take this as your chance to change your direction.” I don’t remember her exact words…but she said to pray and we would pray for her…she said everything I say to my girls in jail. Begging them that God loves them, and to not let destruction of drugs hurt them and their families. It was so, so touching. I believe God…cause emergencies to happen that delayed them taking our dear sweet Savannah down, so those 3 could see the way she looked after taking her life.
We too must be diligent in having urgency and desire to help those that are lost. We don’t want to, but we are COMMANDED to.
“Jesus loves you Black sheep” by Ben Fuller is beautiful.
Lord help me if I speak at her funeral to say what you would have me to say. I want to have impact for the glory of God.
Rhonda, sweet sister, that is answered prayer right there! I will continue to pray that this tragedy will draw those ‘black sheep’ to God and ckntinued prayers for you and your sister! So very sorry; just no words! She was a beautiful young lady. I am glad you had that time with her in March. ❤❤❤
Praying Rhonda for the 3 friends of Savannah and your family. God works in mysterious ways and I pray they will turn their lives around. The world would expect your sister to yell at the friends and blame them in her anger and grief but she showed Grace, it’s all Him. Praying for your family.
What a heartbreaking loss, Rhonda. I am so, so sorry! Praying for all who knew her to do as your sister said, take this as an opportunity to change direction and to turn to the Lord.
Rhonda – this is so touching. I have no doubt that these 3 young people will be forever changed. I am so so sorry for your loss.
That’s insightful, Tami. Comparing the Assyrians to the Nazis helps me understand Jonah’s revulsion in going to Nineveh and what God was doing in Jonah’s heart as well as the Assyrian people.
Yes, a great example is Corrie Ten boom …that went around the world to tell of God’s love…even though she was persecuted and lost her sister, seeing her shot by a Nazi. She even forgave that same murder years later. That is impossible, except for the Spirit. He takes us to places we can’t go on our own.
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Great share, Tami; thank you! ❤
Ezekiel 36:26 is applicable here:
26 And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.
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Biblegateway verse of the day:
Romans 12:3
Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.
Thanks so much for that history, Tami – that’s what I was remembering but did not have time to dig it up this morning. The Corrie Ten Boom story also came to my mind like Rhonda’s. It’s one thing to be called to people who may seem undeserving and a whole other dynamic to be called to our enemy. Oh but for the grace of God – while I was still His enemy and a sinner, Jesus died for me!!!
Thank you for that look into Nineveh. So helpful for understanding Jonah’s mindset.
God is forever lover of our soul! Always proving a way out. Forever faithful, proving, forgiving and loving God ❤️
It was shocking to read Jonah as an adult compared to the Sunday School story version I remember from my childhood. Oh how unfortunate it is that parts of me have felt like Jonah- my pride wanting my definition of justice to be carried out when I judge wrong. I’m so thankful for the Spirit’s guidance to help me refocus that God is in control and humble me.
Fellow Shes- please pray for my husband Ryan
SO true!
Praying for Ryan. ❤️
Praying for Ryan
Your ways are higher!! ❤️
May the Lord protect us from thinking we can ever flee from His presence! Jonah’s pride coupled with an accurate head knowledge of God’s character led him to bitterness towards his fellow man and to God. But praise God that He offers salvation to all! May we be ever open to God’s call on our lives, ever aware of His great love and mercy towards sinners like us, and ever ready to proclaim the good news that the gospel is for all people!
Amen
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Living as we do now, in judgement of each other, wanting everything yesterday, no room for error, expecting and never giving, all about self world, can you imagine through all of this being called by God to go and talk to the people to repent of their sin?
As judgemental as I am, though i believe, I wonder what my response would be?
Would I also try to run from the request of Father GOD? (I’m remembering my Cassie story)
Would I be that judgemental that I would question the God I know to be loving, kind, merciful, always patient, always ready to not punish.?
Shame on me!!!
I see what Father GOD has done for me, I see his goodness, why would I not want it for others? If repenting is what it takes, why would I not want that for the people?
Too far gone in my judging..
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BUT GOD..
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In His eyes we are never too far gone. He sees the potential in us even when we are acting like divas, or think we have it all sewn up, or we think we know better.. we are better.. ugh, that one stings..
Thank GOD He does not hold grudges, or our sins against us.. oh boy, I wonder where we would be now if He did, .
Jonah acting all high and mighty because he has been called to do this thing for GOD.., but I can’t judge him, because I can see me in there somewhere..
Maybe in some way Jonah didn’t feel the people of Nineveh, deserved God’s forgiveness… BUT that, I guess is the thing, it is not for us to decide the outcome of others lives, BUT GOD!
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HE loves us ALL the same. I am no better than the next man, because ‘I speak Jesus’ and you know what? The next man is no better than me, because he is on his knees daily, in GODS eyes the line is as straight as can be! We are equal, fair and square!
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AMEN..
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Happy Wednesday dear hearts,
much love..❤️
Amen ❤️
Yes, ma’am! ❤
“HE loves us ALL the same. I am no better than the next man, because ‘I speak Jesus’ and you know what? The next man is no better than me, because he is on his knees daily, in GODS eyes the line is as straight as can be! We are equal, fair and square!”
Love that statement, Tina❤️
So good Tina! Thank you for your words always. ❤️
This was a unsettling passage to read but I am grateful that we are reading it! Because when I read about Jonah moving away from the Presence of the Lord in Jonah 1 (both in mind and body) my morning prayers are changing to God when have I done this? ❤️
Great question to ponder Hannah?
No question mark….
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