Welcome to Jonah.
Jonah wasn’t swallowed by a fish because he made a mistake. He was running from God’s mercy.
In this Bible Study Weekend sermon, we take a deep dive into the book of Jonah and discover that it’s about far more than a prophet and a fish. Jonah is one of the most dramatic, rebellious, stubborn, and relatable figures in Scripture, and his story reveals something powerful about God’s heart.
As we explore the historical background of Nineveh, the Assyrian Empire, and Jonah’s prophetic ministry, we uncover why Jonah fled from God’s call and why he was so angry when Nineveh repented. Along the way, we’ll see that Jonah’s struggle is often our struggle: wrestling with God’s will, holding onto resentment, and struggling to extend mercy to people we don’t think deserve it.
Most importantly, we’ll discover the central truth of Jonah:
Nothing is beyond God’s mercy. Not your worst enemy. Not your worst mistake. Not even your worst day.
This message also points us to Jesus, the “Greater Jonah,” who didn’t run from sinners but came to save them, giving His life so that all who trust in Him could experience God’s grace and forgiveness.
Getting Started
These videos will help you understand key themes and the metanarrative of Jonah.
NLT Study Bible
Don’t have a good study Bible? The NLT Study Bible translates both the words and the world of the Bible. The New Living Translation makes the message clear. The features of the NLT Study Bible bring the world of the Bible to life so that the meaning and significance of its message shine through.
Reading Plan
Ready to read? Here is our suggested reading plan for this book. Read at your own pace and don’t feel pressured to keep up with the suggested daily instructions.
For Families
The Bible Story Handbook
This handbook of 175 Bible stories is designed to assist teachers and parents in knowing what each story teaches and how to present it in a God-centered way.
Diving In
In the Old Testament for Everyone series, Old Testament scholar John Goldingay addresses Scripture from Genesis to Malachi in such a way that even the most challenging passages are explained simply and concisely. The series is perfect for daily devotions, group study, or personal visits with the Bible.
NIV Application Commentary:
The NIV Application Commentary helps you communicate and apply biblical text effectively in today’s context. To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today’s world, each passage is treated in three sections:
- Original Meaning. Concise exegesis to help readers understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context.
- Bridging Contexts. A bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today, built by discerning what is timeless in the timely pages of the Bible.
- Contemporary Significance. This section identifies comparable situations to those faced in the Bible and explores relevant application of the biblical messages. The author alerts the readers of problems they may encounter when seeking to apply the passage and helps them think through the issues involved.
Going Deep
Classroom by BibleProject
- The book of Jonah is much more than a children’s story—it’s a picture of all the beauty, potential, and challenges the Bible presents to its readers. See how this sophisticated literature fits into the larger biblical story and what it means for us today.
https://bibleproject.com/classroom/jonah