“Lessons From Jonah”
(Jonah 1:1-3)
I. Introduction.
A. When names of different Bible characters are mentioned
there’s often one thing that comes to mind about them; one
thing, or a few things, for which they’re most remembered.
1. David, King of Israel for 40 years, better known to
many as one who killed the giant, Goliath.
2. When Lazarus is mentioned, and are different
people in Bible with that name, we think of the man
whom Jesus raised from the tomb. One event most
memorable about his life.
B. Central character of our study this morning also is most
remembered for one incident in his life – although there are
other things that he did, and that happened to him, that are
important.
1. When name “Jonah” is mentioned we almost
immediately think of his experience with “great
fish.”
2. It’s so far removed from the ordinary, so unnatural
to think of someone actually surviving such an
experience, that some discount story as myth or
allegory. Was meant to teach moral lesson; did not
actually happen.
3. But, Jesus gave credibility to story:
a. In Matthew 12: He referred to Jonah as
being, “. . . three days and three nights in the
belly of the great fish; . . . ,” (v. 40) and
compared it with His Own approaching
death and resurrection.
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b. In Luke 11: Jesus said Jonah was, “. . . a
sign to the Ninevites, . . .” (v. 30) one who
preached repentance and turning to God, as
Jesus Himself did.
4. So, we’re dealing here with more than just a good
story; Jonah had a commission from God to preach
His Word and he made some choices that produced
interesting consequences.
C. From story of Jonah and his choices we can learn some
important lessons.
1. In broadest sense, it is a story of mercy.
2. First, mercy extended by God to Jonah – gave him a
“second chance” when he had made wrong choice
first time God called him to His work.
3. Second, mercy extended by God to people of great
city of Ninevah – gave them a chance to repent and
be saved.
D. Jonah took a journey in three stages: Away from God;
back to God; with God.
II. Jonah Going Away From God.
A. If ever there was a reluctant missionary, it was Jonah.
1. When he received his commission from God, he ran
the other way. (review Jonah 1:1-3). (Underlined
phrases)
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2. Literally, as well as figuratively, he was going in
opposite direction from one God had chosen for
him. Instead of heading toward Ninevah (east),
went toward sea (west), to seaport of Joppa, to
a boat to Tarshish.
B. Jonah’s reaction was very simple one – to explain his own
will differed from Will of God. Instead of yielding to what
God required, and commanded, he tried to avoid whole
issue. (Ignore God’s commandment and God’s will).
C. But, why was he so reluctant to go to Ninevah? (One
reason):
1. This city was center of Assyrian empire and
therefore center of enemies of Israel; a Gentile city.
2. If God chose to destroy these people, so much better
for Israel. (In fact, might have been considered
unpatriotic to think otherwise).
3. His was a narrow view – while God’s was much
broader, much more merciful.
D. In his flight, Jonah was not honest, with himself – or others.
1. When a storm came up and ship was battered by
waves and wind, the accusing finger pointed to
Jonah as cause of difficulty. (Stranger among
them.)
2. When asked about himself – Jonah said: (1:9 –
READ underlined portion.)
a. Jonah said he believed in God and His
power. In fact, he reverenced Him. (“Fear”)
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b. But, his “fear” (reverence; respect) of God
apparently didn’t extend to obeying Him.
3. Men to whom Jonah made this profession knew he
was trying to escape serving His God – because he
had told them so. (1:10 – READ).
E. The larger question here is: where can we go to get out of
sight of God?
1. Psalm 139:7: “Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from your presence?”
2. Jonah could run – but could not hide.
3. We are never out of God’s sight or presence, but
live at times as though we were.
F. Both the sailors and God had plans for Jonah.
(1:15;17 – READ).
III. Jonah Coming Back To God.
A. I cannot imagine what it was like for Jonah in belly of great
fish. Did he have any light? (Etc.)
B. Thought about his situation – prayed about it. (2:1).
God heard Jonah’s pleas and responded to him. Here’s
another lesson. No matter where we are, no matter what
our circumstances, no matter how far from God we’ve
moved, He still can hear us.
C. What led Jonah back to God? (5 things).
1. First, he was humbled by his experience and his
suffering.
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2. Second, he had a renewed respect for sacred things
(2:4 – “. . . I will look again toward Your holy
temple.”).
3. Number three, he acknowledged God as source of
salvation and blessings.
4. Fourth, he repented of his waywardness and self-
centered willfulness.
5. Fifth, he rededicated himself to carrying out
commitments he had made to God. (v. 9: “I will
pay what I have vowed”).
D. But, all Jonah did would not have been enough to save him
without grace of God. (2:10 – READ).
E. Jonah had to make the journey back to God, but God had to
complete his salvation.
And, then he gave Jonah that second chance.
(3:1-2 – READ)
This time Jonah went in right direction.
IV. Jonah’s Journey With God.
A. What had, before, been a mere profession of faith, was now
joined with obedience. That’s what God had wanted all
along. (Don’t just “say”, “do.”).
B. Jonah’s message converted the whole city – and Jonah
rejoiced! Not so. (3:10 – 4:1 –READ).
1. What strange reaction for servant of God!
(Combination of pride; ego; national prejudice).
2. Was one more lesson he had to learn.
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3. Went out on hill overlooking great city, made
covering, sat under it. Waited to see what would
happen.
4. God caused large plant to grow up and shade him
further – next morning, plant had died.
5. Out of Jonah’s anger over this, God gave a lesson
on His care for all people. (4:9-11 – READ).
V. Lessons From Jonah.
A. First, as reluctant servant, Jonah knew what he should do
but didn’t want to do it!
B. Second, he involved other people – nearly caused their
physical death, in case of sailors, and spiritual ruin, in case
of Ninevah.
C. Third, there are consequences for choices we make. What
could Jonah have been spared if he’d only listened to God
and made right choice in beginning?
D. Fourth, word of God is powerful. Even with reluctant
messenger – powerful message got through.
E. God is concerned about souls of all people. No pleasure for
Him in death of unrepentant, unsaved people. (“. . . As I
live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of
the wicked: . . .” Ezekiel 33:11).
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VI. Conclusion.
A. Like Jonah, we can journey with God, or go away from
Him. If we’re going away from Him now, He allows us
opportunity to turn around and go toward Him and with
Him. (Repentance.)
B. Like Jonah, we face choices and consequences of our
choices.
C. Will you accept, or reject, challenging call of God?