We'd love to hear from you - Click Here to Text Us a Message.

Jonah's story reveals God's extraordinary mercy, not just for Israel but for people who didn't know Him at all, challenging our understanding of divine compassion.

• Jonah was a real historical prophet from the 8th century BC mentioned in 2 Kings 14:25
• Jesus directly links his death and resurrection to Jonah's three days in the fish (Matthew 12:38-41)
• The book of Jonah uniquely focuses on the prophet's personal story rather than his messages
• Nineveh was part of Assyria, one of Israel's most feared enemies, known for brutality
• Jonah ran from God not out of fear, but because he didn't want God to show mercy to Nineveh
• The entire city of Nineveh repented after hearing Jonah's brief message
• Jonah became angry at God's compassion, revealing his spiritual superiority
• God used a plant, worm, and hot sun as an object lesson about misplaced priorities
• God's mercy often challenges our sense of justice and reveals our own prejudices
• Four key messages: God's mercy can reach anyone, extends beyond borders, may offend our sense of justice, and requires us to share His heart

If you've appreciated this exploration of Jonah, join us next time as we step into Isaiah's powerful message of judgment, hope, and the coming Savior.

Sources:

• Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. (n.d.). Jonah [Sermon]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/8NFrejSeEQA?si=Y1phiIQncCQP3MxZ
• Elliot, B. R., Smith, C., & Weidemann, V. (1997). Book introductions (D. Lucas, Ed.). In Thompson Chain Treasure Study Bible. Kirkbride Bible Company.
• Fee, G. D., & Stuart, D. (2002). How to read the Bible Book by Book: A Guided Tour. Zondervan.
• Galan, B., & Curiel, J. (n.d.). Bible Overview .
• Garrett, D. A. (2013). Explore the Bible: Adult Commentary: Hosea, Amos, Jonah (Winter 2012–13): Revealing the Heart of God. LifeWay Christian Resources.
• Hays, J. D. (2010). The Message of the Prophets: A Survey of the Prophetic and Apocalyptic Books of the Old Testament. Zondervan.
• MacArthur, J. (Ed.). (2010). The MacArthur study Bible (Rev. ed.). Thomas Nelson.
• Nelson, T. (Ed.). (2011). The NIV, Open Bible: Complete Reference System. Thomas Nelson.
• Youngblood, K. J. (2015). Jonah (D. I. Block, Ed.). Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament (p. 37). Zondervan.
• Youngblood, K. J. (2019). Jonah: God’s Scandalous Mercy (2nd ed., D. I. Block, Ed.). Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament. Zondervan Academic.
• The Word in Life Study Bible. (1996). Thomas Nelson.

Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at [email protected]
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.