JONAH / week 1

Watch the Bible Project's video on reading the book of Jonah.

Read Jonah 1 and answer the following questions.

1. What seems both fitting and surprising about God's command [v 2]?

About Jonah's evasive effort? Why do you think Jonah disobeyed?

2. Jonah runs away in response to God's call. How does that compare to how other prophets responded [see 1 Kings 17:1-6; Jeremiah 1:4-10]?

3. What effect did God stirring and stilling the storm have on the sailors? In what sense are they saved [compare vv 5, 16]? Likewise how is Jonah saved?

4. God's pursuit of Jonah is quite revealing. What does it reveal about [a] the justice and mercy of God? [b] the gifts and call of God? [c] human fear and faith? [d] God's claim to judge all the earth?

5. When have you "run away" from God- refusing to do something you know he's telling you to do? Where can you escape Him [Psalm 139:7-12]? What "storms," then and now, bring you back?

6. Could God intervene in the world in a miraculous way more often? Why doesn't He? What kind of Christians would that create?

7. What is the meaning of Jonah's entombment for Jesus [Matthew 12:40-41]? For you?

In depth study guide here