After getting angry about having to preach to the Ninevites, Jonah finally obeys God and goes (but don't forget the part of this story where Jonah get's thrown overboard during a violent storm, swallowed by a big fish, and then is preserved by God in the fish's belly before being spit out). (This brings up another discussion about our attitudes matching up with our actions). Then, Jonah’s worst nightmare comes true and the people repent of their sin before God. So, God being the loving and merciful God that He is, forgives the people. Jonah 3:10says, “When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.” In chapter 2, God forgives and rescues Jonah for not being obedient. Now in chapter 3, God forgives and does not destroy the people of Nineveh. Jonah didn’t want these people to experience the same forgiveness that he had experienced. Here are some questions to get you thinking about Jonah up to this point in the story:
Do you think that Jonah had any trace of a good reason for being so mad?
What should have Jonah’s attitude been when the people of Ninevah responded the way they did (they repented of their sins) in chapter 3?
What sin or sins do you think are leading him to feel this way?
Are there any people in your life that you have placed in the “doesn’t deserve God’s forgiveness” category? What can you do to be obedient to God? What will need to change?
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