Jonah Chapter 3 Summary
Jonah's second commission. Ninevah's repentance becauseof his obedience.
Discussion Questions for Jonah, Chapter 3
- What do we learn about God's character from His dealings with Jonah? How is this applicable in our lives?
- Why do you think Jonah obeys God now? Does God always give second chances if we disobey a calling? What is your experience?
- What was Jonah's message to Nineveh? Is that message relevant to our nation? If so, how might we contextualize that message for today?
- How do the Ninevites respond to Jonah? What does that say about Jonah's preaching of God's word?
- What does the king's decree call on people to do? How does his response show us that fasting and sackcloth alone do not constitute repentance?
- In what ways does this book show us that God is not a territorial God like the gods of the nations?
- What is the purpose of wearing sackcloth and fasting? How do we observe these spiritual disciplines today? What is your experience of rituals of repentance?
- On what basis does God judge Nineveh, which does not have His covenant? What does that mean for the nations of the world today? What does this mean for the Church?
- Why does the king not assure his people of God's favor? Compare this to Joel 2:14. How would you apply this question today?
- What does it mean that God had compassion (3:10) or “relented” (4:3 NIV)? Does it mean He changed His mind? What questions does this raise for you? What conclusion do you come to?
Key Words/Phrase
Repentance, v. 8, 10.
Characters
God, Jonah, King of Nineveh.
Strong Verse(s)
2 (b), 10.