Forget the kids' version. Jonah is a masterpiece of irony. He doesn't run out of fear of being killed; he runs out of fear that God will save them. Nineveh was a cruel enemy. Jonah was a patriot who wanted to see Nineveh burn, not repent.
Structured in two calls: Ch 1-2 (running and fish), Ch 3-4 (preaching and pouting). Jonah gets angry at God for being too merciful.
"Salvation belongs to the LORD!"JONAH
The theology confronts our spiritual elitism.
1. The Sign of Jonah:
Jesus cited Jonah as a sign of His resurrection (three days in the fish). Jonah is an inverted Christ type: sacrificed for his own guilt, whereas Christ was sacrificed for ours.
2. Scandalous Mercy:
Jonah prays: "I knew that you are a gracious God... that is why I fled." He uses God's character to accuse Him. Grace is offensive to those who think they own God.
3. The Final Question:
The book ends with God asking: "Should I not pity Nineveh?". It has no ending because the answer is up to us: do we agree with God's heart?
Where does Jonah meet you?
1. Running from God:
You know what God asked, but bought a ticket to the opposite side? Jonah teaches that running is expensive, and storms can be severe mercy to wake us up.
2. Resenting Grace:
It's hard to see someone who hurt us get blessed. Jonah got depressed because his enemies were forgiven. Do you want justice for others but mercy for yourself?
3. Rock Bottom:
Jonah prayed from "the belly of Sheol". If you feel you've sunk, Jonah shows salvation belongs to the Lord, not our swimming effort.