JONAH pt 1 – HOME CHURCH GUIDE
Written by Phil Hughes
📍 Introduction
This week we begin our look at the prophet Jonah. It’s about a prophet who struggles with what the Lord wants him to do. While Jonah is the main character in this book that bears his name, this story is really about the Lord.
Have someone read Jonah 1:1-4 in these different versions of the Bible:
New Revised Standard Version
1 Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying, 2 ‘Go at once to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before me.’ 3 But Jonah set out to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid his fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.
4 But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a mighty storm came upon the sea that the ship threatened to break up.
The Message
1 1-2 One day long ago, God’s Word came to Jonah, Amittai’s son: “Up on your feet and on your way to the big city of Nineveh! Preach to them. They’re in a bad way and I can’t ignore it any longer.”
3 But Jonah got up and went the other direction to Tarshish, running away from God. He went down to the port of Joppa and found a ship headed for Tarshish. He paid the fare and went on board, joining those going to Tarshish—as far away from God as he could get.
4-6 But God sent a huge storm at sea, the waves towering.
The ship was about to break into pieces. The sailors were terrified. They called out in desperation to their gods.
New Living Translation
1 The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.”
3 But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish.
4 But the Lord hurled a powerful wind over the sea, causing a violent storm that threatened to break the ship apart.
💬 Reflection Questions
As you listen to each reading, what do you notice?
If you heard the sermon, do you remember the difference between a minor prophet and a major prophet?
We aren’t actually told the reason Jonah gets on a ship to Tarshish, although it may be implied. Why do you suppose he does this? What do you imagine he was thinking?
Have you ever felt like running from something you knew the Lord wanted you to do? Have you ever actually run from that call? Or what is the hardest thing the Lord has ever asked you to do? What was that experience like for you?
How are the Ninevites described? Are there groups/nations/people groups that we think of like this?
Phil quoted the writer Anne Lamott: “You can tell you have made God in your image when it turns out He hates all the same people you do.” How do you respond to this? What do you think she meant?
Can you share people who are hard for you to love and who it is hard for you to see God loving?
✋ Practical Response
In a way the church has a prophetic ministry to speak God’s mercy to our neighbors and world. Have you seen this done well? Are there ways you think it can be done well? How could Missio Dei Church be part of this?
Have someone read John 3:16-17. Then allow people to name whatever people or nations or groups in the world come to mind as a way of claiming God’s love for them.
🙏 Closing Prayer Prompt
Lord, you are gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.
You desire to give life to all people.
Inspire us to also be gracious and merciful in a world that often gives no thought to you.
Enlarge our hearts to see no one outside of your pursuing love.
Forgive us if we have run away from your call for us to be your voice to our neighbors.
Guide us through the rest of this week.
In the name of Jesus we pray this. Amen.