Jonah Chapter 4
A Matter of the Heart
Introduction
Imagine an entire community or city turning to God, and suddenly filling the church. How would you respond? One would hope that we would rejoice. Yet, in Chapter 4, Jonah provides a snapshot of a propensity in all of us. It would be inconvenient for us. We wouldn’t be able to claim our usual seat. We’d have to open our homes to make room for the newcomers. We might not be served and catered to in the way we would prefer. We might have to sit with people who hurt us.
In this chapter, we get to see God’s desire for our hearts and His patience towards us.
Main Idea: God is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in love.
Conversation Starter
Q. When you were a little kid (or when you still act like one), how did you (or, how do you) usually express your anger?
Q. According to Jonah 4:2, why did Jonah flee to Tarshish (1:3)?
Q. According to 4:2, what is God like? And why do you think Jonah has a problem with this?
Q. Think back to week one of this series, where we read about Jonah’s experience on the ship. How does Jonah’s attitude towards the Ninevites compare to the sailor’s attitude to him? How does God’s compassion compare to Jonah’s? Follow Up: Does this challenge the attitudes you have toward people?
Q. What does the interaction between Jonah and God in verses 3-4 teach us about our relationship with God?
Q. What do you think Jonah was waiting to see in verse 5?
Q. In the closing verses of this chapter, we see God continually provide for His obstinate prophet. Follow Up: In your most stubborn times, how has God expressed grace and mercy in your life?
Q. What do verses 10-11 teach us about God?
Personal Reflection and Application
Q. We are much like Jonah. We want to receive God’s forgiveness, but we are not always willing to extend it to others. Who is it that you might need to extend forgiveness to?
Q. How is God calling you to grow in compassion for the lost?
Challenge
When God gave us grace, we received something we did not deserve. Think of someone in your life who does not deserve grace and be intentional about showing it to them over the coming week. This can be a family member, co-worker, neighbor, or even someone in your group!