The Sign of Jonah

Luke 11:29–32 (ESV)

29 When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, This generation is an evil generation. It seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.

30 For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.

31 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.

32 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.

Matthew 12:38–42 ESV

38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” 39 But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. 42 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.

Jonah 1:1 ESV

1 Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,

The “word of the Lord” came to Jonah saying...

but Jonah fled - left - “ran away from” the presence of the Lord.

John 1:1 begins with some similarity to Jonah.

Not obeying the Word of the Lord is equivalent to fleeing His presence.

One cannot be disobedient to God and remain in His presence.