Jonah and the Ninevites

Intro

After the dividing of the kingdom, we get to the prophets. These are called the classical prophets. Moving chronologically. Even through the splitting of his kingdom, God still has a heart for the nations.

Main Idea: God desires everyone to turn to him

God told Jonah to go to Nineveh. He fled to Tarshish. Ch. 1:3 says away from the presence of the Lord. Found a ship and caused a storm. Men hurled Jonah out and storm stopped. Men repented. Fish swallowed Jonah. Prays prayer. God speaks to the fish and brings him to dry land.

Jonah 3:1-10

Two acts on display:

Truth #1: God displays his grace (1-4)

Exp. Jonah is going to hear from God again. Verse 1. God could have chose someone else. Not under reproach for disobedience. Verse 2. God’s message not Jonah’s. Jonah cannot escape this call. Verse 3. Jonah’s eventual obedience. Nineveh is capital of Assyria. Mighty city. Three days journey could be size of city or common hospitality. Verse 4. Forty days. Number of testing. 40 years in wilderness. 40 days of flood. 40 days of fasting with Jesus. Jonah’s message is that of being overthrown. What would they know about Yahweh? This was not a prediction but a warning. Day 1, people are believing. Jonah wanted opposite. Great example of grace. What is grace? Warren Wiersbe, Grace is God giving us what we don’t deserve.

Ill. Going to Wendy’s and getting a free frosty.

Arg. God is the great giver of grace. Jonah 3 is proof that the God of the OT is same God in the NT. He gives Jonah second chance and Nineveh a chance to believe. He gave Jonah a fish to keep him from drowning. Ch. 4, God grows a plant to give Jonah shade. Consistently offering grace.

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Romans 5:20–21

Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ephesians 2:8–9

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Christ - While Jonah went a second time, Jesus obeyed the first time. Jonah went to Nineveh, the den of sinners. Jesus also went to where the sinners were and shared of the coming of the kingdom. Fulfilled the will of God.

App. How do we respond?

Thank God for the second chances. Consider the second chances in your life, and thank God for them.

Walk in obedience. God moved in Nineveh and he can use you. It’s your obedience he’s after.

Truth #2: God displays his mercy (5-10)

Exp. Mercy and grace often to together. Now the story shifts away from Jonah. Verse 5. 40 days of warning would not be needed. Sackcloth = wore in time of mourning. Three levels: believed- inward, declared-articulated, put on-outward. Verse 6.

Christ - This could be the most Christ-like part of this passage. The king left this throne, removed his robe, covered himself in sackcloth, and sat in ashes. Parallel to Jesus leaving his throne, veiling his glory, covering his glory with humanity, and walked into death.

Exp. Then the king preached. Verses 7-9. His instructions were not in line with normal Jewish custom because they didn’t know what to do. Then we see Gods mercy. Verse 10. God’s warning avoided. Wiersbe, Mercy is God withholding what we do deserve.

Ill. Game of mercy. Wrestle until someone screams, “mercy.” I always bit off more than I could chew.

Arg. We’ve confused mercy. Culture today says that mercy is justice, and justice is injustice. For example, God is a God of love, but when he does something we deem unloving we ignore it or question him completely. Elijah killing the prophets of Baal. Can’t stomach it. He spares Nineveh. It’s not a lifelong repentance. History shows us that in 50 years, Nineveh attacks and lays waste to Israel. God displays mercy on his terms, not ours.

Christ - We receive mercy because of Jesus. If mercy is withholding, then where does Jesus come in? God’s wrath was poured out on him. The “unfairness” of the Bible is no more unfair than the cross of Jesus. We should call the unfairness “mercy and grace.”

App. How do we respond?

Avoid half-hearted repentance. Don’t submit to God on your terms. Submit on his. Give your whole self as Jesus did.

Thank God for sparing you. Your works won’t spare you. Faith in Jesus will.

God desires that everyone would turn to him. Let’s respond that way today.