Laughlin, Laura

Bible Study 1: Jonah

Gen. to Rev. (2016)

Biblical Passage: Jonah 1-4

Theme: Gods Persistence
Study size: Small group (6-8)
Group description: High school youth
Background Information on Jonah
1. Sources:
a. The Harper Collins Study Bible
i. The revised edition was produced by Harold W. Attridge
(General Editor), along with a group of Associate Editors,
and the Society of Biblical Literature. This resource was
published by HarperCollins Publishers in 2006 (Revised
Edition).
b. New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible
i. According to ministrymatters.com, this Bible dictionary was
produced by Katharine Doob Sakenfeld (General Editor and
Prof. of Old Testament Literature and Exegesis at Princeton
Theological Seminary) and her Editorial Board. It provides
an in-depth look at the names, terms, etc. in the Bible,
organized alphabetically.
c. Working Preacher
i. WorkingPreacher.org is a resource produced by Luther
Seminary and contributed to by faculty and theologians
from various seminaries and universities. It is intended to
be a helpful tool for pastors and church leaders in their
planning for and examining of each weeks texts for
sermon preparation and worship leadership.
d. New Interpreters Bible
i. According to ministrymatters.com, this commentary was
produced by Neil M. Alexander (President and Publisher)
and his Publication Staff. It was published in 1994
Abingdon Press and it provides an in-depth look (down to
language, themes, parallel comparisons, etc.) at each book
of the Bible in its twelve volumes.
The Bible Study: Gods Persistence
*Begin the Bible study with a prayer*
A Brief Introduction to Jonah:
(Leader: Begin with asking the group what it knows about Jonah (learned
in Sunday school, etc. Present the following information informally, not as a
lecture, but conversationally. Stop and ask questions in the midst of

Laughlin, Laura

Bible Study 1: Jonah

Gen. to Rev. (2016)

presenting, such as What are examples of irony? Why would the Bible have
satire, isnt it supposed to be serious? Be sure to ask for questions before
moving on to the text and discussion time.)
The story of Jonah is different from the other prophetic books in the Bible.
It is a story that is made up of prose and poetry, not prophetic oracles. Most
of the other prophetic books focus on Israel and Judah, and urging the people
to observe Israels covenant with God. The Book of Jonah focuses on a
prophet sent to the Assyrians in Nineveh, who were a people of brutality. 1,2
The Book of Jonah is a satire, which is a story that is intended to be
humorous. The writer of this book intends for Jonah to come across as a
ridiculous choice for a prophet of God and provides many examples to prove
his point. The satirical quality of this story puts some of the more grandiose
events, such as being swallowed whole and surviving in the belly of a fish,
into perspective.3
In the midst of its humor and irony, the book of Jonah also highlights some
very human qualities that we can still relate to today. How often to we cling
to the bitterness that comes with experiencing something that we think is
unfair? Just like Jonah, we often feel like it would be better to run than
confront our fears, die than forgive, or cling to our pride than embrace mercy
for the sake of others. In the midst of Jonahs un-enthusiastic attempt at
following Gods call and all of his bitterness, God remains with Jonah and
shows him compassion, even when Jonah is consumed with anger and
wrath.4
Gods ability to stick it out with us, even when we make it as difficult as
possible, shows us just how persistent God is. When we run as far from God
as possible, God remains with us. God does not abandon us, just as God did
not abandon Jonah. And it is this persistence that wore down Jonahs
resistance. The truth is that Gods call is not usually the most comfortable; it
requires a level of faith and trust that is hard to rely on. And often, Gods call
is to something that we would rather walk away from because it is our last
choice, too difficult, or too frightening. This is where we enter into Jonahs
story. The author never reveals whether Jonah realized his behavior and how
1 Harper Collins Study Bible
2 The New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible
(http://www.ministrymatters.com.luthersem.idm.oclc.org/library/#/nidb/5f639
144c165455b774259db22e6cc60/jonah-book-of.html)
3 New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible
(http://www.ministrymatters.com.luthersem.idm.oclc.org/library/#/nidb/5f639
144c165455b774259db22e6cc60/jonah-book-of.html)
4 Working Preacher: Michael Chan
(https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=2011)

Laughlin, Laura

Bible Study 1: Jonah

Gen. to Rev. (2016)

God was there for him in the midst of everything he put in the way, but we
do and we can see how it relates to our lives. We can trust that Gods
presence remains with us and that God is just as persistent with us as God
was with Jonah. Gods persistence can help embolden us to trust in Gods call
and to step out in faith to follow instead of run.5
2. Diving into the Story
(Leader: Ask for volunteers to read, having a few read during each
chapter. Then, use the questions under each chapter to begin discussion
but do not feel limited to these questions. Feel free to expand! Encourage
the youth to underline things that stick out to them or that they have
questions about as the group reads through the story together.)
a. God Calls and Jonah Runs (Jonah 1)
i. What do we know about prophets?
ii. Does it make sense for Jonah to run? Why?
b. Jonah is Thankful (Jonah 2)
i. Even when Jonah ran from God, God was there to save
Jonah. What does this say about God?
ii. What do you think of Jonahs song? Does it seem authentic
given his recent actions?
c. God Calls and Jonah Answers (Jonah 3)
i. Why do you think Jonah listened to God this time?
ii. What would it be like to get up and go, following Gods call
without asking questions?
iii. What do you think of Jonahs sermon in verse 4? Is it
convincing?
iv. God had mercy on the people of Nineveh. What does this
say about God?
d. Jonah is Angry (Jonah 4)
i. Jonah didnt think it was fair for God to forgive the people
of Nineveh. Do you agree with Jonahs anger?
ii. What does it mean that Jonah is grateful that God provides
for and forgives him, but doesnt think others deserve the
same?
iii. How often do we find ourselves thinking the same way?
e. God Reprimands Jonah (Jonah 5)
i. Why do you think God chose Jonah?
ii. What can we learn from this story?
iii. What does Gods persistence mean to you?
5 New Interpreters Commentary
(http://www.ministrymatters.com.luthersem.idm.oclc.org/library/#/tnib/c89c5
5a1b500bcc20b21ed3159a5be52/jonah-31-411.html)

Laughlin, Laura

Bible Study 1: Jonah

Gen. to Rev. (2016)

(Leader: Ask for any other questions and for prayer requests. Share in prayer
together, either lead by the leader or shared by the group. End the evening
with highs and lows for the day, and hopes for the coming week.)