Character Study Of Jonah Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF JONAH – PROPHET SENT TO NINEVEH

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Jonah 1:1-2

"Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me."

Supporting Texts:

Jonah 1:1-17, Jonah 2:1-10, Jonah 3:1-10, Jonah 4:1-11, Matthew 12:39-41

INTRODUCTION

Jonah was a prophet of God during the time of Jeroboam II, sent to deliver a message of repentance to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. However, instead of obeying, he attempted to flee from God’s presence, leading to a series of dramatic events, including being swallowed by a great fish.

The story of Jonah highlights God’s mercy, the consequences of disobedience, and the importance of fulfilling divine assignments. Jonah’s reluctance and anger over Nineveh’s repentance teach powerful lessons about God’s compassion for all nations.

1. JONAH'S CALL TO NINEVEH

a) Jonah received a clear command from God (Jonah 1:1-2)

He was sent to preach against Nineveh’s wickedness.

b) Nineveh was a great and sinful city (Jonah 3:3)

It was known for its violence and cruelty.

c) Jonah chose to run instead of obey (Jonah 1:3)

He boarded a ship to Tarshish, going in the opposite direction.

d) God pursued Jonah through a storm (Jonah 1:4)

The storm threatened the lives of everyone on board.

e) Biblical Example: Moses also tried to avoid his divine calling (Exodus 4:10-14).

2. JONAH AND THE GREAT FISH

a) Jonah admitted his guilt to the sailors (Jonah 1:12)

He knew the storm was because of his disobedience.

b) Jonah was thrown into the sea and swallowed by a great fish (Jonah 1:15-17)

God used this to preserve and teach him.

c) Jonah prayed from the belly of the fish (Jonah 2:1-9)

He acknowledged God’s mercy and power.

d) God commanded the fish to release him (Jonah 2:10)

After three days and nights, he was vomited onto dry land.

e) Biblical Example: Paul also experienced hardship that led to obedience (Acts 27:22-25).

3. JONAH FINALLY OBEYS GOD

a) God gave Jonah a second chance (Jonah 3:1-2)

He was sent again to Nineveh.

b) Jonah preached a message of judgment (Jonah 3:4)

He declared that Nineveh would be destroyed in 40 days.

c) The people of Nineveh repented (Jonah 3:5-6)

From the king to the common people, they fasted and prayed.

d) God showed mercy and spared the city (Jonah 3:10)

He responded to their repentance with forgiveness.

e) Biblical Example: The city of Sodom could have been saved if they had repented (Genesis 18:32).

4. JONAH'S ANGER AND GOD'S LESSON

a) Jonah was displeased that Nineveh was spared (Jonah 4:1)

He wanted judgment, not mercy.

b) He complained to God in frustration (Jonah 4:2-3)

He knew God was gracious but did not want Nineveh to benefit.

c) God used a plant to teach Jonah (Jonah 4:6-8)

Jonah rejoiced in the shade of the plant but was angry when it withered.

d) God explained His compassion (Jonah 4:10-11)

He cared for the thousands in Nineveh, just as Jonah cared for the plant.

e) Biblical Example: The elder brother in the parable of the prodigal son also resented mercy (Luke 15:28-32).

5. JONAH'S STRENGTHS

a) He was a prophet of God (Jonah 1:1)

He had a divine calling.

b) He recognised God’s sovereignty (Jonah 2:9)

He acknowledged that salvation belongs to the Lord.

c) He eventually obeyed God (Jonah 3:3)

He fulfilled his mission, even if reluctantly.

d) His message led to a great revival (Jonah 3:5-10)

The entire city of Nineveh repented.

e) Biblical Example: Peter also turned back to obedience after his failure (John 21:15-17).

6. JONAH'S WEAKNESSES

a) He was reluctant to obey God (Jonah 1:3)

He fled from his divine assignment.

b) He had a selfish and nationalistic mindset (Jonah 4:1-2)

He wanted God’s mercy for Israel but not for Nineveh.

c) He was quick to anger (Jonah 4:3)

He became frustrated when things did not go his way.

d) He lacked compassion for sinners (Jonah 4:10-11)

He valued personal comfort over the salvation of others.

e) Biblical Example: The Pharisees also lacked compassion and resented God’s mercy (Luke 18:11-12).

7. LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JONAH

a) God’s call must not be ignored (Jonah 1:3)

Running from God’s will leads to trouble.

b) God is merciful to all people (Jonah 3:10)

His love is not limited to one nation.

c) Repentance brings salvation (Jonah 3:5-6)

When sinners turn to God, He forgives them.

d) God’s ways are higher than ours (Jonah 4:11)

He extends grace even when we do not understand.

e) Biblical Example: The thief on the cross received God’s mercy at the last moment (Luke 23:42-43).

CONCLUSION

Jonah’s story is a powerful example of God’s mercy, human weakness, and the necessity of obedience. His journey from rebellion to reluctant obedience and his struggle with God’s grace teach us that God’s will must be done, and His mercy extends to all who repent.