DISCUSSION GUIDE for Ancient Prophets, Modern Messages, Jonah, about so much more than a fish
Lesson Summary
This lesson on Jonah reminds us that the story is about far more than a man swallowed by a fish. It is a true historical account, affirmed by Jesus, and filled with powerful lessons about obedience, mercy, and God’s heart for all people.
Jonah was not an unknown or struggling prophet. He was successful, respected, and accustomed to delivering good news to his own people. But when God called him to preach repentance to the brutal and hated Assyrians, Jonah refused. Instead of obeying, he ran in the opposite direction, demonstrating how easy it is for us to want to serve God on our own terms.
Through the storm, the great fish, and Jonah’s repentance, we see that disobedience never leads to a better outcome. God’s discipline is not meant to destroy us, but to bring us back to Him. When Jonah finally obeyed, the people of Nineveh repented, and God showed them mercy.
However, Jonah’s response reveals one of the most challenging truths in the lesson: he was angry at God’s compassion. He wanted mercy for himself but not for others. This exposes a common struggle in our own hearts.
The lesson concludes with three major applications: God’s mercy extends to even the worst people, we cannot assume who has or has not heard God’s message, and new believers need teaching and follow-up to grow in their faith. Ultimately, Jonah points us to Jesus, who perfectly obeyed God and completed the work He was given.

Ice-breaker Question
Have you ever been asked to do something you knew was right - but you really didn’t want to do it? What made it difficult?
Discussion Questions for a Group; Journal Questions for Individual Study
1.	Why is it important that Jesus affirmed the story of Jonah as a real event?
2.	What does Jonah’s initial success as a prophet teach us about the dangers of becoming comfortable in our faith?
3.	Why did Jonah resist God’s call to Nineveh, and what does that reveal about his heart?
4.	How does Jonah’s reaction to God’s mercy challenge our own attitudes toward difficult or undeserving people?
5.	What does the lesson teach about God’s discipline and its purpose in our lives?
6.	Why is follow-up and teaching essential for new believers, and what happens when it is missing?
7.	What is a question you have for Yvon?

Life Application Suggestions, consider and respond
1.	Identify a “Nineveh” in your life - someone or a situation you would rather avoid - and ask God for the willingness to respond with obedience.

2.	Reflect on areas where you may be resisting God’s direction and consider what step of obedience you need to take.
3.	Commit to praying consistently for people you find difficult, asking God to give you His perspective and compassion.
4.	Look for opportunities to help someone grow in their faith through encouragement, teaching, or example.

Prayer Focus
Thank God for His mercy and patience, even when we resist Him. Pray for a heart that reflects His compassion toward others, the courage to obey Him in difficult situations, and the commitment to faithfully carry out the work He has given you.