JONAH – Week #3

Read Jonah 1:11-16.

Observations
 The storm was getting worse and the sailors concluded that Jonah was the solution.
 Jonah admitted the situation they were in was his fault.
 The sailors hesitated sacrificing Jonah because they were afraid of the consequences of
throwing him to his death.
 When they did it, the sea grew calm – which caused them to honor the Lord.

Interpretation
1. What indications illustrate that Jonah was repentant? (Repentance – to experience sorrow for
and seek to change wrong behavior, to turn back on your sin and go in a new direction).
 Jonah blamed only himself, not fate or circumstances
 He was prepared to take responsibility for himself to relieve the sailors from suffering
 Jonah’s honest confession brought unbelievers to God.
2. What indications demonstrate that Jonah was unrepentant?
 The sailors had to suggest an action
 Jonah’s suggestion meant his death, but not his obedience – he would rather die than go to
Nineveh
3. What changes do we notice in the sailors?
 They had feared the storm and feared Jonah – now they fear the Lord
 In the beginning of the storm, they each cried out to their own god & after the storm, they
cried out to the Lord
 They acknowledge the connection between the storm, Jonah & God

Application
1. What does it take to be repentant? (Humility, admission, courage, desire to change)
2. What is difficult about repenting?
3. What are the benefits of repentance?
4. What drives us to remain unrepentant? (self-control, pride, selfishness)

Concluding Thoughts
Taking responsibility for our actions/sin is a positive witness for God.
Hardening our hearts against God does not change God’s plans or directions.