August 30, 2026

Jonah

Chapters 1 & 2

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Jonah Ch. 1-2: A prophet on the run 

Jonah is unique because as a prophet called by God, he was reluctant to obey and share the message God called him to share. So reluctant, he ran. 

This book is not just about a rogue prophet, a big fish, and a people being called to repentance. Actually, the emphasis of the book is on Jonah’s response and his heart towards what God is calling him to do.   

1:1-3 Jonah’s pursuit

His plan: I'm gonna go in the direct opposite direction of the place God wants me to go. Why?

Jonah is first mentioned in 2 Kings 14:25

The Israelites and Ninevites didn’t get along 

Nineveh was the capital of Assyria

So Jonah flees to Tarshish, Why?

To get away from God’s presence 

1:12 Things don't go according to plan

1:17 Definitely was not a part of the plan

Is this literal or a metaphor? 

Jesus refers to Jonah in Matthew 12:39-41 and again in Matthew 16:4.

Jonah chapter 2 is almost entirely a prayer from the prophet acknowledging the situation he got himself in, and how God has spared his life and given him another chance. 

2:10 The fish vomits him out 

Key insights 

Everyone is pursuing something 

Gal 5:16

We justify what we pursue instead of pursuing what’s justified

1 Chron 29:17 

Running from something is a form of running to something 

Jonah wasn’t just running from God, he was running to get what he wanted 

Application

Are we pursuing what God wants or what we want? 

Is it actually what God wants or are you really running after what you want and calling it what God wants? 

Turn away from evil and do good;

seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14

But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.” 1 Peter 3:10-11 

Instead of justifying what we pursue…

Before running from something…

In your running, are you glorifying God in each step?