Two Prophets of God
Unit III: Jonah: A Resistant Prophet

November Sunday School Lessons – Union Gospel Press

By Overseer Regina Ravenell-Carr
Oct. 27: Jonah Runs is Found Out – Jonah 1:7-17

Nov. 3: Jonah Repents – Jonah 2:1-10
Nov. 10: Ninevah Repents – Jonah 3:1-10
Nov. 17: Jonah Is Angry with God – Jonah 4:1-11
Nov. 24: Jesus Points to Jonah – Matt. 12:22-32, 38-40

What is a prophetic ministry? Prophetic ministry is a spiritual practice that involves the communication of messages from a divine source to people, groups, or countries. It is based on the idea that prophets have the ability to hear and convey messages from the heavenly realm.

Well, as we examined Daniel and Jonah, we immediately recognize that Daniel was faithful and Jonah is resistant. The greater lesson is what happens when we are resistant to God, and His instruction. Jonah is a prime example of what not to do! The consequences are often more than what we can bear! Nineveh is wicked and must hear the word of the Lord. If God has compassion for sinful men, so must we.

In the first lesson, “Jonah Runs and Is Found Out,” after his presence and purpose is revealed on the ship. God charge Jonah to go to “Nineveh and cry out against it, for their wickedness has come up to Me (1:2).” But Jonah goes west, instead of northeast to Nineveh. The ship encounters a great wind, and the men concluded that Jonah is the problem, not them.

Question: What did the sailors try to do instead of what Jonah recommended?

Second, the consequences of being disobedient is, Jonah is thrown into the belly of a fish. Jonah realizes the seriousness of God; he begins to pray. “Jonah Repents,” because God protects him both physically and spiritually. He recounts in prayer his physical sufferings in the belly of hell, and in the deep. Jonah’s prayer reveals his spiritual growth and maturity. His disobedience brought him to a greater sense of obedience to God. God disciplined, protected, and prepared Jonah to complete his assignment.

Question: What was this prayer of Jonah about, and what was it not about?

Next, we find Jonah on his way to Nineveh. He preached and cried out into the city. “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown (3:4). “Nineveh Repents!” The King declared and decree that man beast cry mightily unto God! And they
turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil that He said He would do.

Question: What was different about God’s second command to Jonah compared to His first one?

In the fourth lesson, “Jonah Is Angry with God!” He rehashes that what God did for Nineveh was what he thought would happen, when he was in his homeland. God asked, “Do you have a right to be angry?” God is asking is Jonah (or us), if we have a right to determine who God shows favor or not. God shows Jonah (and us), that He is in control and can show compassion to whomever He chooses.

Question: What contrast did God make between His attitude and Jonah’s?

Finally, the biblical lesson found in the New Testament declares that, “Jesus Points to Jonah.” Jesus is being persecuted for the miracle He had performed on the ‘one possessed with a devil, blind and dumb. Although some proclaimed Him to be the Messiah, the Pharisees accused Him of being of Beelzebub, Satan. After reasoning with them that He was not on Team Satan, they requested a sign. “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so, shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth (v. 40).

Question: When Christ returns, who will see Him? What events will occur?