Week 8: Jonah 4:5-11featured

Welcome to the eighth and final week of this summer study through the book of Jonah.
This week our focus will be on Jonah 4:5-11.

It was finally revealed to us in Week 7: Jonah 4:1-4 how Jonah has been feeling throughout the book. Light is shined onto Jonah’s initial response to God’s call to go to the Ninevites. That is why I made haste to feel to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. We see his motives. We see the position of his heart. When the Ninevites repented and God relented it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. We see Jonah’s story come off the page into life as we now see Jonah not as a perfect Bible character being drawn around by the string of the plot, but as an imperfect, sinful, messy human. The real kind with actions that are the overflow of the fallen condition of his heart. We even see in Jonah’s prayer in Jonah 2:8 he talks about those who do not belong with “us”. Are there other places you see this theme throughout the book?

Self reflection:
Recognize from this, sin and the stories of sin, like the story of Jonah, only reveal as much as we can see on the surface if we don’t look more deeply at the position of the heart. Pray for God to reveal to you the deeper heart issues in your life. Confess this to someone you trust.

Do you find yourself hopeful God will redeem only people you love, look like, or see as worthy, but disregard the rest?
Pray for God to reveal times when you are like Jonah, pray for Him to change your heart for all people.

This week.

Start everyday with prayer.
Prayer topics could include: the revealing of heart issues you’re holding onto, and your continual refinement. Also for God’s glory and desires to be revealed to you through this final section of Jonah.
See how far you can list the names of the books of the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus…Zechariah, Malachi) without looking.

After completing the steps in the Option you have chosen for the week, is a good time to meet with others for discussion. Try to complete the steps for at least one of the options fully before referencing others’ thoughts or other study materials (sermons, commentaries, study Bible notes, etc.). Share comments on this post of anything you are learning, seeing, or applying.

Option 1:

Use day 1 to read Jonah 4:5-11.
Use a green colored pencil to circle any time you see Jonah (or pronouns that take the place of Jonah in this text, example: he, you, etc.).
Use a green colored pencil to underline verbs describing what he is, does, or is commanded to (action words or passive verbs: is, was, etc.).
Answer the questions, “What does this passage show me about man?” or “What is the fallen condition I see?”

On day 2, read Jonah 4:5-11.
Use a blue colored pencil to draw a box around references for God (example: word of the LORD, LORD the God of heaven, etc.).
Use a blue colored pencil to underline and verbs describing what God does or who he is.
Today answer the question, “What does this passage show me about God?”

On day 3, read Jonah 4:5-11.
Do we see commands in the text? Can we praise God for something we see about his character? Has this revealed anything to repent of? Answer the question, “What should I do, understand, believe, or desire, because of the things I see in this text?”

Use any additional days you study this week to read or listen through the whole book, or practice steps from Option 2.

Option 2:

Use day 1 to read through Jonah 4:5-11 and make the following marks in your text:

• Use a green colored pencil to circle any time you see Jonah (or pronouns that take the place of Jonah in this text, example: he, you, etc.).
• Use a green colored pencil to underline verbs describing what he is, does, or is commanded to (action words or passive verbs: is, was, etc.).
• Use a blue colored pencil to draw a box around references for God (example: word of the LORD, LORD the God of heaven, etc.).
• Use a blue colored pencil to underline and verbs describing what God does or who he is.
• Draw a question mark above any words you could not comfortably or clearly define (sometimes this is words we feel familiar with, but don’t concisely know definitions to).

On day 2 read Jonah 4:5-11.
Look up definitions for words you marked with question marks.
Consider the contrast between Jonah being exceedingly displeased (4:1) with his exceeding gladness (4:6).
Make any helpful notes in your text.

For day 3, read Jonah 4:5-11.
Review your notes and markings and use them to guide you to answer the following questions:

1. “What does this passage show me about man?” “Is there a fallen condition I see?”
2. “How does this bring to light the heart behind any of Jonah’s previous actions?”
3. “When do I feel like Jonah?” Hint: notice things he does, chooses, feels, says, etc. Pray for God to reveal this to you, and repent.
4. “What does this passage show me about God?”  
5. “How do you feel about the question presented in 4:10-11?”

For day 4, read Jonah 4:5-11.
Choose between following the applications steps in Option 1, day 3 or Option 3, day 5.

Use any additional days you study this week to read or listen through the whole book, or practice steps from Option 3.

Option 3:

On day 1, read Jonah 4:5-11* and use the following key to mark your text:

• Use a green colored pencil to circle any time you see Jonah (or pronouns that take the place of Jonah in this text, example: he, you, etc.).
• Use a green colored pencil to underline verbs describing what he is, does, or is commanded to (action words or passive verbs: is, was, etc.).
• Use a blue colored pencil to draw a box around references for God (example: word of the LORD, LORD the God of heaven, etc.).
• Use a blue colored pencil to underline and verbs describing what God does or who he is.
• Draw a question mark above any words you could not comfortably or clearly define (sometimes this is words we feel familiar with, but don’t concisely know definitions to)
• Choose a way to mark different words you see repeated (example: drawing a blue triangle anytime you see the word ship)
• Add any other markings or notes that make sense to you

Use day 2 to, read Jonah 4:5-11. Then look up definitions for any words you marked with question marks. Then read Luke 11:29-32. Make helpful notes in your text.

Day 3, read Jonah 4:5-11. Next rewrite one or two verses at a time in your own words, restating as if you were asked the question “What does this say?” Include facts only, trying to condense the number of words. After this, mark any natural or logical divisions you see in the text. Write a summary sentence for each section you marked. Then write one subject sentence or header for Jonah 4:5-11 using ten words or less—this should clearly point to this specific part of the Bible.

On day 4, read Jonah 4:5-11. Review the marks you made on day 1. Consider what the text says about God, and Jonah/man. Know the meaning of the text runs deeper than the words on the page; also consider positions of the heart. Main truths or principles would be true for the original audience, and for us—they are doctrinal statements that supersede time and culture. Answer this question for each division you made on day 3: “What are the main truths or principles in this section?”

For day 5, read Jonah 4:5-11. Review your main truths and principles from day 4. Application is aimed at the heart and seeks to answer the questions, “How should the truths of this passage change me?” Application is not always individual; it may be corporate. It is not always about what we should do: it should affect our hearts, minds, and wills. Other questions that may guide us toward application are: If this is true, then what? What does it tell us about God, Jesus, humanity, or history? What does this expose about our culture or our idols? Does this shine light on misplaced hopes, ideas, or expectations? Why do we enjoy or not enjoy this passage? How might we mishear this? Repentance, praise, and belief are legitimate applications. Try to avoid yes/no questions, write out at least one application question for each division and then your answer(s).

At this point, gather with others to share what you have learned and bring up any lingering questions you have.

*As you have opportunity throughout the week read/listen through the whole book of Jonah.