Running from God, Rescued by Grace
A Study Guide for Wrestling with Obedience, Mercy, and Mission
1. Introduction: Who Was Jonah and Why This Story Matters
Jonah was a prophet during the reign of Jeroboam II in Israel (2 Kings 14:25).
God called him to go to Nineveh, a violent, pagan city, to preach repentance.
Instead, Jonah ran the opposite direction—fleeing from God’s mission.
Reflection: Jonah’s story shows that God doesn’t just care about our obedience—He also cares about our heart for others.
2. The Runaway Prophet (Jonah 1)
Jonah boards a ship to Tarshish, far from Nineveh.
A storm arises, and the sailors cast lots—Jonah is the cause.
Jonah is thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish.
Takeaway: You can run from the call of God—but you can’t outrun God Himself. He will chase you down not to punish, but to redeem.
3. A Prayer from the Deep (Jonah 2)
Inside the belly of the fish, Jonah prays—acknowledging God’s mercy and his own need for salvation.
He says, “Salvation belongs to the Lord!” (Jonah 2:9).
God commands the fish to spit him out.
Lesson: Sometimes God lets us sink low so we’ll finally look up. Even in our rebellion, He hears sincere repentance.
4. Revival in a Wicked City (Jonah 3)
God calls Jonah again—and this time, he goes.
Jonah preaches a simple message: “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!”
The people repent, fast, and cry out to God—even the king.
God relents from bringing disaster.
Truth: No one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy—not even the people we’d rather see judged.
5. A Prophet with a Bad Attitude (Jonah 4)
Jonah is angry that God showed mercy to Nineveh.
He admits he fled because he knew God was “gracious and merciful, slow to anger…” (Jonah 4:2).
God uses a plant, a worm, and a scorching wind to teach Jonah a lesson about compassion.
Warning: You can obey God externally while still resisting Him internally. Bitterness blinds us to the beauty of grace.
6. Key Verses to Memorize or Meditate On
Jonah 1:3 – “But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.”
Jonah 2:2 – “Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.”
Jonah 2:9 – “Salvation belongs to the Lord!”
Jonah 3:5 – “And the people of Nineveh believed God…”
Jonah 4:2 – “You are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love…
7. Questions for Discussion or Journaling
Why do you think Jonah ran from God’s command?
How does Jonah’s story challenge your idea of who “deserves” mercy?
Have you ever experienced God meeting you in a “belly of the fish” moment?
What does the repentance of Nineveh teach us about the power of God’s Word?
In what ways can obedience without compassion still fall short of God’s heart?
How might God be inviting you to extend His grace to someone you struggle to love?