SATURDAY: The Story of Jonah Points Us to Jesus

BIG IDEA: Our own spiritual blind spots can stall out God’s mission for our lives.

Reading:

Old Testament Reading: Jonah 1:17; 2:10 

Jonah 1:17 “And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”

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Jonah‬ ‭2:10 “And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land.”

New Testament Reference: Matthew 12:39-41 

“But he answered them, ‘An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.’”

Devotional:

The fish is not the point of the story. The story of Jonah points us to Jesus.

Jonah is swallowed by the great fish and remains there three days and three nights. Then, at God’s command, the fish vomits Jonah out onto dry land.  Jonah went down into the depths because of his own rebellion. Jesus went down into death because of ours. Jonah was thrown into the sea to save the sailors from the storm. Jesus went to the cross to save sinners from the judgment we deserved. Jonah spent three days in the belly of the fish and came out alive. Jesus spent three days in the grave and rose again in victory.

But there is also a major difference between Jonah and Jesus. Jonah was a reluctant missionary. Jesus is the willing Savior. Jonah did not want his enemies to receive mercy. Jesus died for His enemies so they could be forgiven. Jonah wanted justice for Nineveh and mercy for himself. Jesus took justice upon Himself so mercy could be offered to the world.

This is why the book of Jonah is more than a story about a prophet, a storm, and a fish. It is a mirror that reveals our blind spots, but it is also a signpost that points us to the gospel. We are more like Jonah than we want to admit. We run, resist, judge, hide, and cling to our own plans. But Jesus is greater than Jonah. He pursues the lost, obeys the Father fully, enters death willingly, and rises victoriously.

If Jonah’s story shows us God’s patience with a stubborn prophet, Jesus’ story shows us God’s love for a sinful world. The question is not whether you have blind spots. You do. The question is whether you will bring them into the light of the risen Christ and let Him transform you.

Reflection:

• In what ways do you see yourself in Jonah’s reluctance, pride, or resistance?

• How does Jesus’ willingness to die for His enemies challenge the way you view people who are difficult for you to love?

• What does the resurrection of Jesus prove about God’s power to bring life out of places that feel dead?

Practical Application:

Take time today to thank Jesus for being greater than Jonah. Then pray honestly: “Lord, show me where I have been reluctant, resistant, or self-righteous. Bring my blind spots into the light, and make me more like Jesus.” After you pray, write down one way you can reflect the mercy of Jesus to someone this week.

Song of the Day:

 Phil Wickham - I Believe (Official Music Video)