House Group Material – Jonah – Week One
1. Hearing The Call of God
Jonah in common with other prophetic books starts with the “Word of the Lord” coming to the prophet. (See Micah 1:1 and Joel 1:1 as examples).
There is, however, a difference between Jonah and these other prophets.
Make a note of what this difference is.
We can also contrast these calls with that of the prophet Samuel in 1 Samuel Chapter 3.
Add this difference to your note.
Does God call us today with the “Word of the Lord”?
2. Responding to The Call of God
God’s call is to be active read verse 2 and highlight the things God calls Jonah to do.
The call on Jonah is reflected in our own commissioning, as disciples of Christ, through the words of Jesus after his resurrection. Go and make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:19).
It may be helpful to make a note of the similarities and differences between these two callings.
Jonah differs from the other prophets who hear the word of God and choose to obey.
Can you give some examples of prophets who respond with obedience?
Think of a time when you have felt called to act by God – how did you respond?
3. Sleeping through The Call of God
Jonah in the midst of a tremendous storm falls asleep.
Can you think of other examples in the New Testament where when called to watch the response was sleep?
Why do you think Jonah fell asleep?
Have you ever responded to God’s call by “sleeping”?
4. Jesus’ use of the story of Jonah
In Luke 11:29 Jesus uses the story of Jonah to warn the people of the need for the nation of Israel to change their ways in the same way as the people of Nineveh.
Does this add to the significance of the story of Jonah and how does it help our understanding of the story?
Make a note of anything this time of reflection has brought to your mind.
