
Jonah 1:1-17
Introduction 1 :
Sometimes it takes all the will power we have to obey the Lord, doesn’t it? Sometimes He asks
us to do things we don’t want to do—things that are difficult, uncomfortable or even painful (like
loving our enemies). So politely but firmly we either refuse his command or try to put it out of our
minds. Yet as Jonah discovered, our disobedience can be even more costly than our obedience.
Open It
When have you been rescued from a difficult situation?
When have you not wanted to obey God?
Explore It (Jonah 1:1-17)
Nineveh was the capital of Assyria, a nation that was a fierce and powerful enemy of Israel to the
northeast. How does Jonah respond to the Lord’s command to preach there (vss. 1-3)?
Tarshish, traditionally identified as Spain, was over two thousand miles in the opposite direction.
While Jonah was journeying to Tarshish, what kinds of thoughts and feelings might he have
experienced?
How did the sailors respond to the storm, and how did Jonah respond?
How do you think Jonah felt when the pagan captain urged him to call on God for help (Jonah
1:6)?
Why do the sailors become even more terrified after they hear Jonah’s story (Jonah 1:7-10)
Jonah acknowledges his guilt in Jonah 1:11-12. Do you think he is repentant at this point? Explain.
After hearing Jonah’s suggestion (Jonah 1:12), what new tensions and struggles do the sailors
experience (Jonah 1:13-14)?
How does God use this calamity to demonstrate his grace and mercy (Jonah 1:15-17)?
How does this chapter illustrate the futility of running from God?
Get It
Why is it dangerous to disobey God?
When has God called you to serve Him in ways that were unattractive or unpleasant to you?
What rebellious attitudes have you ever had toward the Lord?
Who are the Ninevites in your life?
In what ways has God pursued you when you have tried escaping to “Tarshish”?
How do you feel when you know that you are being obedient to the Lord’s call?
Apply It
What can you do to respond with obedience to God the next time you must do something good
but unpleasant?
How can you share the gospel with others at work? among your family? among your neighbors?
How might you thank the Lord right now for all the remarkable ways He has delivered you?
1 I am grateful for several of these thought questions from LifeGuide Bible Studies and from LessonMaker.