The story of Jonah concludes in an unexpected way. Jonah thought Nineveh would be destroyed and readers assume Jonah has truly repented. However, Nineveh repents and is spared, and Jonah sulks in response. This book highlights that, because of sin, none of us deserve salvation, yet God offers grace to those who repent.

1. Have you ever questioned the fairness of God in your life? Describe the situation.

2. Read Jonah 3:10-4:3 Why was Jonah angry that the people of Nineveh repented?

3. Read Jonah 4:4-11 What was God trying to teach Jonah? Why are these principles important?

4. How do God’s holiness and our sinful nature pose a serious predicament? Why is it necessary to understand this problem in order to fully grasp God’s understanding of fairness and grace?

5. Why is comparing our relative goodness to someone else’s failures completely irrelevant before a holy God?

6. Like Jonah, have you ever resented when grace was given to someone? What did this expose about yourself?

7. Are there people you resist loving and caring for because their values, beliefs, political statements, and lifestyle contradict yours? How can you allow God to help you extend grace to those you find “unworthy”?

8. Who could you be inviting to our Easter worship services? As a group, pray for these people to be open to the invitation. Click here to view the invitation that you can share.