INTRODUCTION: Share a childhood experience when you did not have to face a consequence that you deserved because you received mercy.

READ: Jonah 3:1-6; Jonah 4:1-4

WATCH SERMON

DISCUSS
1. How does God show mercy to both the Ninevites and Jonah throughout the story?
2. What is the difference we see in Jonah’s repentance vs. the Ninevites repentance?
3. How would you describe the difference between change that comes from fear and transformation that comes from mercy? When has God called you to change and when has He called you to transformation?
4. Share an experience about when it was difficult for you to understand how God could show mercy to another person.
5. How did the “domino” illustration reaffirm or shift your understanding of God’s mercy?
6. What is the definition given of mercy in Jonah 4:1-4? Why does Jonah actually run away from Nineveh?
7. Which of these characteristics given for mercy is easier for you to show others? Which is harder?
8. “There is a difference between knowing about God’s mercy and embracing God’s mercy”. What is the difference? What are steps toward actually embracing God’s mercy in your own life?
9. What does it look like for you to become an expert in “mercy” and to love that God is merciful? How would that play out in your relationships, workplace, hobbies, etc?
10. How has God been merciful to you? What kind of transformation have you seen as a result?
11. Where do you need another chance? What in your life needs transformation? Where is God calling you to show mercy to others?

PRAY
Take some time to summarize what you have heard your group share and how we can pray for one another.

→ What are some themes you have heard others share about God’s mercy? How does that lead us to praise Him? What are some needs and concerns that were shared?

→ How can we pray specifically for you this week?

FOR FURTHER STUDY
The following is not meant for large group discussion but can be done as an individual study to grow in your understanding of Scripture and the way it transforms our lives.

→ We see God’s mercy all throughout David’s life (1 Samuel 16 – 2 Samuel 12). What are five ways we see God show David mercy and five ways we see David extend mercy to others around him?

→ Make a list describing all that you can find out about the Ninevites using Scripture and outside sources. How does the make their desire to repent even more significant?

→ As we are transformed into God’s image, our heart begins to reflect His heart. The things that break His heart, break our heart. The things that bring Him joy, bring us joy. The things that arouse His anger, arouse our anger. We see that Jonah was angry that the Lord was merciful. As we strive to bear the image of God and reflect his heart, use Scripture to write out a list of the things we see in Scripture that arouse God’s anger. Then take some time to reflect on whether these things are similar for you.