Bible Study Lesson – May 6, 2020 ~ 7:30 pm
Lesson 12: Hopeful Leadership (Jonah 3:6-9)
Questions:
- Jonah’s message did not seem to include an option for Nineveh’s salvation. What does the king’s willingness to humble himself and repent tell us about his character?
- Notice the king’s reasoning in 3:9. Do you think he was expecting God to relent? He was willing to humble himself and call out to God for deliverance – with only the hope that God might relent. How should this encourage those of us who know God’s character (see 4:2) to humbly look to Him for help in times of trouble?
Lesson 13: God’s Forgiveness (Jonah 3:10)
Questions:
- After seeing the Ninevites’ response, God had compassion on the city and decided not to destroy it. What does this show about God’s desires for humanity?
- Notice the order of events in 3:10. God turned from the disaster only after the city repented. Read Exodus 32:9-14, 2 Samuel 24:11-17, Jeremiah 18:7-8, and Amos 7:1-6. What do these passages show us about repentance and God’s judgement?
- Considering the severity of Nineveh’s evil, what does the extent of God’s grace and forgiveness tell you about His character?
Preparation
God’s forgiveness of the Ninevites is not surprising to modern readers who know the story or even to Jonah, who expected God to show mercy. Take time to evaluate the role repentance has played in your life. Outline the steps you’ve taken to ensure repentance is part of your daily life.
May 13, 2020 – Lesson 14: An Angry Prayer (Jonah 4:1-4)
