October 19, 2025

Yahweh’s Pursuit – Jonah 1:4-16

Ice Breaker

1. Read Jonah 1 as a group.
2. What good or bad thoughts come to mind when you think of fish?

Loving God Unreservedly

1. God sent a mighty storm, and the ship threatened “to break up” (Jonah 1:4). Do you see the storm as God’s punishment against Jonah or His way of getting the prophet back on the right track? How do you think Jonah saw it?
2. The sailors all called out to their gods, and the captain encouraged Jonah to do the same (see Jonah 1:6), but the text does not say whether he did. Perhaps Jonah didn’t want God’s help, or perhaps he was still attempting to flee from God’s presence. Have you ever avoided asking God for help? Why? Consider your reasons for doing so and bring them to God. How can you turn to Him in your time of need?

Loving People Sacrificially

1. What was Jonah expecting when he was thrown overboard? How did God use the fish to undermine Jonah’s expectations and accomplish His purpose?
2. What made the men terrified? (1:10)
3. What happened following Jonah’s penitent admission? (1:13–16)
4. When we realize we have sinned, what should we do? (Lev. 26:40; Ps. 32:5; Prov. 28:13; 1 John 1:9–2:1)
5. Reflecting on this passage (Jonah 1:1-16), how can you apply the idea of responsibility towards those around you when you are facing your own storms?

Making Disciples Purposefully

1. What are some reasons believers don’t share the gospel with the lost? Which reason(s) mostly characterizes the hesitancy you have shown in sharing the good news with unbelievers you know?
2. Pray for a person by name and ask God to open a divine opportunity to share the good news of Jesus in word or deed. 

Dig Deeper (optional/personal study) 

1. Research: Use the outline for Jonah 1:1-16 described by, Sklar, J., Daniel–Malachi, (2018, Vol. VII, p. 398., Wheaton, IL: Crossway), to reflect on the metanarrative of Yahweh’s faithfulness/mercy (Jonah 4:2):

1. Pagans Learn to Fear the Lord While Jonah Rebels against Him (1:1–16)
2. The Lord’s Prophet, Jonah, Flees from the Lord and His Prophetic Mission (1:1–3)
3. The Lord Gives Jonah a Mission (1:1–2)
4. Jonah Flees from the Lord and the Mission (1:3)
5. In the Storm-Tossed Ship: The Pagan Sailors’ Fear of the Lord vs. Jonah’s Rebellion against Him (1:4–16)
6. The Contrast Is Introduced: The Sailors’ Fear vs. Jonah’s Slumber (1:4–6)
7. The Contrast Deepens: The Sailors’ True Fear of the Lord’s Actions vs. Jonah’s Empty Fear of the Lord (1:7–12)
8. The Contrast Is Complete: The Sailors’ True Fear of the Lord vs. Jonah’s Judgment (1:13–16)