May 14: Preserving Love (Jonah 2)

To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:

Have your group read all of Jonah 2 and then discuss the following questions.

1. What is the significance of the fact that Jonah prayed from inside the huge fish?

Point out that Jonah 2:1-9 represents the prayer of thanksgiving that Jonah composed after he was delivered from drowning in the Mediterranean Sea.

2. How did Jonah recall and describe his situation after the sailors threw him overboard?
3. What did Jonah do in response? Identify the phrases that signify that response.

Verse 2: “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help.”

Verse 7: “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you.”

4. What did God do in response? Identify the phrases that signify that response.

Verse 2: “. . . he answered me. . . . you listened to my cry.”

Verse 6: “But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit.”

5. What lessons did Jonah learn through this ordeal?
6. How does verse 8 show that Jonah still has the heart of a prophet?
7. Although Jonah didn’t drown, how safe and secure would you say he is now?
8. Despite his current dilemma, identify the phrases that demonstrate Jonah’s confidence and assurance.

Verse 4: “I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.”

Verse 9: “But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’”

9. Why did the fish vomit Jonah onto dry land?

To encourage personal application:

Consider dividing into groups of three or four persons for this time of sharing and prayer.

1. When have you been in a situation like Jonah’s—in deep distress amid circumstances in which you felt helpless?
2. What were your prayers like?
3. What should our prayers be like when we face seemingly hopeless circumstances?
4. What challenge are you facing now in which you need to call to the Lord—with hope?

Take turns doing that, and then lift each other up in prayer.