May 21: Forgiving Love (Jonah 3)

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

Have your group read Jonah 3:1-4 and discuss the following questions.

1. How long do you think it took Jonah to decide to obey the word of the Lord?
2. How do you think Jonah felt as he traveled to Nineveh?
3. How would you describe Jonah’s message? Does it include any hope?

Have your group read Jonah 3:5-10 and discuss the following questions.

4. How would you describe the response of the king of Nineveh (who was almost surely the powerful king of the entire nation of Assyria) to Jonah’s message?
5. How would you describe the king’s proclamation to the people?
6. How do you think Jonah felt about the Ninevites’ response to his message?
7. What would account for their response?
8. What would account for God’s response in return?
9. What lessons does this story teach us about God’s character and will—and about our participation in his plans?

To encourage personal application:

Consider dividing into groups of three or four people for the following time of sharing and prayer.

1. How can you relate to Jonah—being given a second chance by God? How did you respond to that second chance?
2. How can you relate to the Ninevites—sincerely responding to God’s warning?
3. Where or what is your “Nineveh” right now—a calling from God that requires your response?

Close with a time of prayer. Thank God for giving us second (and third) chances. Commit yourself to responding to his warnings and saying yes to his callings.