Focal Passages: Jonah 3:1-5, 10; 4:1-11
As we have already seen in the book of Jonah, the prophet’s rescue from death prefigures the resurrection of Christ (Matthew 12:39–40). In chapters 3 and 4, in the repentance of the Ninevites we are reminded of God’s grace toward us as we respond to the gospel.
In these passages we see the Ninevites repent in response to the preaching of Jonah, who had been raised from imminent “death” in the bowels of the fish.
When Christ was raised from actual death He called the whole world to repent and believe in Him (Matthew 28:18-20). In other words, Christ is the true and greater Jonah that came to our “Ninevite” world proclaiming the Good News of God’s grace.
We must constantly remind ourselves of God’s grace in our own lives. As we continue in the faith it becomes easy to grow in our own self righteousness.
We tend to look down on others with condemnation like Jonah did on the Ninevites. “They don’t deserve the mercy of God!”
Well, let us be reminded that God’s mercy is shown abundantly in the gospel and in the salvation of sinners who deserve nothing (Rom. 9:30–31; 11:30).
That is exactly who we are. We are sinners who deserve nothing, but God in His good providence has called us by His Spirit to Himself.
Therefore, let us go and proclaim the Good News of the gospel to our fellow Ninevites! We need to pursue those who need to hear.
Remember the words of Paul in Romans 10:13-15; “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed?
And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News!”