We Need A Fish
The massive fish that swallowed Jonah is a picture of God’s abounding grace.
KEY VERSES
Jonah 1:1-17-2:10 (NASB)
17 And the Lord designated a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish for three days and three nights. Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the stomach of the fish, 2 and he said, “I called out of my distress to the Lord, And He answered me. I called for help from the depth of Sheol; You heard my voice. 3 For You threw me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the current flowed around me. All Your breakers and waves passed over me. 4 So I said, ‘I have been cast out of Your sight. Nevertheless I will look again toward Your holy temple.’ 5 Water encompassed me to the point of death. The deep flowed around me, seaweed was wrapped around my head. 6 I descended to the base of the mountains. The earth with its bars was around me forever, but You have brought up my life from the pit, Lord my God. 7 While I was fainting away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to You, into Your holy temple. 8 Those who are followers of worthless idols abandon their faithfulness, 9 but I will sacrifice to You with a voice of thanksgiving. That which I have vowed I will pay. Salvation is from the Lord.” 10 Then the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah up onto the dry land.
UNDERSTANDING
Why do so many people get hung up on Jonah being in the belly of a fish? Are these concerns valid? How would you respond to them?
If we focus on the scientific facts of what occurred in the belly of the fish, what do we miss about the book of Jonah?
Which do you think is the greatest miracle—God made a fish big enough to swallow Jonah, God loved the pagan Ninevites, or God put up with Jonah?
How have you seen God’s power or patience in your life recently?
How does Jonah respond to his situation? Does his response surprise you?
What do these verses illustrate about Jonah’s faith? Have you ever prayed a similar prayer?
In his prayer, Jonah makes reference to Sheol. What is Sheol and what significance would it have held for Jonah?
What experiences today would you compare to being in the “belly of Sheol”? When have you experienced this in your life?
According to 2:3, who threw Jonah into the sea? According to Jonah 1:15, who threw Jonah into the sea? How do you explain the apparent discrepancy?
What do you learn about God from Jonah’s prayer? What do you learn about Jonah?
In verse 6, we read the words, “But you” or “But God.” This is one of many “but God” verses in the Bible. Read some of the following verses, and discuss the grace displayed in the two words, “but God ...”: Genesis 50:20; 1 Corinthians 1:27; Psalm 73:26; Acts 10:28; Ephesians 2:4; Romans 5:8; Philippians 2:27.
Jonah was in a seemingly hopeless situation, “but God” delivered him. Have you had a “but God” experience in your life?
How has God’s past faithfulness (v. 7) impacted your life today?
Verse 8 refers to the folly of trusting in idols instead of trusting God. Name idols that people turn to today. What is the ultimate problem with idols?
What two things did Jonah make a commitment to do in verse 9?
Read verse 9 again. How did Jonah end his prayer?
How have you seen God’s salvation so far in the Book of Jonah? In your own life?
APPLICATION
In this week’s message, we learned that God’s grace puts a comma where there may have been a period, can look like discipline, and deserves a response. How have you seen the truth of these three points in your own life?
When you are in a difficult season of life, do your prayers center on your requests or on God’s character? What would change if you prayers became more centered on God?
What in your life most often causes you to run: guilt, grief, or grace? How can you seek the Lord in each of these?
WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?
Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you.
GIVING
Everything that happens at LCC is because of your generous gifts. When you give to God through LCC, you're helping reach thousands with the Gospel each week and are making a difference for the Lowcountry and around the world.