OVERVIEW
The scribes and Pharisees wanted a sign from Jesus. True, they
had seen his miracles; yet they asked for a definite sign, beyond any doubt,
that he was the Messiah. But Jesus answered: "A wicked and adulterous generation
asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the
prophet Jonah" (Mat 12:39, NIV).
The events recorded in the book probably covered only a few
months or years at the most. Jonah lived during Jeroboam II's reign (793-753
BC).
Jesus Christ referred to Jonah as a historical person and to
his experience as real (Mat 12:38-42; 16:4; Luke 11:29-32)
Jonah, outline:
1. Jonah flees his mission: Jon 1:1-17
a) Jonah's commission and flight: Jon 1:1-3
b) A storm at sea: Jon 1:4-14
c) Cast overboard: Jon 1:15 - 2:1
d) Jonah's prayer of thanksgiving: Jon 2:2-10
2. Jonah reluctantly fulfills his mission: Jon 3:1- 4:11
a) Jonah's renewed commission and obedience: Jon
3:1-4
b) The Ninevites' repentant appeal to the Lord: Jon
3:5-9
c) The Ninevites repentance acknowledged: Jon 3:10 -
4:4
d) Jonah's complaint and rebuke: Jon 4:5-11
See Lesson, Jonah, sign of
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