Jonah Goes In

Last week, we looked at what some people call “unbelievable.” We read about Jonah’s time in the belly of the great fish. There is no doubt that Chapter 2 describes a miracle, but what we see in Chapter 3 may be an even greater miracle.

Today, we will see God’s Word turning a group of people from their wicked ways. Today, we will see Jonah as he Goes Into Nineveh and preaches a five-word sermon that will radically change the Ninevites.

I call Jonah 3 his “Meltdown Experience.” No, not that kind of meltdown. Meltdown was a Student Conference that we used to attend. When we go to student conferences, retreats, and mission trips, we often get ripped from our comfort zones. By design, these events have us focus on time alone with God, and most of the time, each of us returns on fire for God. We do things that before the trip, we would never do.

Jonah was removed from his comfort zone, and he had uninterrupted time with God. This led to obedience by Jonah and repentance by the Ninevites!

The title of our message today is Jonah Goes In. Our message points will be:

1. Jonah Seizes the Second Chance
2. Jonah Preaches a Five-Word Sermon
3. God’s Word Moves a People to Repentance
4. God has Compassion on Nineveh

Main Scripture - Jonah 3:1-10

Supporting Texts - Matthew 12:40-41, Genesis 10:11-12, Deuteronomy 31:8, Romans 10:17, Judges 2:7 & 10-11, Colossians 1:16, Jeremiah 18:7-8, Luke 1:78-79

Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions:

• Why are Second Chances important?
• Do you judge sermons on their length? Explain.
• Can a sermon be too short or too long? Explain.
• How often do you use Scripture when you talk to people?
• Why is it important to share God’s Word?
• List some ways that God has compassion for you.