Week of September 8
Jonah 1
Opener
- What was your favorite children’s story growing up?
- Why does the story of Jonah feel like a children’s story?
Discussion
Jonah isn’t the story of a great fish. It’s the story of a great God, It’s about the big, powerful, miracle-working God who controls the fish, the sea, the storm, and the world. It’s about the God who’s always on the move — in the world and in our lives.
- Read Jonah 1:1-3. Why did Jonah run away from God? What are some reasons we’re tempted to run away from God?
- Read 1:4-5. What do the details of the storm tell us about God’s power and control? How have you seen his power and control in your own life?
- Read 1:6-9. It’s very significant that the first thing Jonah lists to define his identity is his race, not his relationship with God. What are some things that compete with God when you define your own identity?
- Read 1:10-16. How can you tell God is moving in the lives of the sailors? How have you seen him move in similar ways in the lives of people around you?
- Read 1:17. What parallels do you see between Jonah and Jesus? How is Jesus the better and greater Jonah?
Action Step
- Take the challenge to memorize this verse as a group: “But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13)