Episode 10: Jonah

Context

  • What is the first thing you think of when you hear the story of Jonah mentioned?
  • Does that thought highlight the main character or characters of Jonah?

Read Jonah 1:1-3

  • Who are the main characters?

Read Jonah 1:4-9

  • Did the casting of lots work? Why or why not?
  • Is the casting of lots an accurate way to discern God’s will now? How do we discern His will?
  • What is the purpose of the 4 questions asked by the sailors?
  • What questions do we often ask when meeting someone new? Are they relatable to the sailor’s questions?
  • What questions does Jonah answer? And how does he answer them?

Key Verse

Read Jonah 1:10-12

  • Who would normally be the top authority on this boat?
  • What reasons would he have this authority? (Experience, knowledge, ownership, etc.)
  • Why does the person of authority change in this passage? (Is it because of who Jonah is or who God is? Is it because what Jonah has done or what God has done?)
  • If the sailors follow Jonah’s instructions here would they be putting their faith in Jonah or God or both?

Read Jonah 1:13-16

  • Why do you think they tried to row back to shore first instead of following what Jonah said?
  • What do you think Jonah’s take away from this experience is?
  • What do the sailors get from this experience?
  • What does God get from this experience?

Key Truth

Read Mark 4:35-41

  • What are some of the parallels between this story and Jonah?
  • What are some of the differences between the authority of the captain, of Jonah, and of Jesus?
  • Are there areas of authority in your life that are similar to each of these? If so, how?
  • Can we help navigate or change our source of authority, and what does that look like?
  • How can we pray for you?

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