City Life Starter

Written by Megan Meier

The Word

“29 When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, ‘This generation is an evil generation. It seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.31 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.’”

-Luke 11:29-32 ESV

Reflection

Why does Jesus call the crowds evil? Because they, namely the Pharisees and teachers of the law (Matthew 12:38), keep demanding more signs from Jesus, more “miracles” as proof of His deity (Luke 11:16). What is the sign of Jonah that Jesus will give? Why does Jesus compare Himself to Jonah, who was so hateful to those who were not Jews, but also had no issue to proclaim positive prophecies to Israel whose king continued to allow the Israelites to worship false idols (In 2 Kings 14:23-25)?

Here’s a table to give a better idea of why:

Jonah	Jesus
Ran from God’s calling (Jonah 1:1-3)	Ran to God’s calling (Mark 14:35-36)
Woken up to be alerted of a life-threatening storm (Jonah 1:5-6)	Woken up to be alerted of a life-threatening storm (Luke 8:23-24)
Allowed himself to be thrown into the sea to still the storm (Jonah 1:11-15)	Allowed Himself to be thrown into the sea of God’s wrath to still the storm of sin (Matthew 27:45-46, 50-53)
The storm calmed and the pagan sailors believed (Jonah 1:15-16)	The storm of sin calmed and the pagan soldiers believed (Matthew 27:54)
Spent three days and nights in the belly of a big fish (Jonah 1:17)	Spent three days and nights in a tomb (Matthew 12:40)
Warned the Ninevites God would destroy the city in 40 days (Jonah 3:4)	After resurrection, preached for 40 days and rose into Heaven (Acts 1:3, Luke 24:51)
Wanted the Ninevites to suffer for their sins (Jonah 3:10-4:3)	Suffered for others’ sins (1 Peter 3:18)
Was ready to die because the Ninevites weren’t punished (Jonah 4:1-3)	Was ready to die to prevent us from being punished (Matthew 26:39-42)
Hated his enemies (Jonah 4:1-3, 5)	Loved His enemies (Matthew 5:44-48, Luke 23:34)
Through Jonah’s ministry, God shows great mercy to the undeserving (Jonah 4:10-11)	Through Jesus’ ministry and sacrifice, God shows great mercy to the undeserving (Romans 5:8)

The book of Jonah is about God’s infinite mercy and grace, especially to those whom we feel don’t deserve it. We don’t know Jonah’s response to God’s rebuke. According to the Bible Project, the reason is because the Book of Jonah is intended to be a mirror to ask us two very hard questions: “Are you okay with the fact God loves your enemies?” and “Aren’t you glad God loves His enemies?”

The Pharisees and teachers of the law had completely missed the point of the Book of Jonah, that God loves all of His children, even the Gentiles and the pagans, and wants them to repent and turn to Him. They thought the Messiah was exclusively for the Jews, but He came to save both Jew and Gentile(non-Jews), which included the Romans.

Application

Are you okay with the fact God loves your enemies? Aren’t you glad God loves His enemies? It’s okay, just be honest with yourself and God. Take a break and ponder those two questions if you need to. It’s hard to think about, and even more so to digest.

Are you back? Ok, great. Consider you were once His enemy but He has adopted you into His family, and wants to do the same for your enemies.  

“44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.” -Matthew 5:44-45a NLT

Prayer

            Lord, it is so difficult to love my friends and family, so much more my enemy! Teach me to love others as You love me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Reference

Book of Jonah: Guide with key information and resources. BibleProject. (n.d.).