Big Fish, part 3 — Unexpected Salvation
Welcome to part 3 of our series Big Fish, where we will unpack the book of Jonah, experiencing this familiar Sunday school story in a fresh, new way. This week, we explore Jonah 2.
1. What has been your understanding of the timeline of the events in Jonah, particularly around when Jonah was swallowed by the fish? What has influenced your understanding?
Read Jonah 1:17-2:6.
2. How does Jonah’s prayer (and the discussion in our Primer Podcast and in the sermon) shed new light on what happens to him before he is swallowed? Why is this significant?
3. Discuss how the fish was an instrument of God’s mercy for Jonah. What does this tell you about God’s character, and what does it say about God’s methods of mercy?
Read the rest of chapter 2: verses 6-10.
4. Jonah is forced to surrender control over his life in dramatic fashion. Though our lives aren’t likely to be so extreme, surrendering our will to God is just as important. Discuss what surrender looks like in your life.
5. Have you ever let go of something and later regretted it? Talk about the role of the Holy Spirit in showing us what to release.
Read Luke 15:11-20.
6. Talk about the connections you see between the parable of the Prodigal Son and the story of Jonah. You may want to return to Jonah 2:7: “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord” in your discussion.
7. In both stories, what happens when people seize control and try to escape God’s will for their lives? Compare the results of their way versus God’s way.
8. How does God balance the gift of our free will with His will? How do both of these happen to be examples of God’s mercy?
9. In his sermon, Pete made three points about Jonah being “swallowed by God’s salvation”:
• Remember His Grace and Mercy
• Surrender to His Salvation
• Participate in His Redemption
You’ve already discussed the first two tonight. Conclude your time by talking about the joy and freedom you may have experienced when you have “enjoyed the ride” and participated in God’s redemption.
(*Video available after Sunday services)
