1. The Book of Jonah is Unique! Jonah, the only minor prophet, whom Jesus likened to Himself. Jonah, the only minor prophet whom Jesus mentioned by name. The only minor prophet whose major activities were on foreign soil. The book of Jonah is more historical than prophetical.

2. Brief Outline of the Book Jonah’s call, and the flight toward Tarshish, chapter one. Jonah’s prayer to God, and his deliverance from the belly of the great fish, chapter two. God’s second call to Jonah; his response and great success, chapter three. Jonah’s reaction to the sparing of Nineveh, chapter four.

3. Outline of Chapter One: Jonah’s commission and flight, vs. 1-3. The Endangered Sailors cry to the gods for deliverance, Jonah 1:4-6. The Disobedience of Jonah Exposed, Jonah 1:7-10. Jonah’s Punishment, Jonah 1:11-17.

4. Jonah, the Man The Son of Amittai, Jonah 1:1. He was from Gath-hepher, 2 Kings 14:25. –In the area occupied by Zebulun, Joshua 19:11, between Mt. Carmel & the Sea of Galilee, 4 miles North of Nazareth. He served as a prophet during the 41- year reign of Jeroboam II, 2 Kings 14:23-25.

5. The Place of Jonah’s Labors Nineveh, Jonah 1:2. Called a “great city,” 1:2; 3:2; 4:11. For many years the capita of Assyria, which had long been a menace to Israel. An old city, built by Nimrod, Genesis 10:8-12, about 500 miles northeast of Gath-hepher

6. Jonah’s Commission and Flight, Jonah 1:1-3. “The Word of the Lord came unto Jonah,” 1:1; 3:1. A common phrase indicating the Source of the Message. “Arise, go to Nineveh that great city, and cry against it,” 1:2; 3:2; 4:11. “But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord,” Jonah 1:3

7. The Sailors Cry to their gods for Deliverance, Jonah 1:4-6. “But the Lord sent out a great wind into the sea,” 1:4. cf. 1:2; 1:4; 1:17. “The mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god,” Jonah 1:5. –But Jonah was fast asleep! The Shipmaster said to Jonah, “arise, call unto thy God..,” Jonah 1:6. –Irony: heathen sailors asking a prophet of God to pray!

8. Jonah’s Disobedience Exposed, Jonah 1:7-10. They cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah, Jonah 1:7! The sailors interrogated Jonah, 1:8. Jonah’s honest answer, 1:9. The men were “exceedingly afraid;” they asked “why hast thou done this,” and “what shall we do unto thee,” Jonah 1:10-11.

9. Jonah’s Punishment, Jonah 1:11-17. He said, “cast me forth into the sea,” Jonah 1:12. They vainly tried to bring the ship to land, Jonah 1:13. They petitioned God, and threw Jonah overboard; the sea ceased raging, 15. The men “feared the Lord exceedingly, offered a sacrifice, made vows, 1:16. Jonah was swallowed by a great fish, 1:17!

10. Some Lessons to be Gleaned from Jonah, Chapter One: In Old Testament times, God was concerned about people other than just the Jews. Jonah reflects the folly of misplaced Patriotism! –He ran from the post of duty because he feared he might be successful! Jonah 4:2. –Willing to sacrifice his life for the sailors, but wanted people of Nineveh destroyed!

11. Lessons to be Learned (con’t) God is a merciful God, even though some of his followers are narrow- minded and vengeful. Man can evade his duties, but he cannot hide from God! When God enjoins a difficult duty, it is much better to do it than to run from it!

12. Conclusion: When chapter one ended Jonah was in “the belly of the fish,” and out of favor with God! Are you in sin” It was necessary for the people of Nineveh to obey the preaching of Jonah if they wanted to be spared! “A greater than Jonah is here,” Matt. 12:41. Obey Jesus! Hebrews 5:8,9.