Episode Surprise! | Week 2
Daniel Ryan Day leads the conversations with Mart and Elisa and Bill about the surprising story of the Old Testament prophet Jonah. Jonah’s primary fear was that a loving God would be gracious to the Ninevites and show them mercy. He did everything he could—including offering to die a few times—to keep from preaching to them. In the middle of 39 Old Testament books that seem almost solely focused on one people group, God worked through Jonah’s obstinance to show mercy, compassion, and love to one of Israel’s enemies. Discover some of the significant surprises in the story of Jonah that inform us about God’s love for all nations and that foreshadow the gospel of Jesus.
Chapter 6
Life never seems to run out of difficulties and trials. But drawing from the story of Jonah, we can take comfort in knowing that God is with us through it all. In this chapter, you’ll continue exploring the book of Jonah and discover its relevance for your life today.
Chapter 7
There’s no such thing as a do-over button in life. But God often gives us second chances to make things right! In this chapter, you’ll look at how God gave Jonah a second chance at obedience—and how God might be offering that same opportunity to you today.
Chapter 8
Some people fear that it’s too late to turn their lives over to God—that they’ve done too many terrible things. But in this chapter, you’ll look at a time when God extended love and mercy to an entire city. Is it ever too late to turn to the Lord?
Chapter 9
God offers His grace freely to all people, regardless of their past. But sometimes, we feel like certain people shouldn’t be forgiven because they don’t deserve it. In this chapter, you’ll see Jonah’s shocking reaction when God chose to spare the Ninevites.
Chapter 10
Jesus might not appear until the New Testament. But if you read carefully, you can find Him on every page of Scripture. Every story whispers His name! In this chapter, you’ll see how the story of Jonah points us to Jesus, revealing whom God loves and to whom He wants to show mercy.