JO T B y R e NAH he Sign Of e d l e S S i N g A B i B l e S t u d y i N S i x S e S S i O N S 1

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1 E ON IV I T T A A S E IC E L R C UN P M M M SA O C The Sign Of JONAH B y R e e d l e S S i N g S A B i B l e i N S i x S t u d y S e S S i O N S 1

2 The Sign Of JONAH B y R e e d l e S S i N g A B i B l e S t u d y O i N S i x S e S S i O N S C CREAT ATIVE COMMUNICATIONS MUN CA SAMPLES S g table of Contents Session 1: ICgod g is Calling Page 6 Session 2: Saved in the Storm Page 10 Session 3: Our ESProviding god Page 16 Session 4: Praying in the Belly of the great Big Fish Page 20 Session 5: the god of the Second Chance Page 26 Session 6: About Face Page 30 3

3 introduction E COMMUNICATI MU CAT TIONS SAMPLE LES these Bible studies for lent, written by seminary professor dr. Reed lessing, are based on the Book of Jonah and explore the striking connections we encounter in the disciplines of lent. these Bible studies correspond to the worship series of the same name. lessing s academic Cexpertise and his advanced knowledge Mof the background and language of the text of Jonah provide provocative insights into the character of Jonah and what our character will be as we follow REist. Christ. SABook each session highlights a certain section of the of Jonah and concentrates on a prevalent theme in these particular verses, s, applying the theme to the story of Jonah and the story of our own lives this lent. After reading a passage of Jonah at the start of each session, we as participants in this Bible study will dive into the historical background of the text. then we will evaluate the motivations of the characters. Next, we will consult other parts of Scripture to gain a better understanding of the theme for the session. Finally, discussion Sussion questions are given to enhance our application of the session s theme to the modern-day world. 4

4 tips For using this Study guide 1. Always begin each session with a prayer. One is included for each session. you are encouraged to expand each of them with prayer concerns from the group. CREATIV IVE COMMUNICA MUN nic CAT TIONS SAMP MPLE LES 2. Feel free to follow the format of each session as presented here or rearrange and adapt the material to meet the needs of your group. 3. Have your Bible handy for referencing verses in this study guide. it COmay may also be interesting ting to have a different translation of Scripture than you are used Cd to using to get a fresh perspective and perhaps broaden your understanding. 4. As MMork you work through the material in this study guide, be sure to write down in the margins any questions that come to mind or any thoughts that arise in the course of the discussion and your contemplation on each session s Scripture verses. 5. throughout each session, think about ways in which you personally would react to the situations ions Jonah, the sailors or the Ninevites find themselves AMin. AMthe AMhe ATIO the section entitled discussion/application will help you focus reflections CAif CAf your on this. there is not time to get to that section, it would be ideal for use in your personal devotional time during the week. Pk. 6. if you are using this guide in a group setting, consider assigning Bible verses to various people in the class to look up and read aloud at the appropriate time, rather than ESing having Se everyone look up every verse. this will move the session along more efficiently. Note that some of the questions ask for facts. typically, the answers to these questions will come from the Scripture verses just read. Other questions are more subjective, asking for your opinion or an example from your own experience. Since your life experiences are different from anyone else s, answers to these questions are neither right nor wrong. A leader s guide that accompanies this material is available from Creative Communications for the Parish (Code JB-l). 5

5 Session 4 Praying in the Belly of the great Big Fish (Jonah 2:1-10) COMMUNICA CAT ATIONS SAMP MPL PLES An Opening Prayer Gracious Father, we come before you as sinful people in a fallen world. Despite our rebellion, you continue to bind yourself to us and deal with us not according to strict justice, but rather in ways that are Se consistently full of grace. Work in our hearts that, despite our efforts to evade your presence, we would be turned toward you and be saved from our sinful inclinations. Then we will all the more call upon you in the day of trouble for you will deliver us so that our lives honor you. In Jesus name. Amen. 20

6 Synopsis of Theme While Jonah in his psalm expresses the truth about Yahweh, his hypocritical, self-righteous behavior throughout the book forms a strong contrast with his prayer. Despite this, Yahweh continues to deal with Jonah graciously, by hearing his prayer, saving him from drowning and permanent residence in Sheol, and by being present with him in the belly of the great big fish. COMMUNICATIONS MU CAT SAMPLES Topic for Sharing/Ice Breaker MU? What was your favorite small hiding place as a child? How long could you stay there before you started feeling claustrophobic? Part 1: Prayer Motivators Read Jonah 2:1-10. (Printed below.) 2:1 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, 2 saying, I called to the Lord out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice. 3 You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me; all your waves and your billows passed over me. 4 Then I said, I am driven away from your sight; 21

7 how shall I look again upon your holy temple? 5 The waters closed in over me; the deep surrounded me; weeds were wrapped around my head 6 at the roots of the mountains. I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever; yet you brought up my life from the Pit, O Lord my God. 7 As my life was ebbing away, I remembered the Lord; and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple. 8 Those who worship vain idols forsake their true loyalty. 9 But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Deliverance belongs to the Lord! E COMMUNICATIO MUN TIONS SAMPLE LES 10 Then the Lord spoke to the fish, and it spewed ed Jonah out upon the dry land. LESpray? 1. What motivated Jonah ESpray? to NS 2. What is significant about the references to Yahweh s holy temple (2:4, 7)? 3. What features of Jonah s prayer are significant by their absence? 4. What does the fact that the fish vomits Jonah out (2:10) suggest? 22

8 Part 2: Other References To Prayer 1. In the four chapters of Jonah there are seven references to prayer. Read the following passages and describe the circumstances and content of the prayers: 1:5: 1:6; 1:14; 2:2 9; 3:8; 4:2 3 COMMUNICATIONS CA SAMPLES C2 2. The language of Jonah s prayer in 2:2-9 is not original or spontaneous, but is drawn from the Book of Psalms. Read the following passages and compare Jonah s language to that of the psalms. Jonah 2:2; Psalms 18:6; 66:14; 81:7; 120:1 Jonah 2:3; Psalm 42:7 Jonah 2:4; Psalms 31:22; 139:7 ES Jonah 2:7; Psalms 107:5; 142:4 Jonah 2:9; Psalms 3:8; 68:19; 98:2 3; 118:14 3. What do these similarities indicate and how does Jonah s use of the psalms demonstrate the usefulness of repetition in our own worship? 23

9 Part 3: Discussion/Application 1. When have you felt like Jonah far from God and enmeshed in a situation beyond your control? How then was your life brought up from the pit? CREATIV IVE COMMUNIC MUN ICAT ATI TIONS SAM AMPLE LES 2. When you are in a desperate situation, do you have a tendency to pray with hope or is prayer a pessimistic last resort? 3. What Bible texts, liturgy, hymns, or songs have you memorized? Have you ever been in a distressing situation where these words and promises of God brought you comfort? ort? A Closing Prayer Loving Father, let our actions serve to praise you in every circumstance ce of our lives. Make our hearts quiet chambers where your Word turns adversity into praise. Tune our voices to clearly proclaim your amazing grace. As we turn away from worthless idols to your matchless mercy, lift us from death to life, that we may joyfully serve you and glorify your holy name. We pray through h Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 24

10 Assignment for Next Week Read Jonah 3:1 4. (Printed on p. 27.) C COMMUNICATIONS Ask yourself: 1) What does it mean for my life that the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time? 2) Do you think Jonah willingly went to Nineveh? 3) What do you think of his sermon? Where is the Law? Where is the Gospel? SAMPLES 25

11 The Sign Of JONAH E COM OMMUNICATION MUN ONS SAMPLES Jonah for Lent? Seems fishy until we remem- ber that Jesus said, This generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah (Luke 11:29). These Bible studies for Lent, written by seminary professor Dr. Reed Lessing, follow the prophet Jonah on his journey of faith and reveal at same time some very Lenten concepts that guide us on our journey with Jesus on the way to the cross. SAthe In this six-session Bible study each session ssion looks at a particular section of the Book ok of Jonah and plunges into that Scripture s meaning with prayers, ice breakers, ers, biblical background questions, and topics for discussion and application. EShe The session themes are: God Is Calling Saved in the Storm Our Providing God Praying in the Belly of the Great Fish The God of the Second Chance About Face By Dr. Reed Lessing. Art by Sally Beck by Creative Communications for the Parish, 1564 Fencorp Dr., Fenton, MO All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. (Leader s Guide order code: JB-L.) JB-S