Foreshadowing Redemption: Jonah, Jesus, and Our Faith

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound connections between the Old Testament and the New Testament, focusing on how the gospel is foreshadowed in the Old Testament. We began by acknowledging the challenges of reading the Old Testament and the importance of understanding it in light of Christ's fulfillment. The Bible, though a collection of 66 books written over 1,500 years, tells a unified story of God's plan for redemption. This narrative unfolds in four acts: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. We are currently living in the redemption phase, where God is actively working to redeem His people.

We delved into the story of Jonah, a prophet sent to the brutal Assyrians in Nineveh. Jonah's initial disobedience and subsequent journey in the belly of a great fish for three days and nights serve as a foreshadowing of Christ's death and resurrection. Despite Jonah's reluctance, the people of Nineveh repented, highlighting the theme of God's compassion and mercy extending beyond Israel to the Gentiles.

We also examined Jesus' reference to Jonah in Matthew 12, where He speaks of the "sign of Jonah" as a precursor to His own death and resurrection. This comparison underscores the greater work of redemption accomplished through Jesus, who, unlike Jonah, was obedient to the point of death on the cross. Jesus' calming of the storm in Mark 4 further illustrates His divine authority and power over creation, contrasting Jonah's inability to control the storm.

In our personal lives, we face many storms, but Jesus has already endured the ultimate storm of sin and death on our behalf. We are reminded that Jesus is the only way to salvation, and there is no alternative plan. As we navigate the uncertainties of life, including political and global challenges, we are called to trust in God's sovereignty and continue to be His hands and feet in the world. Our faith, rooted in the resurrection of Christ, empowers us to promote good, contribute to what is missing, stop evil, and restore what is broken.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding the Old Testament in Light of Christ: The Old Testament is a rich tapestry of prophecies, narratives, and promises that point to Jesus. By reading it with Christ as the focal point, we gain a deeper understanding of God's redemptive plan. This approach helps us see the Bible as a unified story rather than disjointed texts. [45:16]

2. The Grand Narrative of Redemption: The Bible's overarching narrative consists of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. We live in the redemption phase, where God is actively working to redeem His people. This perspective helps us see our place in God's story and encourages us to participate in His redemptive work. [46:26]

3. Jonah as a Foreshadowing of Christ: Jonah's story, particularly his three days in the belly of the fish, prefigures Christ's death and resurrection. Despite Jonah's initial disobedience, God's mercy extends to the Gentiles, illustrating His compassion and foreshadowing the inclusive nature of the gospel. [01:05:31]

4. Jesus' Authority Over Creation: Jesus' calming of the storm in Mark 4 demonstrates His divine authority and power. Unlike Jonah, who was powerless in the storm, Jesus commands the elements, revealing His identity as the Son of God. This authority assures us of His control over the storms in our lives. [01:07:41]

5. Living in the Redemption Phase: As believers, we are called to live out our faith in the redemption phase of God's narrative. This involves trusting in Jesus' completed work on the cross and actively participating in His mission to redeem and restore the world. Our faith empowers us to face life's challenges with hope and purpose. [01:12:07]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [41:22] - Introduction and Prayer
- [42:28] - God Speaks Through His Son
- [43:55] - Reading the Old Testament
- [45:16] - Christ-Centered Bible Reading
- [46:26] - The Grand Narrative
- [50:15] - Jesus and the Old Testament
- [51:24] - Jonah's Background
- [52:23] - Jonah's Mission to Nineveh
- [55:30] - Jonah's Disobedience
- [57:23] - The Storm and Jonah's Confession
- [58:50] - Jonah's Sacrifice
- [01:00:46] - Jonah's Prayer and Change of Heart
- [01:02:44] - Nineveh's Repentance
- [01:05:31] - Jesus' Reference to Jonah
- [01:07:41] - Jesus Calms the Storm
- [01:09:52] - Comparing Jonah and Jesus
- [01:12:07] - Facing Life's Storms with Jesus
- [01:14:07] - Trusting in God's Sovereignty
- [01:16:27] - Closing and Fellowship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Jonah 1:1-17
2. Matthew 12:38-41
3. Mark 4:35-41

---

Observation Questions:

1. What was Jonah's initial reaction to God's command to go to Nineveh, and what did he do instead? [53:35]

2. How did the sailors on the ship respond to the storm, and what was Jonah's role in calming it? [57:23]

3. In Matthew 12, what does Jesus refer to as the "sign of Jonah," and how does He relate it to His own mission? [01:05:31]

4. How does Jesus demonstrate His authority over creation in Mark 4, and how does this contrast with Jonah's experience? [01:07:41]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. What does Jonah's story reveal about God's compassion and mercy towards those outside of Israel, and how does this foreshadow the inclusive nature of the gospel? [01:02:44]

2. How does the "sign of Jonah" serve as a precursor to Jesus' death and resurrection, and why is this significant for understanding the gospel message? [01:05:31]

3. In what ways does Jesus' calming of the storm in Mark 4 illustrate His divine authority, and how does this assurance of His control over creation impact our faith? [01:07:41]

4. How does the narrative of Jonah and Jesus highlight the theme of obedience and disobedience, and what lessons can be drawn from their contrasting responses to God's call? [01:09:52]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you, like Jonah, tried to avoid a task or calling from God. What was the outcome, and how did it affect your faith journey? [53:35]

2. In the face of life's storms, how can you remind yourself of Jesus' authority and control, as demonstrated in Mark 4? What practical steps can you take to trust Him more fully? [01:07:41]

3. Consider the "sign of Jonah" and its significance in your understanding of Jesus' death and resurrection. How does this deepen your appreciation for the gospel? [01:05:31]

4. How can you actively participate in God's redemptive work in the world, as highlighted in the sermon? Identify one specific action you can take this week to be His hands and feet. [01:12:07]

5. When faced with political or global challenges, how can you maintain a perspective of trust in God's sovereignty? What practices can help you stay grounded in faith during uncertain times? [01:14:07]

6. Think of a person or group you may have been reluctant to show compassion towards, similar to Jonah's initial reluctance with Nineveh. How can you extend God's mercy to them this week? [01:02:44]

7. How can you cultivate a Christ-centered approach to reading the Old Testament, seeing it as a unified story that points to Jesus? What resources or practices might assist you in this endeavor? [45:16]

Devotional

Day 1: Christ as the Fulfillment of the Old Testament
The Old Testament is a rich tapestry of prophecies, narratives, and promises that point to Jesus. By reading it with Christ as the focal point, we gain a deeper understanding of God's redemptive plan. This approach helps us see the Bible as a unified story rather than disjointed texts. The Old Testament, though challenging to read, becomes more meaningful when viewed through the lens of Christ's fulfillment. It is not merely a collection of ancient texts but a profound narrative that foreshadows the coming of Jesus and His work of salvation. Understanding this connection allows believers to appreciate the continuity of God's plan and the depth of His love for humanity. [45:16]

"For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?" (John 5:46-47, ESV)

Reflection: How can you begin to read the Old Testament with a focus on seeing Christ in its narratives and prophecies? What specific steps will you take this week to deepen your understanding of this connection?

Day 2: Living in the Grand Narrative of Redemption
The Bible's overarching narrative consists of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. We live in the redemption phase, where God is actively working to redeem His people. This perspective helps us see our place in God's story and encourages us to participate in His redemptive work. Understanding this grand narrative provides a framework for interpreting the events of our lives and the world around us. It reminds us that we are part of a larger story, one that is moving towards the ultimate restoration of all things. As believers, we are called to actively engage in this redemptive work, trusting in God's sovereignty and His plan for the world. [46:26]

"And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.' Also he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'" (Revelation 21:5, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in God's redemptive work in your community this week? How does understanding your place in God's grand narrative change your perspective on daily challenges?

Day 3: Jonah as a Foreshadowing of Christ
Jonah's story, particularly his three days in the belly of the fish, prefigures Christ's death and resurrection. Despite Jonah's initial disobedience, God's mercy extends to the Gentiles, illustrating His compassion and foreshadowing the inclusive nature of the gospel. Jonah's journey highlights the theme of God's relentless pursuit of humanity and His desire for all people to come to repentance. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of God's grace and the lengths He will go to bring salvation to the world. It also challenges believers to reflect on their own willingness to share the gospel with those who may seem undeserving or outside their comfort zone. [01:05:31]

"For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation." (Luke 11:30, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life might God be calling you to reach out to with His message of love and redemption? How can you overcome any reluctance or fear to share the gospel with them?

Day 4: Jesus' Authority Over Creation
Jesus' calming of the storm in Mark 4 demonstrates His divine authority and power. Unlike Jonah, who was powerless in the storm, Jesus commands the elements, revealing His identity as the Son of God. This authority assures us of His control over the storms in our lives. The contrast between Jonah's inability to control the storm and Jesus' command over it underscores the divine nature of Christ and His sovereignty over all creation. This truth provides comfort and assurance to believers, reminding them that no matter the challenges they face, Jesus is in control and has the power to bring peace and calm to any situation. [01:07:41]

"And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." (Mark 4:39, ESV)

Reflection: What storm are you currently facing in your life? How can you invite Jesus to bring His peace and authority into this situation today?

Day 5: Living in the Redemption Phase
As believers, we are called to live out our faith in the redemption phase of God's narrative. This involves trusting in Jesus' completed work on the cross and actively participating in His mission to redeem and restore the world. Our faith empowers us to face life's challenges with hope and purpose. Living in this phase means recognizing that while the world is not yet fully restored, we have a role to play in bringing about God's kingdom on earth. It calls for a commitment to justice, mercy, and love, as we seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a broken world. [01:12:07]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to live out your faith in the redemption phase? How can you contribute to God's mission of restoration in your daily life?

Quotes

"God has appointed him heir of all things and made the universe through him. The son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact expression of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After making purifications for sin, he sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high." [00:42:32] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"And really, the plan for redemption is woven into the whole thing. So if we can learn what we're reading to fit it in light of that narrative, that can be very helpful for us. So what is the narrative that's in the Bible? Well, you'll hear people speak about it like in four acts or four stages. The first one is creation, right? In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, and He created man, male, and female, placed them in the garden, gave them food to eat, told them, you know, you can have all this, but there's one thing you can't eat from this one tree, and they disobey God." [00:46:53] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"And we see redemption woven into everything. There'll be a final act that will come at one day, but in the meantime, we see that God is in the business of redeeming His people. He calls a family to Himself. He makes a covenant relationship with them, and they are not an exclusive group, but they were to be a light to the Gentiles and point them towards God. And ultimately, at the proper time, Jesus comes to redeem mankind." [00:48:05] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"So Jonah says, okay, yeah, I'll go do that. So we pick that back up in chapter 3, verse 1. The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time. Get up, go to the great city of Nineveh, and preach the message that I tell you. Jonah got up and went to Nineveh according to the Lord's command. Now Nineveh was an extremely great city, a three-day walk. Jonah set out on the first day of his walk to the city and proclaimed, in 40 days, Nineveh will be demolished. Then the people of Nineveh believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth from the greatest of them to the least." [01:02:44] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Now, Jesus, as we know, he went about preaching, and he went about doing miracles, and lots of people witnessed that. Some people responded well to it, but kind of the religious rulers, the Pharisees, they did not. They were skeptical all the way. So, we pick it up in verse 38. Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, Teacher, Teacher, we want to see a sign from you. Now, chances are they've already seen Jesus do something miraculous. He answered them, An evil and adulterous generation demands a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." [01:05:50] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"So in Mark 4, starting in verse 35, on that day, when evening had come, he told them, let's cross over to the other side of the sea. So they left the crowd and took him along since he was in the boat, and other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. He was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke him up and said to him, teacher, don't you care that we're going to die? He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, silence, be still. The wind ceased, and there was no more wind. There was a great calm." [01:07:41] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Jonah did not do what he was supposed to do. He was disobedient, but Jesus was obedient, and he was obedient even to the point of death on the cross. And Jonah was angry when God forgave, had compassion on the Ninevites and forgave them. In contrast, when Jesus is on the cross, he prays that God would forgive those who are taking his life." [01:09:52] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"So if you're still arguing with God or putting off coming to him, there's really no time like the present. There is not a better way coming. He is the only way. So do not postpone coming to him." [01:13:11] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Because we can know that regardless of what happens to us personally, what happens to us politically, all the rest, that Christ is risen and that He is Lord, that He is making all things new." [01:15:38] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?