The Mercy We Don’t Want to Hear By Jeremy Anderson (Jonah 3:4-10)

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Word Confronts and Invites Repentance

God’s message to Nineveh was not elaborate or eloquent, but it was direct and effective: “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.” This warning, though severe, was an act of mercy, confronting the people with the reality of their sin and inviting them to turn from their evil ways. The effectiveness of God’s word does not depend on the skill of the messenger or the complexity of the message, but on God’s power and purpose. When God’s word goes out, it accomplishes what He intends, calling all who hear it to recognize their sin and respond in repentance. Will you see your own sin when God’s word confronts you, and will you respond to His invitation to turn and be changed? [17:21]

Jonah 3:4-10 (ESV)
4 Jonah began to go into the city, going a day's journey. And he called out, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” 5 And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. 6 The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7 And he issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh, “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water, 8 but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. 9 Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.” 10 When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.

Reflection: Where in your life is God confronting you with a warning or conviction, and how will you respond to His invitation to turn from your sin today?

Day 2: God’s Mercy Confronts Sin and Extends to All

God’s mercy is not passive or permissive; it necessarily confronts sin. The message to Nineveh was merciful precisely because it did not ignore their evil but called it out, offering a chance for repentance. God’s mercy is not limited to those who seem to “fit the mold” or who are already part of His people—it extends even to those who seem most unworthy, the outsiders and the rebellious. True mercy does not downplay justice or wrath; rather, it is magnified when we see the seriousness of sin and the depth of God’s grace in offering forgiveness. Will you allow God’s mercy to confront your own sin, and will you extend that same mercy to others, even those you find difficult to love? [14:17]

Jeremiah 18:7-8 (ESV)
7 If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, 8 and if that nation concerning which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it.

Reflection: Is there someone in your life you struggle to see as worthy of God’s mercy? How can you pray for and extend God’s compassion to them today?

Day 3: Repentance Means Turning and Being Changed

The people of Nineveh responded to God’s warning with humility and repentance, turning from their evil ways and abandoning their violence. True repentance is more than feeling bad about sin; it is a decisive turning away from evil and a surrender to God’s will. When we repent, God’s mercy does not leave us unchanged—He transforms us, making us new. The same word for “overthrown” used in Jonah’s message can mean destruction or transformation, and for Nineveh, it meant being changed by God’s grace. What area of your life is God calling you to turn from, and will you allow His mercy to truly change you? [25:48]

Acts 3:19 (ESV)
19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,

Reflection: What is one specific habit or pattern you need to turn from today, and what practical step can you take to leave it behind and walk in newness of life?

Day 4: Jesus Is the Greater Jonah—Mercy Fulfilled

Jesus pointed to Jonah’s story as a sign for His own ministry, declaring that He is the greater Jonah. Just as Jonah spent three days in the belly of the fish, Jesus spent three days in the grave, but Jesus’ mission was greater—He came not just for one city, but for the whole world. Where Jonah was reluctant and flawed, Jesus was perfectly obedient and full of compassion. The call to repentance and the offer of mercy are fulfilled in Christ, who died and rose again so that all who trust in Him might be saved and transformed. How much more should we respond to Jesus’ message, knowing the fullness of God’s mercy revealed in Him? [32:58]

Matthew 12:39-41 (ESV)
39 But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.

Reflection: In what ways does remembering Jesus’ death and resurrection deepen your gratitude for God’s mercy, and how can you respond to Him with renewed trust and obedience today?

Day 5: Marveling at God’s Mercy—Even for Our Enemies

It is easy to marvel at God’s mercy when it is shown to us, but the true test comes when God extends that same mercy to those we consider undeserving—even our enemies. The story of Jonah challenges us to examine our hearts: do we truly rejoice when God shows compassion to others, especially those we struggle to love or forgive? God’s mercy is wide and deep, reaching even the most unlikely people. As you reflect on your own experience of God’s grace, ask yourself if you are willing to celebrate His mercy wherever it is found, and to pray for revival and repentance in your community and beyond. [39:31]

Luke 6:35-36 (ESV)
35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

Reflection: Who is someone you find difficult to forgive or love—will you pray today that God would help you genuinely rejoice in His mercy for them, just as you rejoice in His mercy for you?

Sermon Summary

Warnings are a gift, even when they are uncomfortable. In the story of Jonah, God sends a severe warning to Nineveh: “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.” This message, though brief and blunt, is an act of mercy. It is not meant to simply announce doom, but to invite repentance and transformation. The people of Nineveh, from the greatest to the least, respond with humility, fasting, and a turning from their evil ways. Even the king leads the city in repentance, not with a sense of entitlement, but with a hope that perhaps God will relent. Their response is not a calculated attempt to manipulate God, but a genuine act of brokenness and submission.

God’s word is effective not because of the eloquence of the messenger, but because of the power and purpose of God Himself. Jonah’s message is simple, yet it brings about sweeping repentance. This reminds us that the fruitfulness of God’s word does not depend on our skill, but on His sovereign will. The warning to Nineveh is a confrontation of sin, but it is also an invitation to mercy. We cannot truly appreciate God’s grace unless we also recognize the seriousness of His justice. The more we understand the weight of God’s wrath against sin, the more we marvel at the depth of His mercy.

Repentance is more than feeling bad about our sins; it is a turning away, a leaving behind of evil, and a movement toward God. The Hebrew word for “overthrown” used in Jonah’s message can mean both destruction and transformation. Nineveh is indeed “overthrown”—not by fire and brimstone, but by the mercy and grace of God. This is the same mercy that is offered to us in Christ, the greater Jonah, who perfectly fulfills what Jonah only foreshadowed. Jesus endured the grave and rose again, offering salvation and new life to all who repent and believe.

The challenge for us is to examine our own hearts. Where is God calling us to course correct, to repent, and to be changed by His mercy? And do we truly marvel at God’s mercy—not just for ourselves, but even for those we might consider unworthy? God’s compassion is wide, and His grace is deeper than we can imagine. May we be a people who respond to His word with humility, repentance, and awe at His mercy.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Warnings Are Acts of Mercy God’s warnings, though severe, are invitations to repentance and transformation. They are not meant to simply announce judgment, but to offer a path to mercy. When we recognize the seriousness of God’s justice, we are better able to appreciate the depth of His grace. Ignoring or softening these warnings robs us of the opportunity to truly encounter God’s compassion. [14:17]
2. The Power of God’s Word, Not the Messenger The effectiveness of God’s word does not depend on the eloquence or skill of the messenger, but on God’s sovereign purpose. Even a simple, blunt message can bring about sweeping change when God is at work. This humbles us and reminds us to trust in God’s power rather than our own abilities or strategies. [10:13]
3. True Repentance Means Turning Away Repentance is not just sorrow over sin, but a decisive turning away from evil and a movement toward God. It is an act of humility and surrender, leaving behind what is destructive and embracing the new life God offers. Authentic repentance produces real change, not just remorse. [25:25]
4. God’s Mercy Transforms, Not Just Spares The same word that means “overthrown” can mean both destruction and transformation. When we receive God’s mercy, we are not merely spared from judgment—we are changed. God’s grace overthrows the old self and brings about newness of life, making us into people who reflect His character. [28:07]
5. Marvel at God’s Mercy—Even for Your Enemies It is easy to rejoice in God’s mercy for ourselves, but the true test is whether we can marvel at His grace when it is extended to those we consider unworthy. God’s compassion is not limited by our preferences or prejudices. We are called to celebrate His mercy wherever it is found, even when it challenges our assumptions. [39:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:16] - Jonah’s Warning and Hurricane Katrina
[02:59] - The Seriousness of Warnings
[03:26] - Jonah’s Rebellion and God’s Intervention
[04:19] - Jonah’s Message to Nineveh
[05:43] - Prayer and God’s Character
[07:20] - The Effectiveness of God’s Word
[11:37] - God’s Mercy Confronts Rebellion
[14:17] - Mercy Necessarily Confronts Sin
[16:39] - God’s Warning Invites a Response
[20:20] - Nineveh’s Remarkable Repentance
[24:59] - Repentance Means Turning Away
[26:42] - Overthrown: Destruction or Transformation
[29:20] - Jesus, the Greater Jonah
[32:58] - The Call to Repent and Be Changed
[36:51] - God’s Compassion for the Repentant
[38:49] - Marveling at God’s Mercy for All

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Jonah 3:1-10 (ESV) — Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, three days’ journey in breadth. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s journey. And he called out, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh, “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water, but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.” When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.

Observation Questions

What was the message that Jonah delivered to Nineveh, and how did the people respond to it? ([04:19])
How did the king of Nineveh demonstrate his response to Jonah’s warning? What actions did he call for? ([05:04])
According to the passage, what did God do when He saw how the people of Nineveh responded? ([05:43])
In the sermon, what is said about the effectiveness of Jonah’s message compared to the messenger himself? ([10:13])

Interpretation Questions

Why might God’s warning to Nineveh be considered an act of mercy rather than just a threat of judgment? ([14:17])
The king and people of Nineveh responded with fasting, sackcloth, and turning from evil. What does this show about the nature of true repentance? ([25:25])
The Hebrew word for “overthrown” can mean both destruction and transformation. What does this double meaning reveal about God’s intentions for Nineveh? ([28:07])
The sermon mentions that God’s word is effective not because of the messenger’s skill, but because of God’s power. How does this truth affect the way we think about sharing God’s message with others? ([10:13])

Application Questions

Think about a time when you received a warning—spiritual or otherwise—that was uncomfortable. Did you see it as an act of mercy or just as criticism? How might your perspective change after hearing this sermon? ([14:17])
The people of Nineveh responded to God’s warning with humility and action, not just words. Is there an area in your life where you have felt convicted but haven’t yet taken steps to “turn away” from something? What would it look like to take a first step this week? ([25:25])
The sermon says that true repentance is more than feeling bad—it’s a turning away from evil and a movement toward God. Is there a specific habit, relationship, or attitude that God might be calling you to leave behind? What’s holding you back? ([25:25])
Jonah’s message was simple, but God used it powerfully. Do you ever feel like you’re not “good enough” or “eloquent enough” to share your faith? How does this story encourage you to trust God’s power over your own abilities? ([10:13])
The people of Nineveh didn’t try to manipulate God; they simply hoped for mercy. When you repent or pray, do you sometimes expect God to respond a certain way? How can you practice humility and trust in God’s character, even when outcomes are uncertain? ([22:29])
The sermon challenges us to marvel at God’s mercy, not just for ourselves but for those we might consider unworthy. Is there someone in your life, or a group of people, that you struggle to believe God could show mercy to? How can you pray for a heart that truly celebrates God’s compassion for all? ([39:31])
God’s mercy “overthrows” us—not just sparing us from judgment, but transforming us. In what ways have you seen God’s mercy change you? Where do you still long for transformation? ([28:07])

Sermon Clips

The message is merciful even for them, even for those people that maybe Jonah doesn't really want to share it with, maybe even for those people that seem unworthy of God's mercy. The message is merciful for them. Why? Because God's message shows us that God's mercy necessarily confronts sin. God's mercy necessarily confronts sin or it's not mercy. [00:13:40] (36 seconds) #MercyConfrontsSin

All of God's messages of warning invite a response for us. So, here's the question for Nineveh, and here's the question for those who will read the story. If God's message confronts the rebellious, will you see your sin? Will you see your sin? That's what's uncomfortable. We don't want to offend, so we won't call something a sin. We don't want to ruin the opportunity to reach someone, so we don't want to talk about the sin issue. [00:17:13] (32 seconds) #SeeYourSin

Somewhere in there, I think is a helpful reminder to us that God doesn't owe us anything. Now, we know God has made promises. God is faithful to those promises. And we cling to those promises. But if we look at repentance as simply just a way of manipulating God. Say, God, you owe me something. If the attitude of our heart is not the depth of humility and submission before God, where is our heart? [00:22:44] (42 seconds) #HumilityBeforeGod

Here's the remarkable thing about God's message is the same word for overthrown is not just used in the sense of judgment and destruction. The same exact word is also used for change and transformation. Okay? Biblically speaking, that same exact word is used of the Nile River when it was changed into blood. That same exact word for overthrown is used of Saul in 1 Samuel where he is changed to a new man. [00:27:29] (29 seconds) #JesusGreaterThanJonah

If they reject God's mercy and ignore God's message, they will be overthrown in the sense of judgment and destruction that will come upon them. If they receive God's message, they will be changed and transformed. And by the end of this scene in the story, Nineveh has been overthrown, just not destroyed, but they've been changed. That's the beauty of this. [00:28:22] (31 seconds) #HeedRepentTrust

With the message of fire and brimstone comes the message of mercy that if you repent, God does relent from his anger. God relents from his wrath, but he doesn't leave you in that sin. He changes you. He transforms you. He makes you all together new. That's the remarkable part of this very message. Nineveh was overthrown. Not by fire and brimstone, but by God's mercy. By God's grace. [00:29:04] (30 seconds) #GraceEverlasting

Jonah was delivered from the fish. Jesus rose from the dead. And Jonah was given that message to go to proclaim salvation. Jesus did too. But the ultimate salvation. Right? This is, Jesus is the fulfillment of all that Jonah typified. All that Jonah foreshadowed. All that Jonah failed to do. Jesus did it perfectly. [00:32:09] (23 seconds) #CompassionateMercy

If Nineveh repented, if Nineveh responded, how much more should we? How much more should the people of Jesus' day heed his message and submit to him? And so the message for you and for I today is that we need to heed these messages. We need to repent of our sins and trust in Jesus, the greater Jonah, in every way possible, for the salvation of our sins. [00:32:42] (23 seconds) #RevivalThroughRepentance

It is through him and his act on the cross. It is through his resurrection from the grave that we find mercy and that we find grace everlasting. A salvation that cannot be robbed, cannot be lost, cannot be forsaken because it is not you who earned it, it is he who gave it freely. That's the message to come. [00:33:06] (22 seconds) #MarvelAtMercy

You have been overthrown. The wickedness and the evil and the selfishness in your own heart has been overthrown because Jesus reigns in your life. It is his life that now is in you. It is his righteousness that is your claim. It is not of yourselves. So if you're a believer today, how foolish it would be for us to assume that we have got it all together. [00:34:21] (31 seconds)

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