FOLLOW-UP FROM LAST WEEK: How did last week’s challenge go for you? What went well? What challenges did you face?
Begin group time with 2 minutes of silent prayer. Assume a comfortable position and repeat the phrase “Come Holy Spirit” to yourself as you breathe. If your mind wanders, that's okay—simply notice it, repeat the phrase, and return your focus. After the silence, invite someone from the group to close in prayer.
READ OUT LOUD AS A GROUP: Jonah 2:1-10
Q1 – Why is there a gap between saved and transformed? What fills the gap?
Q2 – Are you truly owning the results of your own decisions? Are there any areas of your life where you are projecting blame on God or on others?
DISCUSS: “True repentance is simple, fake repentance is complicated and looks like negotiation.”
Q3 – Where have you seen this to be true in your life? What would it look like to turn from the way you are living?
Q4 – Do you expect justice for others but mercy for yourself? How can we fight this as a community?
Q5 – Have you become bitter when life did not turn out as you hoped? In what ways?
READ OUT LOUD AS A GROUP: Revelation 7:9-10
Q6 – Jonah is the only prophet directly associated with Jesus and his prayer is echoed in the song of Heaven in Revelation 7:9-10. What is your reaction to this, and how does it impact your understanding of God’s mercy?
Q7 – What do you think has disqualified you from God’s mercy?
CHALLENGE:
Witness - This will be the challenge for the entire JONAH series!
Think of somebody in your context that you tend to look at like the Ninevites, a person you believe to be far from God. You may even actively dislike or disdain this person or people. Seek the Lord and ask for an assignment. Go out of your way this week to pursue them and witness to the good news about Jesus and their redemption. This is going to be the challenge for the entire month so take time to develop relationships, actually get to know them, offer hospitality, speak with truth, love, and vulnerability, and extend to them the invitation of Jesus.
