The story of Jonah is often presented as a straightforward tale of morality. A prophet runs from God, gets swallowed by a big ole’ fish, repents, and receives mercy. After that, he’s so thankful to God that he obediently brings a message of repentance and mercy to his hated enemies. They repent and everyone lives happily ever after. Reality is much more complicated. The book of Jonah ends with the prophet throwing a massive hissy fit about God’s mercy toward his enemies. God asks Jonah a pointed question about who should receive his mercy and then…nothing. No response from Jonah. The book ends on a cliffhanger.

Throughout this ambiguous book, we’re invited to see ourselves in Jonah’s struggle to understand God’s mercy toward him and his sworn enemies. Jonah reminds us that even when we wander from the truth of the Gospel, God is at work in us, patiently pursuing us through the Holy Spirit as we wrestle with the depths of his mercy. We may encounter storms, hit rock bottom, or pitch an unholy fit because we feel God has let us down somehow. Yet, he comes after us, patiently calling us to turn back and live in the truth of the mercy we have already received in Jesus.

This is a digital-only copy of a workbook for a 6-week Bible study on the book of Jonah. Audio for the study can be accessed for free via the GBC Women podcast. This study can be completed with a small group or on your own. Your purchase includes a license to print one copy of the workbook for personal use. Contact me for discounted pricing for large groups.