BRBC Bible Notes
Week by week, we post notes based on the theme of the Sunday service, so that people can follow them in their own personal devotions, in prayer triplets, or in the church life groups.
Bible Study 5: David and Jonathan – Friendship
Bible Study 6: Jonah
Main Passage: Jonah 1–4
Purpose of the Study
This study is designed to:
Encourage believers to respond obediently to God’s call.
Strengthen understanding of God’s mercy and compassion.
Challenge the church to embrace God’s mission, even when it conflicts with personal comfort or expectations.
Opening Prayer
“Lord, open our hearts to hear Your voice and follow Your calling. Help us to obey You fully, embrace Your mission, and reflect Your mercy to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
1. Read the Passage
Invite a participant to read Jonah 1–4 aloud. Ask the group to notice Jonah’s initial disobedience, God’s patience, and the themes of repentance and mercy.
2. Context and Summary
God calls Jonah to preach to Nineveh, a city known for wickedness. Jonah initially flees, but God pursues him through a storm and a great fish. Eventually, Jonah obeys, and the city repents. Jonah struggles with God’s mercy, revealing the tension between divine compassion and human expectations. The story illustrates God’s patience, the call to obedience, and the universality of His grace.
3. Key Themes and Reflections
A. God’s Call Requires Obedience
Jonah initially ran from God’s mission, but God pursues His servant.
Reflection Question: Are there areas of your life where you are avoiding God’s call?
Quote: “God’s call may take us out of our comfort zone, but it leads to life.” — Unknown
Related Scripture:
Isaiah 6:8 – Here I am; send me.
Luke 9:23 – Take up your cross daily and follow me.
B. God’s Mercy is Universal
God’s compassion extends even to those we might consider undeserving.
Reflection Question: Who are the “Ninevehs” in your life or community that God is calling you to love?
Quote: “Mercy is the echo of God’s heart in our actions.” — Unknown
Related Scripture:
Matthew 5:44 – Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Ephesians 2:4–5 – God, rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ.
C. Struggling with God’s Will
Jonah resents God’s mercy and struggles with His plan.
Reflection Question: How do we respond when God’s ways differ from our expectations?
Quote: “God’s ways are higher than our ways, even when we don’t understand them.” — Isaiah 55:8–9
Related Scripture:
Romans 12:2 – Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Proverbs 3:5–6 – Trust the Lord with all your heart.
4. A Word to the Church: Embracing God’s Mission
God calls His people to extend His mercy and truth beyond familiar or comfortable boundaries.
Challenge: Are we willing to step into God’s mission even when it challenges our personal preferences or prejudices?
Group Discussion:
Where has God called you to act courageously or sacrificially for His kingdom?
How can our church respond to God’s mission in our community and beyond?
5. A Call to Action: Respond in Obedience
Identify one action you can take this week that reflects God’s mercy and mission.
Pray for boldness, compassion, and clarity to obey God’s calling.
Closing Scripture Meditation
Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Final Prayer
“Lord, teach us to obey Your call fully, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. Help us reflect Your mercy and share Your love with those around us. Give us courage, compassion, and humility to serve faithfully in Your mission. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
For a printable version of this, and previous editions, please click here.
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