People Over Plants

1. Read Jonah 4:1. Why is Jonah so angry?

2. Jonah 4:2 seems like a protest. Is it wrong to question God?Read Psalm 13:1-6. The difference between David and Jonah is that afterDavid honestly questions God, he comes back to praise and trust. Jonahdoes not. Have you ever questioned God? Did you come back to trust?

3. Why is Jonah in such despair (v. 3)? How does this remind us of chapterone?

4. Think of a really evil person. How would you feel about seeing that personin heaven? This may be how Jonah felt.

5. In v. 4 the Lord asks Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry?” Was it rightfor Jonah to be angry? Starting May 21, we will start a two-week series inthe book of Nahum. Read the book in its entirety (only three shortchapters). This book describes Nineveh’s coming doom. Generations afterJonah’s day the people of Nineveh went back to their wicked ways. Thistime, God destroys them using a pagan nation, Babylon. What does thisteach us about God? What does it teach us about people?

6. Why did God plant the vine, make it grow, appoint a worm to destroy itand appoint a scorching wind to make Jonah uncomfortable? Was Jonah’sdistress really about the vine? If not, what was it about?

7. How does Jonah’s isolation (outside the city) contribute to his distress?How will you stay connected to Christian community this summer?

8. Read Luke 15:11-32. How is Jonah like the older brother? Do you have“older brother” tendencies? What will you do to change?

9. In v. 10-11 the Lord explains his heart for all people. What is the lessonof the vine for Jonah? How does this lesson apply to your life?

10. Jay Sklar says, “[May we] keep the Lord’s mercy and love so strongly infront of our eyes that we remain humble toward him and become passionateabout sharing such wonderful mercy and love with others.” How will youkeep the Lord’s mercy in front of you this week and share God’s mercy?

11. In what ways do you cherish your comforts over lost souls? What stepswill you make to cherish lost souls over your comforts?