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Most of the biblical prophets questioned their mission at some point. They wondered why God had chosen them, or why He called them to such extraordinary lengths. Jonah illustrates what happens when these questions overwhelm and overtake us. We learn from his story how to respond when we face God’s challenging call to share His grace in a broken world.
Week 1: Refused, Jonah 1:1-3, Sunday, July 19, 2026
When God calls, will we embrace the honor? Jonah refuses and chooses instead to run the other way. Later in the story he explains his reasons, but are they credible? What answers do we offer when we are likewise called to serve as God’s representatives in our broken world?
The Point: How strongly do we believe that God can change people?
Next Steps: What one thing can I do each day this week to help convince people, rather than condemn them?
Sermon Notes & Discussion Guide
Week 2: Rejected, Jonah 1:4-6, Sunday, July 26, 2026
Jonah’s decision to run from God’s call carries dramatic consequences. He endangers himself and others. God creates a storm to bring him back online. What can we learn from this story about God’s commitment to our participation in His work?
The Point: How deeply to we embrace God’s calling on our lives?
Next Steps: Let’s begin each day this week by reminding ourselves that God has chosen us to do a job.
Sermon Notes & Discussion Guide
Week 3: Rescued, Jonah 1:17-2:10, Sunday, August 2, 2026
Finally, in the depths of the sea, in the belly of a huge fish, God gets Jonah’s attention. Critics have wondered whether this story is more mythical than historical, but Jonah himself leaves little doubt as to its meaning. God’s salvation is far more powerful than our rebellion.
The Point: No matter how far we have fallen, God is there to lift us up.
Next Steps: Whom can we help to lift up this week?
Sermon Notes & Discussion Guide
Week 4: Reengaged, Jonah 3:1-5, Sunday, August 9, 2026
Now reengaged in his calling, Jonah sees God work powerfully among a foreign people. Sometimes we need those outside the circle to give us a new perspective. Jonah’s story of recommitment presses us to reassess our own level of engagement. What would we be willing to do if we ventured a bit outside of our comfort zones.
The Point: The Word who created the universe has chosen to speak through us.
Next Steps: Each day this week, share something about God with someone else.
Sermon Notes & Discussion Guide
Week 5: Refocused, Jonah 4:5-11, Sunday, August 16, 2026
The closing scenes of Jonah’s story bring us back to the beginning, a place of refusal and rebellion. Once more, God moves directly to call His prophet back on task. Where are we in the process of engagement and evaluation? How is God calling us to refocus on His will for lives?
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The Point: In our quest for justice and comfort, God calls us to prioritize mercy.
Next Steps: Let’s look for opportunities this week to show mercy toward one another.