Still Jesus: Jonah/Jesus

Small Group Discussion Guide
Based on a sermon preached by Greg Ballog 5/24/26

Opening Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing us together today. As we look at Jonah and Jesus, open our hearts to see Your mercy, Your mission, and Your call to repentance and faith. Help us listen carefully, speak honestly, and respond obediently to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture Readings:
Read Jonah 1:2, Jonah 3:4-10, Matthew 12:38-41, Mark 1:14-15, and Luke 24:7.
These passages highlight Jonah’s call, Nineveh’s repentance, Jesus’ sign of Jonah, and the shared message of repentance and hope.

Discussion Topic 1: God Sends His Servants
Jonah was called to go to Nineveh, and Jesus also came to preach the good news. Both were sent with a message from God, even when the audience was difficult or resistant.

Questions:
What stands out to you about Jonah’s call in Jonah 1:2?
Why do you think God sent Jonah to Nineveh instead of leaving them in their sin?
How does Jesus’ mission in Mark 1:14-15 connect with Jonah’s assignment?
Where might God be sending believers today with a message of truth and grace?

Discussion Topic 2: Repentance and Response
Nineveh responded to Jonah’s warning by turning from evil, and Jesus preached, “Repent and believe the good news.” God is always calling people to turn back to Him in humility and faith.

Questions:
What does true repentance look like in Jonah 3:8-10?
Why is repentance important in both the Old and New Testaments?
What makes repentance difficult for people today?
How can our small group encourage one another to respond quickly to God?

Discussion Topic 3: Sacrifice and Salvation
The file shows a connection between Jonah’s time in the fish and Jesus’ death and resurrection, pointing to sacrifice for the sake of others. Jonah’s story points forward to Christ, who gave His life to save sinners.

Questions:
What do you notice about the three-day pattern in Jonah and in Jesus’ story?
How does Jesus go beyond Jonah in His sacrifice and authority?
What does it mean that Jesus is “the Lamb of God” and the one mediator between God and humanity?
How does understanding Jesus’ sacrifice shape the way we view God’s mercy?

Discussion Topic 4: God’s Heart for People
The file emphasizes that God wants people to come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved. Jonah’s message reached Nineveh, and Jesus’ message still reaches people today with an invitation to new life.

Questions:
What does this teach us about God’s heart for lost people?
Who are the “Ninevites” in our own lives or communities?
How can prayer help us care more deeply about people who need God?
What practical step can we take this week to share Christ with someone?

Follow Up Exercise:
During the next seven days, pray daily for one person who needs to know Jesus. Write down their name, one prayer request, and one action you can take to show them love or start a spiritual conversation. At the next meeting, share what you noticed as you prayed and acted. This exercise reinforces the file’s emphasis on prayer, repentance, and God’s desire for all people to be saved.

Closing Prayer:
Lord God, thank You for showing us Your heart through Jonah and most clearly through Jesus. Give us courage to obey Your call, humility to repent, and compassion for the people around us. Help us live as people who point others to Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.