Jonah 2:4

Every Spring, we celebrate Christ’s coming forth from the grave after three days in a tomb. Many of us, however, struggle with a loss of a sense of wonder at the resurrection. In our coolness, Scripture offers us other third-day stories that parallel Christ’s resurrection, casting light on the significance of Easter and warming our affections to its realities.

Jonah’s story reminds us that God’s compassion extends to both the prideful prophet and the wicked unbeliever. Despite all of Jonah’s resistance and hard-heartedness, God’s merciful message of repentance was still delivered to the Ninevites. The Ninevites' repentance shows us nothing can thwart God's plans of redemption.

Over the course of five days, read through the entire book of Jonah alongside theologically rich passages from the ESV Expository Commentary: Daniel—Malachi: Volume 7.

The Essential 100® Bible Challenge is a simple tool to read through the Big Story of God's Word. The reading plan is based on 50 Old Testament and 50 New Testament passages. Continue with the tenth part "The Prophets." ®Produced by American Bible Society in partnership with Scripture Union, Inc.