Jonah 1-4

“But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry” (4:1). Nineveh was in rebellion against God, so God sent his prophet Jonah to preach repentance to them. Jonah tried to escape this responsibility (ch 1), and his story reveals his human reluctance to see the Ninevites forgiven. Jonah was “angry” that God showed them mercy (3:10). While Jonah wanted his own rebellion forgiven (ch 2), he was furious that the ‘wicked’ Ninevites were repenting and being shown compassion (4:3).

“Is it right for you to be angry?” (4:4). Jonah’s story, like the prayer Jesus taught us, warns against hard-heartedness (Matthew 6:14). The mercy we desire from God is the mercy we are called to show others.