GROUP GUIDE
Leading a group through these questions? Here’s a simple guide for 1.5-2 hour GROUP meeting.
Welcome and Opening Prayer. (5 minutes)
Read the passage aloud. (5 minutes)
Guide the group through the questions. (30-60 minutes)
Take time to share prayer requests and pray for each other. (15-30 minutes)
TEACHING RECAP
Summary: Jonah 4 invites us to look beneath the surface of our anger, frustration, and comfort-seeking. It asks a question most of us would rather avoid: are we more concerned about what makes life easier for us, or about the people God loves? This final chapter of Jonah draws us toward the heart of God’s mission — and toward the kind of heart God wants to form in us.
Main Points:
1. Jonah wants grace for himself and judgment for others.
2. Jonah’s emotions and words reveal what he really loves.
3. God patiently questions and challenges Jonah’s immaturity.
4. Jonah’s pride blocks his growth and steals his joy.
5. Jonah cares more about his own comfort than a city full of people.
On-Ramps:
- Examine your strongest emotions.
- Humble yourself so God can grow you up.
- Extend the grace you’ve received.
- Love people more than plants.
Discussion
What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage most challenge or encourage you?
Why do we love to receive grace for ourselves, and yet we are unlikely or slow to show grace to others, but instead often judge them instead?
How do you see yourself in Jonah? What do his emotions and attitude reveal about himself?
What does God’s response to Jonah reveal about God’s character and his posture towards Jonah?
To quote Pastor Jeremy during his message: “If God had a direct conversation with you today, what question do you think he might ask you?” How has God used both provision & discipline to mature you in your life?
How does pride & resentment affect our lives? How can you & I make ourselves more humble & open to our own faults?
What do you care about? Would you say that you sometimes care more about your own comfort than people, especially those who are far from God?
What do we need to ask the Lord to change in our hearts so that we can truly love people as God loves them?
PRAYER
How can we pray for you as a group?
Next week: Acts 14:8-28
