The Essential Jesus (Part 3): Previews of a SaviorPrimjer

Running on Empty

PRAY: Dear God, I believe everything happens for a reason, and I'm grateful you know what it is.

READ: Jonah 1:1-4:11

REFLECT: Everyone knows the story of Jonah, but it's still a fun read. God called the man to preach a message of judgment to the wicked people in Nineveh, and he balked. Maybe Jonah was prejudiced against people outside his community, he wanted to be popular instead of prophetic, or he was just afraid of violent repercussions. Whatever his reason, Jonah foolishly tried to run from God. That's no more foolish than thinking we can engage in "secret sin." God always knows.

God also has a way of getting our secrets out into the open. One way is through our consciences (Jonah 1:10). The fact that we have a conscience is indirect proof that God exists. Where did our sense of right and wrong come from in the first place? Another way is by intervening in our circumstances; in Jonah's case, he was swallowed by a "great fish" Jonah 1:17). That may never happen to you, but God will allow things in your life for a reason. That's why it's always good to ask, "Lord, what are you trying to say to me through this?"

Jesus clearly understood what God was saying through the experiences of Jonah (Matthew 12:38-45). When the skeptical religious leaders of his day asked for miraculous proof of his authenticity, Jesus referred to this Old Testament book. In essence, he was saying the story of Jonah provided all the proof they needed. How? First, Jesus came to die. Just as Jonah was entombed in the great fish for three days, Jesus would be in the tomb three days after his crucifixion. And second, Jesus would rise again. Just as the great fish gave up Jonah, so the grave would give up Jesus. The bottom line is that Jesus didn't come to impress people with magic tricks. He came to set them free from sin through his death and resurrection. And that's no fish story.

APPLY: Is there any area in your life where you are running from God? Why? And what do you think you should do about it?

PRAY: Lord, you know I'm going through some tough things right now. I don't have all the answers, but I wonder what you are trying to say to me.

Discussion Questions for "Previews of a Savior"

1. Which of the five Old Testament stories that we considered in this section taught you the most about Jesus Christ? Why?
2. Can you think of other familiar Old Testament passages that might give a picture of what happened in the New Testament?
3. How did this section affect your view of the Old Testament? of the Bible?
4. Can you think of some popular books, television programs, or movies that seem to stray into speculative interpretations of the Bible? Where do they seem off track?
5. What is the most effective way to respond to someone who seems to be misinterpreting the Bible? Correction, dialogue, tolerance...?
6. For you, what are the most significant Christian symbols? Why?
7. In a postmodern society, which do you think is more effective in communicating Christian truth: symbols, examples, teaching, preaching, or something else? Why?

The Essential Jesus (Part 4): Psalms About a Savior

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