Jonah and Jesus

a December series on how the Old Testament points us to Jesus

Scripture Reading: Jonah 1:17; Matthew 12:40

And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

There are these stories that lie somewhat dormant among the text of Old Testament Scripture. They were like seeds that fell into the soil and seemingly failed to spring up and produce anything valuable beyond being a tale told by old men to fascinate little children before bedtime. That is until Jesus breathed life into them and they sprang up out of the crusty soil of ancient folklore and became powerful signs pointing us to soteriological truth about our Savior.

Generally, it is accepted that Jonah was alive in the fish's belly. I am among the minority (although not a bunch of fringe fanatics pushing divergent views for the sake of being contrary) who believe Jonah died when he was swallowed up in the sea.

“So, you don’t believe God could have saved Jonah from death in the fish’s belly?” you ask.

Of course, I do. I’ll take God’s ability to do miracles a step further – I believe God could let Jonah die in the sea, be swallowed by a fish, have that fish vomit him on the seashore, and raise him from the dead!

Why do I believe that?

Well, the text of Jonah chapter two seems to suggest it. Jonah describes himself as being in “The Belly of Sheol.” Sheol was the place of the dead. Yes, it isn’t conclusive evidence because chapter two is written in poetic form and he could have been speaking metaphorically.

What settles it for me is Jesus. Jesus said that Jonah’s experience was a sign of His own. Jesus didn’t swoon and pass out and wake up in the tomb. He died. He was resurrected.

It seems to me that Jonah points us to Jesus through dying, being buried, and being raised from death to preach repentance and salvation to the worst of sinners.

A Prayer:

Gracious Father, I stand in awe of Your redeeming love and offer You my heartfelt thanks for the gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for His sacrifice on the cross and His triumph over the grave, which offers forgiveness and new life to all who believe in Him.

Jonah the prophet being thrown overboard into the sea