JONAH, a native of Galilee, one of the earlier prophets  # 2Ki 14:25
Called to go as a missionary to Nineveh, and warn the enemies of his country, he went with great reluctance. This narrative has been ridiculed as a myth by unbelievers, and is regarded by some scholars as a legend, or parable.  The Jews accepted it as historical,

Jesus Christ vouched for its truth # Mt 12:39-41 Lu 11:29,30

THE CHARACTER OF JONAH.
(1) “Sanctified in spots,” a strange mixture of strength and weakness
(2) Self-willed # Jon 1:1-3
(3) Godly # Jon 1:9
(4) Courageous # Jon 1:12
(5) Prayerful # Jon 2:1-9
(6) Obedient after chastisement # Jon 3:3,4
(7) Bigoted and selfish, disappointed when the Ninevites repented # Jon 3:4-10 4:1
(8) Had too much concern for his own reputation # Jon 4:2,3

SYNOPSIS
Ch 1. The Divine command evaded; the flight and punishment of the prophet.
Ch 2. The Prayer and the Deliverance.
Ch 3. The Second Commission Obeyed.
Ch 4. The Childish Complaint of the prophet; the great exhibition of Divine Mercy, coupled with the rebuke to the prophet.

SPIRITUAL LESSONS
(1) The peril of running away from duty.
(2) The temptation to selfish patriotism and religious bigotry.
(3) The Divine employment of imperfect men as channels of Truth.
(4) The Wideness of God’s Mercy.