“Big Fish, Bigger Mercy”

BIBLE PASSAGE
Jonah 2:9 and Matthew 12:39–40

“Big Fish, Bigger Mercy” (Chapter 50)
GOSPEL CONNECTION

Even though Jonah was the pouting prophet, Jesus used his story to point to
his own death and resurrection. The scribes and Pharisees shouted at Jesus.
“Show us a sign that you are the Messiah!” Jesus had already shown lots of
signs. He had cleansed a leper, healed a paralyzed man, and given sight to the
blind. He had even raised the dead to life! What kind of sign were they looking
for? They wanted a supernatural sign—like water turning to blood. Jesus
replied to them, “Only people with no faith want a special sign like that. I will
only give you one sure sign that I am the Messiah. Just as Jonah was three days
in the belly of the great fish, so will I be three days in a tomb”. What do you
think he is talking about? Yes, he’s talking about his death—and resurrection.
On Friday he died. That night (day one) and the whole day after (day two) his
body was buried. Then, on day three, he rose from the grave!
But Jesus didn’t choose the story of Jonah just because the number of days
matched. He chose the story because it was all about God’s mercy for sinners
who repent. Jesus’s death and resurrection are the signs that prove he is the Son
whom God sent to save us from our sins and the punishment of death. Anyone
who trusts in Jesus—disobedient prophets or wicked enemies—can be saved.