Jonah – Grudge to Grace

June 22, 2025

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Ever wish for a fresh start? We all crave second chances, but sometimes we find it hard to extend them to others. Could our hesitation be keeping us from the new beginning we need? Join us this June for a powerful journey through the story of Jonah, where one man discovers his second chance in the most surprising way.

Dig In Questions

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever held a grudge about?
Have you ever been shown mercy when you didn’t deserve it? What did it feel like?
On a scale of 1–10, how easy is it for you to forgive someone who hurt you deeply?

Read Together

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

Jonah 3:10–4:11 (NLT)
Matthew 18:21–27 (NLT) – Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) – Be kind and forgive
2 Corinthians 5:19–20 (NLT) – Ministry of reconciliation

Group Discussion Questions

Section 1: God’s Compassion, Jonah’s Grudge

Why was Jonah angry when God showed mercy to Nineveh (Jonah 4:1–3)?
Have you ever wanted justice for someone else’s wrong when you were shown grace for yours?
What does Jonah’s reaction reveal about his heart? What emotions or expectations might you relate to?

Section 2: Inspecting Our Heart

What does Jonah’s gratitude for the plant vs. his anger at its loss teach us about his priorities (vv. 5–9)?
Can you recall a time when you were more upset about your comfort being removed than about people far from God?
Why do you think we struggle to forgive people we feel have “gotten off easy”?

Section 3: Reconciliation vs. Retaliation

Read Matthew 18:21–27. Why do you think Jesus told such a harsh parable about unforgiveness?
What connections do you see between Jonah’s grudge and the unforgiving servant?
Read Ephesians 4:32 and 2 Corinthians 5:19–20. What role does God give us in extending grace?

Action Steps

Forgiveness Inventory: Ask God to show you if there’s anyone you are holding a grudge against. Write down their name(s) and pray a blessing over them this week.
Reconciliation Challenge: Take one step toward reconciliation—whether through prayer, a conversation, or a written note.
Perspective Shift: Each day this week, reflect on the grace God has shown you. Start your day by thanking God for one undeserved mercy.

Closing Prayer

Father,
We confess that we often hold onto anger, pain, and grudges. Like Jonah, we sometimes forget the grace You’ve shown us and become bitter when others receive it too. Give us hearts that reflect Yours—full of compassion, mercy, and love. Help us forgive as we have been forgiven. Teach us to be Your ambassadors, carrying a message of reconciliation, not retaliation. We surrender our desire for justice to You and ask for the courage to love, even when it’s hard. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Jonah – Second Chance

June 15, 2025

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Dig In Questions

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

Have you ever been given a second chance at something big? How did it feel?

What’s one thing you’ve done that surprised even you?

When have you seen someone radically change their behavior after a wake-up call?

Read Together

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

Jonah 3:1-10

Proverbs 28:13

Matthew 12:41

Mark 1:15

Matthew 28:10

Isaiah 55:6-7

Acts 3:19

Romans 12:1-2

Group Discussion Questions

Point 1: God’s Grace is Greater Than Our Past

Why is it significant that “the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time” (Jonah 3:1)?

What does this say about God’s character when we fail or fall short?

Read Isaiah 55:6–7. How does this affirm God’s willingness to give second chances?

Point 2: God Uses Ordinary People for Extraordinary Impact

How did Jonah finally respond to God’s call? What changed?

What kind of message did Jonah preach—and how did Nineveh respond?

What does this tell you about God’s ability to work through you, even when you feel unqualified?

Point 3: Repentance Opens the Door to Revival

How did the people of Nineveh show repentance? What actions did they take?

What’s the difference between saying “I’m sorry” and truly repenting?

Read Acts 3:19 and Romans 12:1–2. What does repentance look like today?

Honest Reflection:

Where in your life have you been resisting the second chance God is offering?

Who in your life do you struggle to believe deserves a second chance? Why?

Could your reluctance to forgive or obey be holding back a move of God?

Action Steps

Take 15 minutes this week to pray for someone you’d usually write off or avoid.

Write a short version of your “grace story”—a time God gave you a second chance—and prepare to share it.

Ask God to show you where you’ve stopped short of full obedience, and take one tangible step toward surrender.

Closing Prayer

God, thank You for not giving up on us. Thank You for second, third, and hundredth chances. You use broken people to bring healing to others—and we want to be those people. Help us respond fully to Your grace and to extend it freely to others. Use us to speak Your truth boldly, even when it’s uncomfortable. And when we see hearts turn to You, may we give You all the glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Jonah – Rescued by God

June 8, 2025

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Dig In Questions

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

If you could be rescued by “any means necessary,” what would it be? (Ex. Coast Guard Helicopter, a friendly tamed Elephant, or perhaps via speed boat driven by Tom Cruise?)
Have you ever gotten stuck in a position of your own making that you knew could have been prevented and wish you could get out of? Share with the group.
Can you even imagine being swallowed by a huge fish!? It would certainly put my faith in a quick course correction. Have you experienced a frightening situation that dramatically impacted how you pray and approach God?

(Transition: Today, we’re going to read about Jonah and his redemptive prayer to God.)

Read Together

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

Jonah 2 (Jonah’s Prayer)
Matthew 12:4-41 (The Sign of Jonah)

Group Discussion Questions

1. Confinement

Have you ever been confined to uncomfortable places or positions? Even if it’s for your good, how would you respond or react if you were in Jonah’s shoes?
When in distress, what do you normally do? When you are down in the “depths” or in a “pit,” how do you cope or work through stresses in life?
Do you need to be rescued? Swept up and carried in the arms of the Lord? What is separating you from God or luring you away from Him? Prayerfully write down things of this world that have taken you captive and are separating you from your relationship with God.
Sometimes confinement can be seen as punishment, but this “timeout” wasn’t separating Jonah from God – but rather bringing them back together. Do you need to retreat with God? How will you abide with Him more regularly?

2. Confession

What can be learned from Jonah’s prayer in Jonah 2? Highlight and share something that relates or resonates with you.
Near-death experiences have the potential to alter our lives, change our perspective, and can dramatically shift our habits & behaviors. God doesn’t want us to wait or run from Him, He wants us to be with Him now and forever! How will you confess your longings, aches, and needs to God vulnerably? What needs to change for you to abide and entrust Him with your whole life?
Jonah spent 3 days and 3 nights in the belly of the fish with the Lord. How do you think Jonah’s time in the fish changed him? Do you see parallels with any difficult or challenging experiences in your own life?

3. Compassion

Read Matthew 12:40-41. What is Jesus’ meaning here as it relates to Jonah? Does this miracle symbolize baptism in any way?
Jonah praises God and sees his “salvation” and “deliverance.” How does recognizing God’s sovereignty and power bring hope in times of trouble?
The fish spitting Jonah onto dry land symbolizes a new beginning. He was once dead, but now is alive again! Have you experienced a moment of new beginnings or redemption in your life? Is God calling you also to take a step of faith towards Him?
How does Jonah’s story challenge us to trust in God’s grace and forgiveness, even in our moments of disobedience and desperation? Will you flee or follow? Will you entrust Him with your life?

Honest Reflection:

Do you need a Savior? Identify your need for rescue and cry it out to the Lord!
Confess to God in prayer and ask for Him to lift you into His arms of protection.
Find a community to share life with. Don’t live alone, learn from Jonah’s attempt to isolate and flee. Instead seek others to share this life with in a community who together are following Jesus daily.
Take a next step toward God, who is for you and not against you. Accept His invitation and salvation. Receive His love, compassion, and redemption for you. Express yourself prayerfully to Him.

Action Steps

Personal Reflection: Identify where you are needing to seek repentance and renewal with God.
Practical Application: Confess your struggles, sins, and weaknesses. Allow God to tend, forgive, and strengthen you as you unburden yourself in His embrace.
Encouragement Challenge: Receive His compassion and be compassionate towards others. Forgive someone who God has placed on your heart to forgive. Reach out to someone who could really use the love of God in community by helping them with their challenges.

Closing Prayer

“Thank you for never leaving us and instead choosing to pursue us – to save us from ourselves. Interceding, rescuing us, reminding us of your mercy and deliverance. Help us to trust you, rely and depend on you, even in the depths of our struggles. Amen.”

Jonah – Running from God

June 1, 2025

Description:

Dig In Questions

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

Share a time you tried to justify a silly or unnecessary purchase. What was your reasoning?

What is your favorite example of “girl math” or “guy math”?

Have you ever tried to run away from a responsibility? What happened?

Read Together

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

Jonah 1:1–16

Ephesians 2:10

Psalm 46:1

Romans 10:13

John 3:16

2 Corinthians 5:17

Luke 15:20

Group Discussion Questions

Point 1: Running from God’s Purpose

What was Jonah called to do, and how did he respond?

How might you be running from God’s purpose for your life right now?

Read Ephesians 2:10. What does this say about your God-given calling?

Point 2: Running from God’s Presence

Jonah tried to flee from God’s presence. What are some modern ways people try to do this?

What does “comfort in compromise” look like in your life?

How can we become “nose blind” to sin or disobedience?

Point 3: Running into God’s Grace

How does Jonah 1:15–16 show God’s redemptive power?

What does it look like to turn back to God?

Read Luke 15:20. How does this mirror Jonah’s experience?

Honest Reflection:

Where are you currently running?

What storm might be a result of your disobedience?

How is God using it to call you back?

Action Steps

Identify one area of your life where you’re resisting God’s purpose.

Confess this to God in prayer and ask for courage to obey.

Reach out to someone you’ve been avoiding in obedience to God’s prompting.

Write down Ephesians 2:10 and put it somewhere visible this week.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God of second chances. Thank You for pursuing us even when we run. Forgive us for the ways we rationalize sin and grow numb to Your voice. Wake us up from our comfort in compromise. Give us the courage to return to You—to Your purpose, Your presence, and Your peace. And when we do, may we experience Your grace in full. In Jesus’ name, Amen.