14 Significant Reasons Jonah Pointed to Jesus

The whole Bible points to Jesus, not merely those deemed Messianic prophecies. We see shadows and types of Christ’s story in the lives of Adam, the patriarchs, Moses, Israel, the Psalms, and the Old Testament prophets. Even the wisdom literature of Proverbs is fleshed out through Christ’s life. 

As a case in point, last week, while I was studying the book of Jonah, I was struck by the amazing connection his life and ministry had with the life of Christ. This is one example of how all the Scriptures ultimately point to Christ either prophetically, theologically, or metaphorically. The following are 14 significant reasons why Jonah pointed to Jesus. 

1. Once Jonah was in the belly of the fish, it depicted Christ in Sheol.

This symbolizes Jesus’ descent into the grave or Sheol. “As Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the fish (Jonah 1:17), so was Jesus in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40).

2. When the fish spit Jonah out, it depicted Resurrection.

Just as Jonah was released from the fish after three days, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, demonstrating His power over death (Matthew 28:5-6).

3. Jonah did what he didn’t want to do.

Jonah initially fled from the command of God to go to Nineveh but eventually reluctantly obeyed the call of God (Jonah 1:3). Similarly, Jesus, facing His impending crucifixion, expressed reluctance (but never fled), saying, “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39).

4. Jonah went to a non-Jewish nation.

Jonah was sent to Nineveh, a great city of the Assyrians, who were not Jews (Jonah 1:2). In a similar expansive mission, Jesus commanded His disciples to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19), extending His message beyond the Jews.

5. Jonah went as a missionary to his enemies.

Jonah was sent to preach to Nineveh, Israel’s adversary (Jonah 3:1-3). Christ, in His redemptive work, was sent to ultimately die for those who were still sinners, which is a demonstration of God’s love towards His enemies (Romans 5:8).

6. Jonah warned a capital city.

Jonah’s mission was to call the city of Nineveh to repentance (Jonah 3:4). Similarly, Jesus often warned Jerusalem, urging its inhabitants to repent and speaking woe unto them for their hardness of heart (Matthew 23:37).

7. Jonah saw the fruit of his labor and was dissatisfied.

Despite Nineveh’s repentance, Jonah was displeased and angry (Jonah 4:1). Contrarily, Isaiah prophesied about Jesus, stating, “He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied” (Isaiah 53:11), referring to the redemption of sinners through His suffering.

8. Both faced storms due to men’s disobedience

Jonah faced a literal storm because he ran away from God’s command (Jonah 1:4). 

Jesus calmed a storm that was connected to the disciples’ lack of faith and disobedience to Christ’s command of fearless faith (Mark 4:35-41). Consequently, both stories highlight God’s mastery over nature and how human actions intersect with divine plans.

9. Intercessory roles

Jonah’s preaching led to the repentance of Nineveh (Jonah 3:5-10), and in this way, he acted as an intercessor between God and the Ninevites, albeit reluctantly. Jesus, on the other hand, willingly intercedes on behalf of humanity, offering Himself as a sacrifice for sin and continuing to intercede for us at the right hand of God (Hebrews 7:25).

10. Signs of God’s patience and mercy: 

Jonah’s mission is a testament to God’s patience and willingness to forgive even the wicked city of Nineveh. Similarly, Jesus’ message is one of mercy and the opportunity for repentance extended to all, demonstrating God’s patience and grace (2 Peter 3:9).

11. Reluctant and willing messengers

While Jonah was a reluctant prophet who initially ran from God’s call, Jesus was the willing Messiah who embraced His mission from the beginning (Psalm 40:7-8). This contrast highlights the perfection of Christ’s obedience compared to human hesitation or rebellion.

12. Contrasting outcomes of ministry

The people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth (Jonah 3:5), which are external signs of repentance. Jesus’ preaching, particularly in places like Capernaum, did not always result in repentance, despite His miracles (Matthew 11:23-24). This contrast shows that the success of a divine mission does not always correlate with the messenger’s faithfulness or intention but rather the people’s response.

13. Messages of impending judgment: 

Both Jonah and Jesus preached about impending judgment unless there was repentance. Jonah warned Nineveh of its impending destruction (Jonah 3:4), while Jesus warned of the destruction that would come upon cities that did not repent (Matthew 11:20-24).

14. Experiences of isolation before public ministry: 

Jonah’s time in the belly of the fish can be paralleled with Jesus’ period of temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Both periods involve isolation and physical hardship, and both emerge from these experiences to begin their respective ministries.

These points further demonstrate how the Scriptures, the law, the Psalms, and the prophets ultimately point to and are fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ.