In my sermon’s introduction on October 12, 2008, I asked the question, “Did Jonah die inside the great fish?” We cannot conclude with absolute certainty that he did or did not.
I have very much reveled in the possibility/probability that Jonah died and was brought back to life! Here is the quote I read from Dr. John Piper, expanded a bit more:
“If you ask how a man can survive in the belly of a fish three days, the answer is, he probably can’t—any more than a person stay three days in the grave and live again. That’s why Jesus called it a ‘sign’. In Matthew 12:39 He says, ‘An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign shall be given to it but the sign of Jonah, the prophet.’ Jesus knew this was no ordinary event. It was a miraculous sign of God’s gracious and powerful intervention. There is no point in trying to explain it away scientifically any more than the miraculous signs of Jesus’ ministry.” (Piper’s sermon, November 21, 1982)
And here is another quote, this one from RBBC’s Rusty Christensen, who wrote the following in his journal in October, 2006:
“Did Jonah actually die in the belly of the fish? I think he did and God resurrected him for the sole purpose of carrying out what He originally asked him to do. Consider—the grave simply gave up her dead—much like Jesus’ resurrection and those who were brought back to life when Jesus rose. The theological depth is greater—this is not simply that he almost died, and that God used a fish to bring him back to where he needed to be. But rather, he died—his life, his goals and his opportunities to be used of God for His glory have vanished. I think the language of Jonah supports the argument. (Sheol, the pit etc.) Consider…We are running around wasting our life—the exact opposite direction of what God is telling to do and where to go. We only realize our eternal mistake when it is too late. Jonah had a second chance.” (used with Rusty’s permission)
O, Dear Lord, grant us grace to live our lives today in your death-conquering, life-giving power! Thank you for your patience and compassion with Jonah--- and me. Amen.
Thank you for this information. I am doing a Bible Study at my church on the book of Jonah and this question was asked last night: "Did Jonah die in the belly of the fish?"
ReplyDeleteActually I had not even thought about that possibility until one of my students asked.
I am leaning toward the possibility that Jonah did die. This makes the power of God even more wonderful!
I teach Sunday School. I was rebuked sharply for teaching that Jonah probably died and was ressurected. I was told in no uncertain terms that I was wrong and NOT to teach this view, that it would lead to heresy, etc. He does not want our kids to be taught this view in our church!!! Any idea why this is such a hot button for some??? It's no big deal, whether he died or not, either way you have a miracle. I would never teach it as dogma, but I would be dishonest if I said I believe anything else. What to do....
ReplyDelete"Did Jonah die in the belly of the fish?"
ReplyDeleteIt seems more likely that the fish swallowed him after he died. The verses in the first part of chapter 2 describe his drowning and sinking to the bottom. Also serves as a better picture of Jesus.
"I was told in no uncertain terms that I was wrong and NOT to teach this view, that it would lead to heresy"
Heresy? that seems like a ridiculous statement to make. Although I think the passages are literal and not figurative, indicating Jonah did die and resurrect, it is still a comparatively minor doctrinal point. There are other resurrections in both the Old and New Testaments. What great change is affected if Jonah is among them?