Biblical Characters: One Greater than Jonah

Two summers ago, I preached through the book of Jonah. It remains one of the biblical narratives that I identify with most personally. Like Jonah, I once ran from God’s call on my life. The story of Jonah is straightforward, but its depths are profound, particularly in how it points us to Jesus Christ. Though people remember Jonah for his rebellion and time in the belly of the great fish, Jesus Himself highlighted Jonah to teach us about His mission, death, and resurrection. In Matthew 12:38-41 and Luke 11:29-30, Jesus draws a powerful parallel between Jonah and Himself, a comparison that culminates in the phrase from Matthew 12:41: “Something greater than Jonah is here.”

The Sign of Jonah: A Picture of Death and Resurrection

The Pharisees and scribes demanded a sign from Jesus in Matthew 12:38. They wanted proof of His identity and authority despite the miracles they had witnessed. Jesus refused to cater to their demand for spectacle, but He offered one sign—the sign of Jonah. He said, “For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matt. 12:40).

Jonah’s time in the belly of the fish symbolized death. The prophet described his ordeal as descending to the “roots of the mountains” and being trapped in “the pit” (Jonah 2:6). Yet God delivered him, and Jonah emerged alive after three days. Jesus took this event and applied it to Himself. He foretold His death, burial, and resurrection—a greater deliverance. While the fish swallowed Jonah because of his disobedience, Jesus willingly entered the grave for our sake. His perfect obedience brought about a salvation far beyond Jonah’s.

For us as believers, this comparison is vital. Jonah’s rescue points to the ultimate rescue in Christ’s resurrection. Jonah emerged from the fish to carry God’s message to Nineveh, but Jesus rose from the grave to bring salvation to all nations. The sign of Jonah is not just about Jesus’ power over death but also about God’s unwavering mercy and desire for repentance.

The Repentance of Nineveh: A Call to Respond to Christ

In Matthew 12:41, Jesus gives a sobering indictment of His generation: “The men of Nineveh will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.” Jonah’s reluctant preaching led an entire pagan city to repentance. The people of Nineveh, despite their wickedness, responded to the message of judgment with humility and mourning (Jonah 3:5-10).

Jesus points to the Ninevites as a rebuke to His listeners. They repented when they heard Jonah’s message, but the scribes and Pharisees rejected Jesus, who was far greater than Jonah. If the Ninevites could turn from their sin at the words of an imperfect prophet, how much more should we respond to the words of the perfect Prophet, Priest, and King?

This challenge remains for us today. Jonah’s preaching was brief and simple: “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” (Jonah 3:4). Yet it sparked a revival. Jesus’ message, in contrast, is full of grace and truth (John 1:14). He doesn’t merely proclaim judgment; He offers salvation through His death and resurrection. If you have not yet turned to Christ in repentance and faith, the sign of Jonah urges you to do so. A more excellent Jonah has come, and His message demands a response.

Something Greater Than Jonah Is Here

When Jesus says something greater than Jonah is here, He makes a profound claim about Himself. Jonah’s story is remarkable, but it pales in comparison to the work of Christ. Consider the contrasts:

• Jonah fled from God’s call; Jesus perfectly obeyed the Father’s will, even to the point of death (Phil. 2:8).
• Jonah was thrown into the sea for his disobedience; Jesus was delivered up for our sins, though He was sinless (2 Cor. 5:21).
• Jonah’s deliverance from the fish was temporary; Jesus’ resurrection is eternal and victorious over death itself (1 Cor. 15:55).
• Jonah’s message brought temporary repentance to Nineveh; Jesus’ message brings eternal life to all who believe in Him (John 3:16).

In every way, Jesus is the greater Jonah. The story of Jonah points us to Christ—not just as an example but as our Savior. Just as God pursued Nineveh with His compassion, He pursues you. Just as God brought Jonah back from the depths to proclaim God’s message, Jesus rose from the dead to declare victory over sin and death.

Respond to the Greater Jonah

Jonah teaches us about the heart of God—a heart of mercy and grace for sinners. Jesus fulfills that lesson fully. The question for you is the same one that faced the Ninevites and the Pharisees: How will you respond?

The Ninevites repented and were spared. The Pharisees rejected Jesus and remained under judgment. You stand before the greater Jonah today. His resurrection proves that He is who He claims to be. His message is one of forgiveness, salvation, and life. Will you turn to Him?

I can testify to His unrelenting grace as someone who once ran from God’s call. Like Jonah, you may have tried to escape God’s will, but His mercy reaches into the depths. Whether you find yourself on the run, in despair, or standing at a crossroads, Jesus—the greater Jonah—calls you to Himself. Respond in repentance and faith, for salvation belongs to the Lord (Jonah 2:9).

Rev. Dr. Mark Horne is a Pastor-Teacher of Andrews PCA and an ACBC Certified Biblical Counselor and serves at Billy Rufus Center for Counseling and Teaching, Director and is an adjunct professor of Birmingham Theological Seminary.

References

Calvin, John, and John Owen. 2010. Commentaries on the Twelve Minor Prophets, vol. 3. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

Hoyt, JoAnna M. 2018. Amos, Jonah, & Micah. Evangelical Exegetical Commentary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

Slusser, Wayne. 2017. “Jonah’s Rescue: What Are the Implications for Today? (Jonah 1:17–2:10).” Journal of Ministry and Theology 21 (1): 86–122.