the sign of the dove a study in jonah. the sign of the dove flight of the dove 1

THE SIGN OF THE DOVE

a study in Jonah


Flight of the Dove

1

Key Character: JonahKey Character: Jonah

Jonah (Yonah) = Dove

Jonah is son of Amittai Jonah 1:1

Jonah is from Gath Hepher 2 Kings 14:25

Gath Hepher is in Zebulun Joshua 19:10,13

=> Jonah is of the tribe of Zebulun

Why are we told this?

800900 700 600 500

Israel

Judah

United

Obadiah

Joel

HoseaAmos

Timeline of Minor ProphetsTimeline of Minor Prophets

Micah

Nahum

Zephaniah

Habakkuk

CAPTIVITY

Haggai

Zechariah

Malachi

Jonah

BC

Jerusalem

Jonah: A Precedental ProphetJonah: A Precedental ProphetSamuel NathanElijahElisha

AmosJonahHosea

MicahZephaniahJeremiahNahumHabakkukIsaiahEzekielDanielObadiahHaggaiZechariahJoelMalachi

Key:Prophet to United IsraelProphet to 10-tribe IsraelProphet to 2-tribe JudahPROPHET TO THE GENTILES

Key:Prophet to United IsraelProphet to 10-tribe IsraelProphet to 2-tribe JudahPROPHET TO THE GENTILES

]

ElishaJonah

Israel will be liberated from Syrian power

Prophets: Message:

HoseaAmos

Israel now adulterous / misaligned

ASSYRIA

SYRIAISRAEL

Jonah Nineveh destroyed unless they repent

J

Damascus

Nineveh

Jerusalem JJ

EA

H

Key EventsKey Events

• Most rapid Assyrian expansion: 824-625 BC• Jonah’s prophecy is during this time• Assyria fighting Israel and winning• Nineveh capital city of Assyria

• Most rapid Assyrian expansion: 824-625 BC• Jonah’s prophecy is during this time• Assyria fighting Israel and winning• Nineveh capital city of Assyria

Key Place: NinevehKey Place: Nineveh

THE HEART OF ENEMY TERRITORY!

Nineveh

The Book of Jonah: A Charge to PreachThe Book of Jonah: A Charge to Preach

The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. Jonah 1:1-3

Jonah evades the mission to Nineveh:1. Because he’ll be killed2. Because they’re the ENEMY

Can One Flee the Lord’s Presence?Can One Flee the Lord’s Presence?

Not one will get away, none will escape. Though they dig [Heb: chathar] down to the depths of the grave, from there my hand will take them. Though they climb up to the heavens, from there I will bring them down. Though they hide themselves on the top of Carmel, there I will hunt them down and seize them. Though they hide from me at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent [Heb: nachash] to bite them. Amos 9:1-3

Conundrum: Beyond the Lord’s Presence?Conundrum: Beyond the Lord’s Presence?

The presence of the Lord seems to be the place where the Lord is active

So Cain went out from the LORD’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden. Gen 4:16

E.g. Eden:

So the LORD was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence. 2 Kgs 17:18

E.g. Israel:

Who Will Save Whom?Who Will Save Whom?

“Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” [Jonah] replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” Instead, the men did their best to row [Heb: chathar] back to land. Jonah 1:12-13

“Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish.Jonah 1:2-3

Israeli to Gentiles Gentiles to Israeli

• Gentiles will work (dig) for Jonah’s life

• Jonah is indifferent to Gentile peril

Sin: No SYMPATHY for those outside God’s love

Conundrum:Was Jonah rightto offer himself?

Conundrum:Was Jonah rightto offer himself?

The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So [the sailors] asked [Jonah], “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?” “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” Jonah 1:11-12

Where can we find an answer?

the Lord sent a great wind on the sea

the ship threatened to break up.

Jonah had gone below …fell into a deep sleep.

“How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god… and we will not perish.”

“Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” [Jonah] replied, “and it will become calm.”Jonah 1:4-12

On Stormy SeasOn Stormy Seas

A furious squall came up

the boat… was nearly swamped.

Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion.

The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

[Jesus] said… “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4:37-39

So Jonah has made a poor choiceSo what principle has he overlooked?

Mercy, not SacrificeMercy, not Sacrifice

Judasseized with remorse… “I have sinned,” he said... Then he went away and hanged himself.Mt 27:3-5

Jonah“Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” Jonah 1:12

Sin: Lost sight of God’s Mercy

The PrincipleFor I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. Hos 6:6

Stay in the BoatStay in the Boat

1 Revelation to Paul…a wind of hurricane force, called the “northeaster,” swept down

We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard.

Paul stood up before them and said: “…I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel… said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’” Acts 27:14-24

3 TodayDon’t bail out of the ecclesial vessel on your co-sailors

2b Passover ViolationAs soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.

Jn 13:30

2a Passover LawNot one of you shall go out the door of his house until morning. Ex 12:22

Revisit Conundrum: Beyond the Lord’s Presence?Revisit Conundrum: Beyond the Lord’s Presence?

We have reasoned Jonah was:

• Wrong to sacrifice himself• Failed to perceive God’s mercy

Conclusion:• Jonah places himself beyond God’s reach by failing to see God’s mercy

• Jonah is therefore “Beyond the Presence of the Lord”: the place he initially tried to goLesson: Don’t run away from God

• Because you can

• Because you can’t

Guided to Safe Haven…Guided to Safe Haven…

Remember Jonah’s effecton the sailorsAt this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him. Jonah 1:16

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Ps 107:28-30

Jacob’s Blessing“Zebulun will… become a haven for ships” Gen 49:13

How?!It’s Landlocked!!

…by the Prophet of Zebulun…by the Prophet of Zebulun

• God extends salvation to the Gentiles

• Jonah precedental prophet to Gentiles: precedentally called to save the enemy

• Jonah’s 1st sin: no SYMPATHY for Gentiles outside of God’s mercy, even though Gentiles were sympathetic to his plight!

• Jonah’s 2nd sin: wrong to sacrifice himself, lost sight of God’s MERCY

• Sailors brought to safe spiritual haven by prophet of Zebulun; fulfilling Jacob’s prophecy

Conclusion: “Flight of the Dove”Conclusion: “Flight of the Dove”


The Education of the Psalms

2




Threads: “Flight of the Dove”Threads: “Flight of the Dove”

Old Testament Israel1 Gentile sailors pray to their gods

Jonah 1:42 Sailors instruct Jonah to call on his God

Jonah 1:63 Gentile sailors pray to Israel’s God

Jonah 1:144 Jonah prays to Israel’s God Jonah 2:1

Challenge: Contemporary (spiritual) Israel…?Are we the first to engender spiritual discussion?

New Testament Israel“the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you… and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did.” Mt 21:32

Jonah’s Prayer: Order of ServiceJonah’s Prayer: Order of Service

‘Presumptuous’ PrayerJonah is not giving thanks for the salvation he has received, but for the salvation he trusts he will receive.

Jonah’s Prayer: The Big PictureJonah’s Prayer: The Big Picture

Do we thank God for bringing His kingdom?

A stunning revelation, through two obvious facts

1. Jonah’s prayer offers God thanks for being saved2. Jonah has not been saved

Lesson: We can – should! – presume upon God’s goodness!

Usual sequence: Trial; Prayer; Deliverance; Thanksgiving

9 statements - Every one a quote from the Psalms!

3 Days’ effortKnew his Bible

Jonah Psalm 2:2 18:6 2:3 88:7

42:7 2:4 5:7 2:5 116:3

69:2 2:6 68:22

30:3 2:7 18:6

116:4 2:8 31:6 2:9 116:13-14 2:9 37:39

Can Discover a Hidden Prayer in subtext!

Context 18:25-27 88:3-5,13-14

5:3-4116:1-2 69:15-16 68:13 30:1-12 18:16,19116:8-9 31:5-8116:12-19 37:7-11,29

Jonah’s Prayer:Fine Detail

Jonah’s Prayer:Fine Detail

So what?So what?

In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry. Jonah 2:2

In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice.Psa 18:6

Psalm 18

Fascinatingly relevant contextDavid writes Ps 18 when literally ‘exhausted’ 2 Sam 21:15

Education of the PsalmsEducation of the Psalms

Jonah recognizes his culpability“To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.” Psa 18:25-27

“my life draws near the grave… I am set apart with the dead” Psa 88:3-5

Jonah cannot see any response from God to his prayer“But I cry to you for help, O Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you. Why, O Lord, do you reject me and hide your face from me?” Psa 88:13-14

You hurled me into the deep, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. Jonah 2:3

Your wrath lies heavily upon me; you have overwhelmed me with all your waves... all your waves and breakers have swept over me.Psa 88:7; 42:7

Psalm 88


I said, “I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.” Jonah 2:4

But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple. Psa 5:7

Psalm 5

But Jonah waits hopefully for an answer…“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”Psa 5:3

…because he knows the character of his God“You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil”Psa 5:4


The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. Jonah 2:5

I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me… The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me. Psa 69:2; 116:3

Psalms 116, 69Finally, Jonah Sees Mercy!...“I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.” Psa 116:1-2

…& Calls God to Act from His Mercy“Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me. Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me.” Psa 69:15-16


To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God. Jonah 2:6

The Lord says… I will bring them from the depths of the sea… O Lord, you brought me up from the grave; you spared me from going down into the pit.Psa 68:22; 30:3

Psalms 68, 30

Mercy: The Dove Sheathed with Gold“the wings of my dove [Heb: Jonah] are sheathed with silver, its feathers with shining gold.” Psa 68:13

• Jonah sees that he is sheathed with gold• The Temple was sheathed with gold 1 Kin 6-7• Psalm 30 is the Dedication of the Temple!

Jonah sees HE is the Temple; declares he is open for business!!


When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. Jonah 2:7

I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice… I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, save me!” Psa 18:6; 116:4

Psalms 18, 116Mercy – Jonah sees he will be restored to life…“For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living.” Psa 116:8-9

…by being pulled out of deep waters“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters... He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Psa 18:16,19


Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. Jonah 2:8

I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the Lord. Psa 31:6

Psalm 31

“I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.” Psa 31:7-8

Jonah’s Own Contribution- Recognises MERCY for himself!- Displays SYMPATHY for others!

Jonah has reversed his behaviour:his sins are now completely forgiven, because

he has left them


But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Jonah 2:9

I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people… Psa 116:13-14

Psalm 116

Jonah knows that he must ‘walk the walk’“How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me?... O Lord, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant; you have freed me from my chains. I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the house of the Lord” Psa 116:12,16-19


Salvation comes from the Lord. Jonah 2:9

The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord. Psa 37:39

At last: Salvation. Both in the moment…“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.” Psa 37:3

…and forever!“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him… For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace …the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.”Psa 37:7-11,29

Psalm 37


1 Psa 18:25-272 Psa 88:3-5 Psa 88:13-143 Psa 5:3 Psa 5:44 Psa 116:1-2 Psa 69:15-165 Psa 68:13 Psa 306 Psa 18:16,19 Psa 116:8-97 Psa 31:5-7 Jonah’s Addition 8 Psa 116:12-199 Psa 37:7-11 Psa 37:29

Quote’s Context The ‘Hidden’ Prayer

Revealing the Hidden PrayerRevealing the Hidden Prayer

God brings the haughty low,thus I lie with the dead.

My morning prayer is unanswered,

so I must wait - expectantly!God is good,

so He hears my cry for mercyand His mercy will act to save

me!I [the dove] am sheathed with gold,

dedicated to be a Temple!So I am drawn out of deep waters

and set in the land of the living. I will trust in the Lord,

whose mercy must be grasped.I will fulfill my vows before Him

because the Lord saves:His people will live in the land forever!

Conclusion: “The Education of the Psalms”Conclusion: “The Education of the Psalms”

• Jonah reversed both sins: prayer revealed perception of God’s MERCY and SYMPATHY for those outside it

• Jonah demonstrated immense faith in thanking God for a blessing that had not even arrived!

• If Jonah can learn from the Psalms, so should we!

• Jonah learned his calling was to BE God’s Temple

• Bible study is brilliantly rewarding: it is fascinating to see sub-textual messages


A Vine and A Worm

3




Threads: “Flight of the Dove”Threads: “Flight of the Dove”

Threads: “The Education of the Psalms”Threads: “The Education of the Psalms”

• Jonah reversed both sins: prayer revealed perception of God’s MERCY and SYMPATHY for those outside it

• Jonah demonstrated immense faith in thanking God for a blessing that had not even arrived!

• Jonah learned his calling was to BE God’s Temple

1 Psa 18:25-27

2 Psa 88:3-5

Psa 88:13-14

3 Psa 5:3

Psa 5:4

4 Psa 116:1-2

Psa 69:15-16

5 Psa 68:13

Psa 30

6 Psa 18:16,19

Psa 116:8-9

7 Psa 31:5-7

Jonah’s

Addition

8 Psa 116:12-19

9 Psa 37:7-11

Psa 37:29

Quote’s

ContextThe ‘Hidden’ P

rayer

God brings t

he haughty low,

thus I

lie w

ith th

e dead.

My prayer i

s unansw

ered,

so I m

ust wait

- expecta

ntly!

God is good,

so H

e hears my cr

y for m

ercy

and His

mercy w

ill act

to sa

ve

me!

I [th

e dove] am sh

eathed w

ith

gold,dedica

ted as a Temple!

So I am dra

wn out of d

eep

waters

and set i

n the la

nd of the

living.

I will

trust

in the Lord

,

whose m

ercy m

ust be

grasp

ed.

I will

fulfill my vows b

efore H

im

because

the Lord

saves:

His people w

ill liv

e fore

ver!

The Unique Baptism of Jonah [Dove]The Unique Baptism of Jonah [Dove]

The man who went into the water opposed GodHis conversion took place under water

The man who emerged was dedicated to serving God

Jonah [the Dove] becomes

the perfect symbol of baptism

1 Psa 18:25-272 Psa 88:3-5 Psa 88:13-143 Psa 5:3 Psa 5:44 Psa 116:1-2 Psa 69:15-165 Psa 68:13 Psa 306 Psa 18:16,19 Psa 116:8-97 Psa 31:5-7 Jonah’s Addition8 Psa 116:12-199 Psa 37:7-11 Psa 37:29

Quote’s Context The ‘Hidden’ PrayerGod brings the haughty low,

thus I lie with the dead.My prayer is unanswered,


so He hears my cry for mercy

and His mercy will act to save me!I [the dove] am sheathed with gold,

dedicated as a Temple!So I am drawn out of deep waters



because the Lord saves:His people will live forever!

[Jonah] proclaimed: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.” The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. Jonah 3:4-5

Why is Nineveh forgiven so quickly? Jonah wasn’t!

A Study in RepentanceA Study in Repentance

James Bartley, on board British whaling vessel Star of the East, was swallowed by a sperm whale off the Falkland Islands. Rescued the next day he suffered from bleached skin but survived. Yarmouth ‘Mercury,’ 22 Aug 1891

• Star of the East had made such a voyage

• Sperm whales could swallow humans whole - documented case of a 400 lb squid found whole in a sperm whale in 1955

• Star of the East was not a whaling vessel

• Star of the East had no James Bartley on the crew list

• Captain J.B. Killam’s wife testified in 1906 that no-one had ever gone overboard

Points corroborating Points contradicting

A Bleached Prophet?A Bleached Prophet?

To see? (Nineveh) …or not to see? (Jonah)“Pick me up and throw me into the sea… I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.”Jonah 1:12

“Let everyone call urgently on God... Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.”Jonah 3:8-9

Mercy is immediate Mercy is delayedWhen God saw what they did… he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened. Jonah 3:10

Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard… and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights. Jonah 1:15-17

“Mercy Comes to Him who Mercy Sees”

The Perception of MercyThe Perception of Mercy

[Jonah] proclaimed: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.” The Ninevites believed God. Jonah 3:4

God proclaimed destruction that never cameWhat is an outside observer to make of this?

A Study in LeadershipA Study in Leadership

When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened. Jonah 3:10

• Almighty God has no ego• He does not need to explain Himself• He allows the full power of free will

The First Day The Second DayThe Second Day The Third Day

A Vine and a Worm: What’s Going On?A Vine and a Worm: What’s Going On?

Jonah 4:4,9

A Vine and a Worm: The LessonA Vine and a Worm: The Lesson

God’s Plan for Nineveh

Jonah’s Enactmentof God’s Plan

wrath wrath

• What does this living parable teach us?

Jonah’s sin of lack of sympathy had recurred- All sins recur, so remedies must be persistent

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” Mt 23:37-38

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” John 15:1

Which are we, with spiritual Gentiles?Elitist and superior? Or sympathetic?

Vine and Worm mutually exclusive

Jonah: A Vine, or a Worm?Jonah: A Vine, or a Worm?

Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights. Jonah 1:17

And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. Jonah 2:10

3

“[The vine] sprang up overnight and died overnight.” Jonah 4:10

“But Nineveh has more than 120 thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left… Should I not be concerned about that great city?” Jonah 4:11

3

Now Nineveh was a very important city-a visit required three days. Jonah 3:3

When God saw… how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion Jonah 3:10

3

After the Third Day: MercyAfter the Third Day: Mercy

Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence.Hos 6:1-2


Conclusions: “A Vine and a Worm”Conclusions: “A Vine and a Worm”

• Mercy comes to him who mercy sees

• The One who forgives is not concerned with appearances to outsiders

• The Scriptural pattern shows mercy after three days

• We can be a vine or a worm to the Ninevites: but not both

• The greater the perception of mercy for ourselves, the more likely we are to desire to shield another

Jonah (Dove) precedental Gentile Prophet

Didn’t initially sympathize with Gentiles

Racism detrimental to his preaching

Racism frustrated God’s plans of mercy

- Are we spiritually racist?

Jonah (Dove) precedental Gentile Prophet

Didn’t initially sympathize with Gentiles

Racism detrimental to his preaching

Racism frustrated God’s plans of mercy

- Are we spiritually racist?

Themes in JonahThemes in Jonah

God’s Mercy Evidenced after 3 days

• Jonah in the fish (3 days)• Preaching to Nineveh (3 days)• The Vine and the Worm (3 days)

God’s Mercy Evidenced after 3 days

• Jonah in the fish (3 days)• Preaching to Nineveh (3 days)• The Vine and the Worm (3 days)

Mercy seen when Looking to the Temple Jonah 2:4,7

Mercy seen when Looking to the Temple Jonah 2:4,7

Two Mercy MissionsOpposing camps: God saves BOTH camps

BOTH times

Two Mercy MissionsOpposing camps: God saves BOTH camps

BOTH times

Breadth of Mercy in the Book of JonahBreadth of Mercy in the Book of Jonah

2nd mission to NinevehCh 3-4Nineveh savedJonah saved

2nd mission to NinevehCh 3-4Nineveh savedJonah saved

1st mission to NinevehCh 1-2Sailors savedJonah saved

1st mission to NinevehCh 1-2Sailors savedJonah saved

God said to Jonah, “Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?” “I do,” he said. “I am angry enough to die.” Jonah 4:9

Was Jonah forgiven again?Or was he ‘angry enough to die’?

“They will follow the LORD; he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west. They will come trembling like birds from Egypt, like doves [Jonahs] from Assyria.” Hos 11:10-11

How Did It All End…?How Did It All End…?

Suggest the Lion roared & the Dove came home trembling


Seeing the Sign

4

What does the dove represent?

Commonly held; but not Biblically defensible

When the dove returned to [Noah] in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Gen 8:11

The Sign of the DoveThe Sign of the Dove

At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on [Jesus]. Mt 3:16

What does the dove represent?The Holy Spirit?

[The disciples] saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. Acts 2:3

Scripturally Spirit generally is ‘fire’

also: Ex 3:2; 13:21; 24:17;1 Kgs 18:38; Isa 4:4; Dan 3:25


But we can also find negative connotationsEphraim is like a dove [Jonah], easily deceived and senseless - now calling to Egypt, now turning to Assyria. Hos 7:11


The word of the LORD came to Jonah [Dove] son of Amittai… But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. Jon 1:1-3

The only prophet who disobeyed God’s direct command

The Sign of the Dove [Jonah]The Sign of the Dove [Jonah]RenewalRenewal

When the [Jonah] returned to [Noah] in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Gen 8:11

At that moment [baptism] heaven was opened, and [John] saw the Spirit of God descending like [Jonah] and lighting on [Jesus]. Mt 3:16

1 Jonah [Dove] was the only man who lived a literal baptism

2 The dove appears at the baptism of the whole physical creation

3 … and the baptism of the whole spiritual creation

(implying the Flood was global, not local)

As soon as Jesus was baptized… he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove [Jonah] and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Mt 3:13-17

Christ opens a New Covenant: salvation to the Gentiles John 10:1-17, Rom 11:13-25

The Sign of the Dove in Jesus’ BaptismThe Sign of the Dove in Jesus’ Baptism

Yes, but why?Yes, but why?

Hence God’s pleasure, with the One who realizes His plan to bring salvation to ALL

Sign of the Dove is Renewal

Where do allusions to Jonah appear in the New Testament?

• Jesus’ Baptism • Jesus’ Teaching • Jesus’ Miracles• Jesus’ Crucifixion• The Work of the Early Church

Seeing the SignSeeing the Sign

Why? What do we learn from seeing this sign?

“Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you.” [Jesus] answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah [the dove]. For as Jonah [the dove] was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”

Mt 12:39-40

• Context is Pharisees persecution

The Sign of the Dove in Jesus’ TeachingThe Sign of the Dove in Jesus’ Teaching


• Jesus DOES give them a sign: his baptism! (where people saw the dove)• Salvation through baptism - Christ’s resurrection - not heritage• It’s the only thing that can save them – a type of death; renewal

Arguments for:

Question: Did Jonah Die?Question: Did Jonah Die?

1 Yes: Logic: He was 72 hrs in a hostile environment2 Yes: NT Comparison with Jesus in the tomb

“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Mt 12:40“This is a wicked generation. It asks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation.” Lk 11:29-30

1 No: Logic: Don’t base an argument on a missing fact, the Bible does not say Jonah died

4 No: Fits with scriptural pattern: God asks of Himself (His Son) one more step than all others: Abraham offering Isaac; Jephthah’s daughter; Jonah

Arguments against:

Question: Did Jonah Die?Question: Did Jonah Die?

3 No: Evidence of Jonah’s carefully constructed prayer – if not over 72 hrs, then how long?

5 No: Because of the message concerning baptism to follow…

2 No: Mt 12:40 specifies the comparison between Jesus and Jonah was timescale oriented; the scriptures specify Jesus died but do not mention Jonah’s death

Conclusion? Jonah did not die

The Sign of the Dove: New Start not DeathThe Sign of the Dove: New Start not Death

Death that destroys Death that gives life

2 At Jesus’ crucifixionJesus physically died

Mt 27:45,513 At Jesus’ return

Many physically dieZech 14:4,6; Joel 3:15

The Sign of the Dove1 At Jesus’ baptism

Jesus didn’t physically dieMt 3:16

( => Jonah didn’t die)

2 Teaching: Be baptized to liveMatt 12:39

3 We must participateRom 6:1-4

Earthquake & Darkness1 At Sinai

Covenant of deathEx 19:16-19

“Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” … “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” John 11:41-44

Thanks before salvation seen, as Jonah’s prayer in the fish.Jonah’s faith saved himselfJesus’ faith saved Lazarus

The Sign of the Dove in Jesus’ MiraclesThe Sign of the Dove in Jesus’ Miracles


To teach us prayers of faith make a difference!

Education of the Psalms!

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”Mt 27:45from Psa 22:1

Fulfilled ProphecyAll would mock v7 Pierced hands & feet v16Divided clothing v18

The Sign of the Dove in Jesus’ Sacrifice

The Sign of the Dove in Jesus’ Sacrifice

Future ProphecyHE IS NOT FORSAKEN! v24 All nations bow down v27He is Messiah v31

After the Feast… Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents were unaware of it… Then they began looking for him… After three days they found him in the temple courts... Lk 2:43-46

3

…the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Mt 12:403

[Jesus] replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ ” Lk 13:32

3

The Sign of the Dove: After the Third Day: MercyThe Sign of the Dove: After the Third Day: Mercy

Sign of the Dove appears in NT:• Jesus’ Baptism • Jesus’ Teaching • Jesus’ Miracles• Jesus’ Crucifixion• The Work of

the Early Church

Seeing the SignSeeing the Sign

Why is Jonah so prolific in NT?The principle of global baptism (Noah’s day) explodes in the NT‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.’ Lk 7:32

Conclusions: “Seeing the Sign”Conclusions: “Seeing the Sign”

Jesus’ BaptismThe Dove indicates God’s intention to save

all- preach!

Jesus’ TeachingBaptism is the miracle of life – we don’t

have to die!Mercy clearly seen after 3 days

Jesus’ Miracles‘Presumptuous’ Prayer can save othersThank God for His Kingdom

Jesus’ SacrificeEducation of the Psalms -

Hidden Prayer in non-quoted contextDigging in the Bible is always rewarded


A View to Mercy

5

Mercy seen when looking towards the Temple

“I have been cast out of Your sight; yet I will look again toward Your holy temple… When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the LORD; and my prayer went up to You, into Your holy temple. Those who regard worthless idols forsake their own mercy.” Jonah 2:4-8

The Temple: A View to MercyThe Temple: A View to Mercy

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom… The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. Mt 27:51-52

The Crucifixion ViewThe Crucifixion View

Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Jn 19:30

How does one see a merciful God in the crucifixion?

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body… let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith… for he who promised is faithful.Heb 10:19-23

The Torn Veil: Communion with GodThe Torn Veil: Communion with God

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah” Mt 16:17

Enter: “Son of Jonah”Enter: “Son of Jonah”

Aside: Son of Jonah or Son of John?

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” Jn 21:15

Not the

same name

!

Jonah

Heb: ‘Yonah’: ‘Dove’

John

<= Ger: Johann; <= Gk: JohananConstructed from Heb: ‘Jah Hanan’ ‘God makes room’; ‘is gracious’

Man of God who refused to accept Gentile salvation

Selected by God to be precedental saviour to Gentiles

Arrives in Joppa desiring to not preach to Gentiles

Jonah ‘Dove’

Jonah 1:3;10

Jonah 1:1; 3:1

Jonah 1:3

Enter:“Son of Jonah”

Enter:“Son of Jonah”

Acts 10:14

Acts 10:5

Acts 9:43

Simon Peter:Son of ‘Dove’

Suggest Jesus said “Son of Jonah” for a specific reason…

• Hiram (Gentile) builds Temple thru Joppa 2 Chron 2

J

Joppa

Nineveh

Joppa: City of BeautyJoppa: City of Beauty

• Cyrus (Gentile) rebuilds Temple thru Joppa Ezra 3:7• Jonah goes to Joppa to avoid preaching to Gentiles Jonah spoils God’s Beauty of Gentile Inclusion

In Joppa (City of Beauty) A Vine “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.” Acts 10:34-35

But later in Antioch, A WormWhen Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong... he used to eat with the Gentiles. But [then] began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles… The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, and by this hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. Gal 2:11-13

“Son of Jonah”: A Vine or a Worm?“Son of Jonah”: A Vine or a Worm?

Thus God repairs the ‘City Beautiful’

The angel answered [Cornelius], “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.”… About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray… [The sheet lowered] three times… While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you… Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”... The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along. The following day he arrived in Caesarea… “God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen”… Then Peter said, “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Acts 10:4-48

33

3


3

3 Mercy evidenced after 3 daysCornelius has vision v1-8Next Day: Peter receives instruction v9-16Next Day: Peter goes to Caesarea v23Next Day: Peter is Cornelius’ Temple v24-48

2 Joppa: The City BeautifulGentiles (re)build Temple through JoppaPeter learns Gentile inclusion in Joppa v9-16God’s historic trend is repaired

1 Dove, Son of DoveJonah was reluctant Prophet to GentilesPeter now reluctant Prophet to Gentiles v14

Convergence of Patterns in Acts 10Convergence of Patterns in Acts 10

You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood.1 ‘Son of Dove’ 2:5

A View to MercyA View to Mercy

The priest carries the burden of the commoner

Duty of the PriestDuty of the Priest

[The Israelite] must present [his sacrifice] at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting… Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall arrange the pieces, including the head and the fat, on the burning wood that is on the altar.Lev 1:3,7-8

Represent God to the people

Carry the people’s burdens

For the lips of a priest are to preserve knowledge… because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty Mal 2:7


End

Statement Jonah Psalm 1 2:2 18:6 2 2:3 88:7

42:7 3 2:4 5:7 4 2:5 116:3

69:2 5 2:6 68:22

30:3 6 2:7 18:6

116:4 7 2:8 31:6 8 2:9 116:13-14 9 2:9 37:39

Context 18:25-27 88:3-5,13-14

5:3-4116:1-2 69:15-16 68:13 30:1-12 18:16,19116:8-9 31:5-8116:12-19 37:7-11,29

Jonah’s Hidden PrayerJonah’s Hidden [email protected]


42:7 3 2:4 5:7 4 2:5 116:3

69:2 5 2:6 68:22

30:3 6 2:7 18:6

116:4 7 2:8 31:6 8 2:9 116:13-14 9 2:9 37:39

Context 18:25-27 88:3-5,13-14

5:3-4116:1-2 69:15-16 68:13 30:1-12 18:16,19116:8-9 31:5-8116:12-19 37:7-11,29



42:7 3 2:4 5:7 4 2:5 116:3

69:2 5 2:6 68:22

30:3 6 2:7 18:6

116:4 7 2:8 31:6 8 2:9 116:13-14 9 2:9 37:39

Context 18:25-27 88:3-5,13-14

5:3-4116:1-2 69:15-16 68:13 30:1-12 18:16,19116:8-9 31:5-8116:12-19 37:7-11,29



42:7 3 2:4 5:7 4 2:5 116:3

69:2 5 2:6 68:22

30:3 6 2:7 18:6

116:4 7 2:8 31:6 8 2:9 116:13-14 9 2:9 37:39

Context 18:25-27 88:3-5,13-14

5:3-4116:1-2 69:15-16 68:13 30:1-12 18:16,19116:8-9 31:5-8116:12-19 37:7-11,29



Quote’s ContextThe ‘Hidden’ PrayerGod brings the haughty low,







































• The Dove provided a chronologically limited Gentile salvation (~ 150 years)

“The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah [dove], and now one greater than Jonah [dove] is here.” Mt 12:41

The Lamb: Greater than the DoveThe Lamb: Greater than the Dove

• The Dove provided a geographically limited Gentile salvation (Nineveh, Assyria)

• The Dove provided an ‘agape limited’ message: he didn’t love the Gentiles all that much

How was the Lamb greater than the Dove?

Obstacles causing sin are not from God 2 Sam 11:1-3

The Power of Free WillThe Power of Free Will

Easier for King of Nineveh than Jonah simply because he saw God’s mercySmoothness of the Path to Redemption in our hands

• Jonah learns God’s mercy both from his trauma & from the Psalmists

• Note how well Jonah knew his Bible, but how poorly Jonah ‘lived’ his Bible

• Jonah saw he was called to be the Temple - an active duty

• Knowledge of the Bible essential in times of trouble, but the knowledge is not itself a virtue until it is lived

• We are God’s Temple: an active duty

Jonah’s Prayer: Vicarious LearningJonah’s Prayer: Vicarious Learning

the sign of the dove a study in jonah. the sign of the dove flight of the dove 1

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