The book of Jonah contains several miracles: God spoke to Jonah, God controlled the storm, God provided a huge fish, and the fish couldn’t keep Jonah inside. Jesus treated Jonah as a real person and pointed to his three days in the fish as a picture of his own death and resurrection. The miracles in Jonah reveal a powerful God who is willing to forgive everyone who turns to him.
It’s a Miracle That God Spoke
The first miracle in the story is easy to overlook: God spoke to Jonah. It’s amazing that the Creator of the universe wants to communicate with people. Those of us who have read the Bible for years can take it for granted. But when God speaks, things happen.
Isaiah 55:11 So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
It’s a Miracle That God Controlled the Storm
The storm in Jonah 1 wasn’t bad luck. God sent it. In the ancient world, the sea was a symbol of chaos that no one could tame. But it’s not untamable to God.
Psalm 89:9 You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them.
God didn’t just cause the storm; he stopped it instantly when Jonah was thrown overboard. Experienced sailors had never seen anything like it, and they were in awe of his power.
It’s a Miracle That God Provided the Fish
God is in charge of creation, from the largest animals to the smallest.
Jonah 1:17 Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.
Later, God provided a plant and a tiny worm to teach Jonah a lesson (Jonah 4:6-7). Throughout Scripture, God uses animals for his purposes, from the ram caught in a thicket for Abraham to Balaam’s talking donkey.
It’s a Miracle That the Fish Couldn’t Keep Jonah
After three days and three nights, the fish spit Jonah onto dry land. That may sound impossible, but nothing is impossible for the God who spoke the universe into existence. Jesus pointed to this very miracle when religious leaders demanded a sign.
Matthew 12:40 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.
Just as the fish couldn’t keep Jonah, the grave couldn’t keep Jesus. His resurrection is the greatest miracle of all, because it conquered sin and death for everyone who trusts him. You can read more in What Was the Sign of Jonah?
The Greatest Miracle: A Changed Heart
There’s one more miracle in Jonah: the people of Nineveh repented. Only God can soften hearts like that.
Romans 2:4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
God may be speaking to you right now, drawing you to himself through his kindness. He won’t force you, but he invites you to respond.
The Takeaway
The book of Jonah is full of miracles: God speaking, God controlling the storm, God providing a fish, and the fish releasing Jonah. Each one points to Jesus, whose resurrection made forgiveness and new life possible for anyone who turns to him.
