Jonah was distressed after his successful preaching led over 120,000 people in Nineveh to repent. God caused a plant to grow and then destroy it to remind Jonah that God is in control. The passage encourages examining one's priorities and whether one is more focused on trivial worldly things over the salvation of people's souls, as Jonah was more upset over the loss of a plant than the people of Nineveh turning to God.

2. Jonah’s Distress Jonah 4.5 - 11

3. Jonah’s Distress What brought Jonah’s distress? Stress? Unsuccessful preaching? Financial loss? Missing family?

4. Jonah’s Success More than 120,000 people repented! Jonah had time to think about success. Jonah focused on the negative.

5. Jonah’s Focus “Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, till he should see what would become of the city.” (Jonah 4.5; ESV)

6. Jonah’s Reminder God reminded Jonah who is on control by the growth of a plant. Jonah did not create the plant. Jonah did nothing – God did everything.

7. Where is Your Distress? Are you more concerned with “plants” than people? Are you worried more over your co-workers time sheet than your co-workers religion? Are you worried more over your neighbors grass thank your neighbor’s soul?

8. Are you the Older Brother? “Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!” (Luke 15.29-30; ESV)

9. Jonah’s Distress Jonah 4.5 - 11