1. Jonah's anger (1-3)

Jonah's ministry in Nineveh was successful--and Jonah was angry. He had not wanted to go to Nineveh in the first place because he was afraid that the Ninevites would repent, and that God would relent and not destroy them. Now, Jonah the Jewish patriot was angry and miserable.

2. The lesson of the vine (4-11)

Jonah demonstrated. He sat down east of Nineveh and waited for God to destroy the city. Instead, God taught him a lesson. He provided a vine to shade Jonah from the hot sun. Jonah was happy about the vine. He did not deserve to have such a vine; it was God's grace. Then God sent a worm to chew the vine, and it withered. This made Jonah angry; but he had no reason to be angry about grace removed. Jonah should not resent God's compassion for sinful people and cattle, for this was the same compassion which God had shown Jonah. God wants all people to repent and be saved.

Application: Lord, forgive my selfishness and teach me the wideness of your mercy.
One Word: God loves all people