How is the sign of Jonah related to Jesus' death and resurrection?

The sign of Jonah is a profound and significant symbol that Jesus Christ Himself used to foreshadow His death, burial, and resurrection. Understanding this connection requires a deep dive into both the Old Testament story of Jonah and the New Testament teachings of Jesus. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus explicitly refers to Jonah when He is asked for a sign by the scribes and Pharisees. He responds, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah" (Matthew 12:39, ESV). This statement invites us to explore the narrative of Jonah and its prophetic implications concerning Jesus' mission.

The story of Jonah is found in the Old Testament book named after the prophet. Jonah is called by God to go to the city of Nineveh and preach repentance. However, Jonah attempts to flee from God's command by boarding a ship headed in the opposite direction. A great storm arises, and Jonah, recognizing that he is the cause, tells the sailors to throw him overboard to calm the sea. Once he is cast into the water, a great fish swallows him, and Jonah remains in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights. Eventually, the fish vomits Jonah onto dry land, and he proceeds to Nineveh to fulfill God's command.

Jesus draws a parallel between Jonah's experience and His own impending death and resurrection. He states, "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" (Matthew 12:40, ESV). This comparison highlights several key aspects:

1. The Time Frame: The most direct parallel is the time period of three days and three nights. Jonah's entrapment in the belly of the fish symbolizes Jesus' entombment after His crucifixion. This period signifies a complete cycle of death and resurrection, emphasizing the miraculous nature of both events. While Jesus' actual time in the tomb was from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning, which is understood as parts of three days by Jewish reckoning, the symbolism remains powerful and intact.

2. The Depths of Despair: Jonah's descent into the depths of the sea and his entrapment in the fish's belly represent a journey into the realm of death and chaos. Similarly, Jesus' crucifixion and burial signify His descent into the depths of human sin and death. Both narratives convey a movement from a place of apparent hopelessness to a miraculous deliverance orchestrated by God.

3. Divine Intervention and Deliverance: In both stories, divine intervention plays a crucial role. Jonah's deliverance from the fish is an act of God's mercy and power, just as Jesus' resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of God's triumph over sin and death. The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming that Jesus is indeed the Son of God and the Savior of the world.

4. A Call to Repentance: Jonah's mission to Nineveh was to call the city to repentance. Remarkably, the people of Nineveh responded to Jonah's message and turned from their wicked ways. Jesus, through His death and resurrection, calls humanity to repentance and offers the hope of redemption. In Matthew 12:41, Jesus points out, "The men of Nineveh will rise up 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" (ESV). Jesus' message is clear: if the people of Nineveh repented at Jonah's preaching, how much more should people repent in response to the message of Jesus, who is greater than Jonah.

5. A Sign of Judgment and Mercy: The sign of Jonah serves as both a warning of judgment and a promise of mercy. Jonah's initial reluctance and subsequent obedience highlight God's patience and willingness to forgive. Jesus' death and resurrection similarly embody the dual themes of judgment against sin and the offer of mercy and grace to all who believe. The cross stands as a testament to the seriousness of sin and the extent of God's love.

The sign of Jonah, therefore, is not just a historical reference but a deeply theological symbol that encapsulates the core of the Gospel message. Jesus' use of this sign underscores His identity as the Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. It also serves as a call to faith and repentance, urging people to recognize the significance of His death and resurrection.

The early church fathers also saw the connection between Jonah and Jesus. For instance, Tertullian, in his work "An Answer to the Jews," writes about the sign of Jonah as a prefiguration of Christ's resurrection. He emphasizes that just as Jonah was given as a sign to the Ninevites, Jesus' resurrection is a sign to all nations, calling them to repentance and faith.

Moreover, the sign of Jonah highlights the universality of God's salvation plan. Jonah's mission to the Gentile city of Nineveh prefigures the spread of the Gospel to all nations. Jesus' resurrection breaks down the barriers between Jew and Gentile, offering salvation to all who believe. The Apostle Paul echoes this in his letter to the Ephesians, stating, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:13, ESV).

In summary, the sign of Jonah is intricately related to Jesus' death and resurrection in multiple ways. It serves as a prophetic symbol of the three days Jesus would spend in the tomb, a representation of His descent into the depths of death, and a powerful demonstration of God's deliverance and mercy. It calls for repentance and faith, highlighting the seriousness of sin and the boundless love of God. The sign of Jonah, therefore, is a profound testament to the redemptive work of Christ and a call to embrace the salvation He offers.