The story of Jonah is perplexing. He is a prophet, but he does not act like a prophet. He hears the Word of the Lord, but he is reluctant to share it. He experiences God, but at every turn he is pushing away from this experience. After his famous near-death-experience, he gets himself back “on track.” But when he watches God demonstrate mercy on the city of Nineveh after the people repent, instead of rejoicing, he complains. The story of Jonah is indeed perplexing, but it is also compelling, and what it can teach us about God is illuminating. Let’s dive in.