The wild sea

I heard an interesting insight from Professor Jim Lucas on the story of Jonah.  This relates to today's reading in Matthew.
The disciples were in the boat with Jesus when a massive storm came up.  The disciples were afraid and saw that Jesus was sleeping, so they went to him and asked "Don't you care that we're going to die?"
The disciples would have been familiar with the story of Jonah, and quite likely would have automatically thought of the storm motif in the story of Jonah.  It was the same situation.  A wild storm comes up, tosses the boat around, and the pagans in the story of Jonah were terrified, and saw this man of God asleep in the midst of it.  Fortunately, the disciples didn't have to throw Jesus overboard to calm the storm, as Jesus had power over the storm.

I have some additional comments on the story of Jonah, since we're on this topic.  These ideas actually came from Lucas as well.
Consider this: Jonah is actually suicidal – he’d rather die than do the will of God.  You see, in those days, the sea was the most dangerous place to be as no one knew much about it.  But Jonah was so desperate to escape the will of God that he goes to sea in order to run away.  Once he finds himself in the storm, and the sailors ask him what to do, he again takes the more dangerous route, requesting that he be thrown overboard (and thereby be drowned), rather than suggesting they just row back to shore so he can continue on to Nineveh.  When God rescues Jonah by sending a fish, Jonah would not have been pleased.  His efforts at drowning were foiled.  He finally goes to Nineveh, but only preaches half the message, telling the Ninevites of impending doom, but leaving out the message of hope and possible redemption.  Miraculously, wherever Jonah went, in spite of himself, revival broke out!  The sailors on the boat prayed to God regarding Jonah's fate, and the Ninevites repented.

Jonah in the belly of a whale

When I read the story of Jonah, I sometimes wonder if God made the Ninevites repent just to spite Jonah.  I know that's not how God works, but still.  However, I read in my bible footnotes today that the reason the Ninevites may have so quickly repented and turned to God is because they had recently experienced an eclipse, the Assyrian empire (of which they were a part) was at a super low point, and the economy/environment wasn't as stable and sure as it used to be.  When Jonah presented an option of turning to God to avoid destruction, the Ninevites were quick to do so in order to avoid any further uncertainties.

Reaching out in trust and acceptance to those we dislike is tough, but Jonah's story clearly demonstrates God's love for all, and indicates that we should follow in his footsteps, even if it is difficult.