The story of Jonah preaches not just to Nineveh. Rather, the real focus of the story is on the prophet himself. Who and what Jonah represents carries a far more powerful and pointed message to us today than any warning he may have carried to Nineveh. The author of Jonah uses the tale of the spoiled and selfish prophet to speak to a hardened and smug post-exilic Israel. Like Jonah, the Hebrews in exile were increasingly hostile towards all their Gentile neighbors, while nursing a growing self-righteousness about their own status as the chosen people of the Lord.

The verses for this week highlight the actions of the citizens of Nineveh, not Jonah's personal impact on them. The prophet's entire message to the city consists of one phrase, "Yet forty days and Nineveh shall be overthrown" (vers…