In chapter three of Jonah, much to Jonah’s dismay, God compassionately forgives Nineveh when they repent. Today in chapter four, Jonah sulks like a stubborn child, still hoping that God will destroy the city. Jonah likes God’s compassion toward him, but he prefers that other sinners receive God’s punishment rather than his grace.

God again shows compassion by giving Jonah an object lesson in the form of a little vine. When the vine withers, Jonah throws a tantrum, but God steps into the teachable moment. If Jonah is concerned about a little plant, shouldn’t God be concerned about the many people he has made? Our God is a compassionate mentor who patiently teaches, persisting with us even in our defiance. In fact, His grace always abounds and it is always undeserved.