“But you have a greater than Johan here.”  ( Luke 11:32 )

From the explanation provided by Studium Biblicum: Jonah, son of Amittai, lived in Israel from 786 to 746 B.C.  He did not leave any writings.  In the mid fifth century B.C., an author wrote the Book of Jonah with the prophet Jonah himself as the main character.  His writing purpose was to attack the hostility of the Israelites towards the gentiles, and the radical chauvinism demonstrated by the Israelites.

The Book of Jonah was not an account of historical facts.  The purpose of this book was to teach the readers that the Lord is merciful.

Although the author did not write historical facts, he expounded the role played by the Israelites in human history and the mission entrusted to them in the salvation of the mankind.

Matthew pointed out the significance of the fact that Jonah stayed in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights, “An evil and unfaithful age is eager for a sign!  No sign will be given it but that of the prophet Jonah.  Just as Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of Man spend three days and three nights in the bowels of the earth.”  (Matthew 12:39-40)

For the Jewish or gentiles, the risen Lord Jesus is the sign.

A new life comes from an absolute sacrifice!