08/31/2026
To God be the Glory!
Greetings from Hanging Moss Church of Christ
5225 Hanging Moss Rd. Jackson, MS. 39206
Our beloved Minister and Evangelist, Dr. Curtis W. Pittman, who has faithfully guided our congregation for over 51+ years.
“What’s Your Story in Reference to the Story of Jonah?”
Matthew 12:38–42
The stories of the Bible are designed to help us parallel our lives with the lives of those in Scripture. Romans 15:4 teaches that the things written before were written for our learning. Therefore, when studying the Bible, we should consider the five W’s: Who is speaking? Who are they speaking to? What is happening? When and where is it taking place? And why is it important?
In Matthew 12, Jesus was speaking to the scribes and Pharisees—religious men who prided themselves on knowing the law. Although Jesus had already performed miracles, healed the sick, and even raised the dead, they still demanded another sign. Their request revealed their unbelief. How many signs did Jesus have to show before they would believe that He was the Son of God?
Jesus called them an evil and adulterous generation because they were unfaithful to God. He told them that no additional sign would be given except the sign of the prophet Jonah. Just as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, Jesus would be in the heart of the earth. Jonah’s story pointed forward to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
Jesus also used Jonah’s story to teach them about repentance. Jonah initially said, in his actions, “I won’t go,” but he later changed to “I will go.” This change of mind led to a change in direction. Likewise, the prodigal son first refused his father’s will but later came to himself and returned home. True repentance is more than saying we are sorry—it is changing from “I won’t” to “I will.” We should not have to be swallowed up by trouble or chastened by God before we obey Him.
Jonah preached one message to Nineveh: in forty days, the city would be overthrown. He performed no miracles and offered no comforting promise, yet the Gentile people heard the warning, believed God, and repented. Jonah did not even have compassion for them—he wanted them destroyed—but God showed them mercy. If Nineveh repented after hearing one message from one reluctant prophet, what about us? We have the good news of Jesus Christ and numerous opportunities to hear God’s Word.
Jesus declared that One greater than Jonah was present. Jonah preached judgment, but Jesus brought salvation. Jonah preached reluctantly, but Jesus came because of His love for us. Jonah did not die for Nineveh, but Jesus died for the sins of the world. The people of Nineveh had one message, while many of us have heard sermon after sermon. We receive at least fifty-two Bible lessons each year, yet hearing the Word does not benefit us unless it changes us.
On the Day of Pentecost, approximately three thousand souls gladly received the Word and asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” They obeyed the message of salvation. Coming to church alone does not create repentance. We must hear the gospel, believe in Jesus Christ, repent of our sins, confess Him, and obey His will.
So, what is your story in reference to Jonah’s story? Are you still running from what God has called you to do? Are you hearing His Word but refusing to change? Or have you moved from “I won’t” to “I will”? The people of Nineveh repented when Jonah preached, and Jesus has given us something far greater—the gospel and the opportunity for salvation. The question is not whether we have heard enough. The question is: What will we do with what we have heard?
