The answer is: Jonah

Matt 12:38-39 - Referring to the three days and nights that Jonah has spent in the belly of the great fish

When Jesus mentioned Jonah in Matthew, it wasn't just a random trivia drop; it was a powerful metaphor steeped in cultural significance that his audience would immediately relate to. The story of Jonah, a figure who famously tried to escape his divine mission only to find himself coughed back onto the shore after three days in a fish, is rich in themes of redemption, second chances, and the consequences of defiance against divine will.

Just like Jonah, who eventually preached repentance to the Ninevites, Jesus likened his own coming resurrection to Jonah's experience, indicating that he would also face death but would emerge victorious after three days. Notably, that three-day time span wasn’t just from a storytelling standpoint; it echoed prevalent themes from the Hebrew scriptures about transformation after significant testing periods.

Interestingly, Jonah’s story isn't just a marine fable—it's an illustrative lesson about God’s mercy extending beyond the Israelites to everyone, including traditionally viewed "enemies.” This universalism hints at an underlying theme of inclusivity throughout the scriptures. Moreover, Jonah's melancholy spirit contrasted with the joyous message of hope brought forth by Jesus. While Jonah wept for the plant that died after only a day, Jesus highlighted the deep longing for rejuvenation among humanity, concentrated in his eventual resurrection—offering hope not just for one group, but for all. All these threads enrich our understanding of both these narratives and their enduring impact on discussions around faith and compassion.