The answer is: True

Jonah 1:1-2

Imagine the scene: God calls on Jonah, the quintessential reluctant prophet, not to his homeland but to Nineveh, a city infamous for its wickedness. This is significant because Nineveh was the epicenter of the Assyrian Empire, known for its brutality and oppression. It's likely that Jonah, being from Israel, had deep-seated reasons to oppose going there, considering the historical enmity between Israel and Assyria.

Now, why Nineveh? God's choice highlights the theme of mercy and forgiveness that runs throughout scripture. It serves as a radical reminder that compassion isn’t confined to a select group. Every city, no matter how notorious, has hope for redemption through repentance—a lesson for us all!

Fun fact: After Jonah reluctantly delivers his message of impending destruction, the entire city, from the king to the cows, participates in an act of repentance, which is a pretty unusual plot twist! It’s almost as if the mariners from the previous chapter and the people of Nineveh are echoing Jonah's own struggle with obedience. Here lies the irony: The very people Jonah deemed “unworthy” showcased a level of repentance that he struggled to achieve.

In exploring this brief scriptural narrative, it’s captivating to note how God’s call challenges our perceptions of grace. Jonah’s story invites us to consider how we respond to narratives of justice, mercy, and faithfully confronting our biases. Isn’t it refreshing to think that even the flawed can play a key role in a much broader tapestry of divine purpose?