In this passage, Jesus draws a parallel between Jonah's experience and His own impending death and resurrection. Jonah's time in the belly of the fish is seen as a precursor to Jesus' burial and resurrection. By referencing Jonah, Jesus is not only affirming the historical event but also using it as a sign to the people of His time to illustrate His divine mission. The 'three days and three nights' signifies a complete period, emphasizing the certainty and completeness of God's plan.
This analogy serves to prepare His followers for the events to come and to strengthen their faith. It underscores the theme of deliverance and redemption, central to Christian belief. Jesus' resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, symbolizing victory over sin and death. This passage reassures believers of God's sovereignty and the hope of eternal life. It invites reflection on the depth of God's love and the assurance that, just as Jonah was delivered, so too will believers be delivered through Christ.
