How does the story of Jonah foreshadow Christ?

The story of Jonah is rich in typology, foreshadowing the work of Christ in profound ways. Jonah's being three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish parallels Christ's future death and burial, as indicated by Jesus Himself (Matthew 12:40). Just as Jonah was seemingly lost to the depths, so Christ would be laid in the tomb. However, the resurrection is key to both narratives; Jonah is delivered from the fish, and Christ is raised from the dead, securing victory over sin and death. This prefiguring illustrates not only the necessity of Christ's sacrifice but also God's sovereign plan to offer salvation to all nations, just as Jonah's eventual obedience leads to the salvation of the Ninevites. Thus, the account of Jonah points not only to the narrative of repentance and grace but ultimately to the redemptive work of Jesus as the greater prophet who fulfills God's purpose.