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Jonah 1-3 | Jonah Finds God’s Way

Lesson Overview for ADULTS

Jonah was a prophet who disobeyed God’s command to go to Nineveh and preach repentance. Instead, he tried to flee by ship to Tarshish, but God sent a great storm that endangered everyone on board. When the sailors discovered Jonah was the cause, he told them to throw him overboard to save themselves. God prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah, where he remained for three days and nights before repenting and being delivered to dry land. God then commanded Jonah again to go to Nineveh, and this time he obeyed. His preaching led the entire city to repent, and God showed mercy by sparing them from destruction.

Opening Activity: What’s that Smell? 10:15-10:30 a.m.

ITEMS NEEDED:

  • 5-6 small containers with lids
  • Vanilla extract
  • Peppermint oil or candy
  • Sliced apples or oranges
  • Cookies or chocolate
  • Canned fish

Gather various items with distinct aromas (peppermint, vanilla extract, sliced apples, cookies, fish) and place each in separate container with lids. Make sure to include one container with canned salmon, tuna, or sardines. Keep the contents hidden from the children throughout the activity.

Have the children close their eyes. Allow each child to smell the different containers one at a time. Ask them to identify what they think is inside each container based on the scent alone. After they’ve smelled all the containers, explain that today’s Bible story involves one of these particular smells. Ask the children to predict which smell connects to the lesson they’re about to hear.

Bible Verse Game (10:30-10:40 a.m.)

Materials Needed:

Begin by having children color and create their whale craft. Help children staple the edges to form a pocket.

Next, send children on a scavenger hunt around the room to find hidden envelopes containing different sea creatures. Each child should collect one of each type of animal to place inside their whale’s “stomach.”

The grand finale comes when you, as the teacher, reveal your special mystery envelope and ask the children to guess what’s inside before dramatically unveiling Jonah himself!

Song and Movement (10:40-10:50 a.m.)

Who Did Swallow Jonah?

Only play the Jonah portion. Repeat it at least 3 times teaching it to the kids.

Bible Lesson (10:50-11:00 a.m.)

Start by asking kids where to find the story in the Bible:

  • Where do we find Jonah’s story in the Bible? (The book of Jonah)
  • Is the book of Jonah in the Old Testament or New Testament? (Old Testament)

Jonah and the Big Fish

God’s Way is Best!

Once upon a time, there was a man named Jonah. Jonah loved God very much. One day, God asked Jonah to do something very important.

“Jonah,” God said, “I want you to go to a city called Nineveh. Tell the people there about me.”

But Jonah didn’t want to go to Nineveh. He thought those people were mean and didn’t deserve to hear about God. So Jonah decided to run away instead!

Jonah got on a big boat and sailed far, far away from where God wanted him to go. “Maybe God will forget,” Jonah thought.

But God didn’t forget. God made a big storm come! The wind blew WHOOSH! The waves went SPLASH! The boat rocked back and forth. Everyone was scared!

Jonah knew the storm was because he didn’t obey God. “Throw me in the water!” Jonah told the sailors. “Then the storm will stop!”

The sailors didn’t want to, but finally they threw Jonah into the big, splashing waves. Right away, the storm stopped! The water became calm and quiet.

But guess what? Jonah didn’t drown! God sent a HUGE fish! The fish opened its mouth wide and GULP! It swallowed Jonah whole. But the fish didn’t hurt him. Jonah was safe inside the fish’s belly.

For three whole days, Jonah sat inside the dark fish. There wasn’t much to do, so Jonah talked to God. “God, I’m sorry I didn’t obey you,” Jonah prayed. “I should have listened. Your way is best!”

When God heard Jonah’s prayer, something amazing happened! The big fish swam to the beach and opened its mouth. BLAH! Out came Jonah, right onto the sand!

God spoke to Jonah again. “Now will you go to Nineveh and tell the people about me?”

This time, Jonah said, “Yes, God! I will obey you!” And off he went to Nineveh.

When Jonah got to the city, he told everyone about God’s love. And you know what? The people listened! They were sorry for the bad things they had done. They prayed to God and said, “We want to follow you!”

God was so happy! He forgave all the people in Nineveh because they asked him to.

At first, Jonah was still grumpy about it. But then God helped Jonah understand something very important: God loves everyone, and everyone deserves to hear about God’s love!

Jonah learned that when God asks us to do something, it’s always best to obey right away. God’s way is always the best way!

Remember: Just like Jonah, when we obey God right away, good things happen! God’s way is always best!

Free Time: Playdoh Mat (11:00-11:15 a.m.)

Items Needed

Allow kids to use Playdoh to Recreate the story on the Jonah Playdoh mats. You can also have dry erase markers and allow them to color the black and white image. Mats should be placed inside of the reusable dry erase pouches.

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