Lesson 23 - Jonah
And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. (Jonah 1:17)
Jonah Flees from God
Parent Explanation:
Jonah tried to hide from God because he didn’t want to go to a city called Nineveh. But God sent a big storm because He wanted Jonah to listen.
Questions to Ask:
Where did Jonah try to go instead of Nineveh? (Answer: Tarshish)
What happened when Jonah ran away? (Answer: A big storm came)
Hand Motions:
Boat Sailing: Move your hand smoothly to mimic a boat sailing.
Storm Gesture: Wave arms chaotically to represent the storm.
Activities:
Storm in a Bottle: Create a simple storm in a bottle craft to show how the storm rocked Jonah’s boat.
Interactive Question: Have you ever tried to hide when you were supposed to do something?
Jonah and the Whale
Parent Explanation:
Jonah was in the big fish’s belly for three whole days! Inside, he prayed to God and said he was sorry for running away.
Questions to Ask:
What did Jonah do inside the fish? (Answer: Prayed)
How long was Jonah in the fish? (Answer: Three days and nights)
Hand Motions:
Fish Swimming: Use your hand to mimic a fish swimming through water.
Praying Hands: Fold hands in prayer.
Activities:
Big Fish Game: Use a large blanket to simulate the fish and let children experience being "swallowed" and "spat out" safely as Jonah was.
Question: What should we do when we make a mistake?
Jonah Goes to Nineveh
Parent Explanation:
After Jonah was spat out by the fish, he went to Nineveh and told everyone to stop being naughty. And they listened!
Questions to Ask:
What did Jonah tell the people of Nineveh? (Answer: To repent)
What did the people do when they heard Jonah? (Answer: They repented)
Hand Motions:
Talking Gesture: Move hands like opening and closing a book to symbolize speaking.
Change Heart: Place hand on heart and then open outward.
Activities:
Message Relay: Teach children a simple message to pass around, showing how Jonah spread God’s word.
Question: How can we help others listen?
Jonah’s Anger and the Plant
Parent Explanation:
Jonah was upset because he didn’t think the people of Nineveh deserved forgiveness. But God taught him about being kind to everyone.
Questions to Ask:
Why was Jonah angry? (Answer: Because God forgave Nineveh)
What did the plant teach Jonah? (Answer: To be compassionate)
Hand Motions:
Angry Face: Make a frown then shift to a thoughtful face.
Growing Plant: Use hands to show a plant growing and then wilting.
Activities:
Planting Seeds: Plant some seeds to watch them grow, learning about care and nurturing.
Question: Why is it good to be kind to everyone?