Jonah and a Very Big Fish (Did You Know Old Testament Bible Story)
Did You Know Old Testament Bible Story Series
What’s inside...
The biblical story of Jonah involves a prophet named Jonah who is called by God to go to the city of Nineveh to preach against its wickedness. Instead of obeying, Jonah attempts to flee from God by boarding a ship headed in the opposite direction. God sends a great storm, and the sailors, realizing that Jonah is the cause, throw him overboard after Jonah suggests it. Jonah is then swallowed by a large fish, often depicted as a whale, where he spends three days and three nights. Inside the fish, Jonah prays to God, and he is eventually vomited onto dry land. Jonah then goes to Nineveh and delivers God's message, leading to the city's repentance and the averting of God's wrath. The story is often interpreted as a lesson in obedience, repentance, and God's mercy.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Jonah felt when he was inside the big fish?
Why do you think Jonah tried to run away from what he was supposed to do?
How do you think the story would have changed if Jonah had made different choices?
What did you learn about forgiveness and second chances from this story?
How can we apply Jonah's lessons to our own lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Jonah's place and imagine what it was like. Discuss the moral and spiritual lessons and how they relate to everyday situations. Highlight the importance of responsibility and following through on commitments, as shown in Jonah's eventual decision to fulfill his mission. Use expressive reading to bring the story vividly to life and captivate your child's imagination. Finally, reinforce the message that everyone can make mistakes, but it's possible to make things right again.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Obedience
Explanation: Jonah’s initial refusal to follow God’s direction and the subsequent consequences illustrate the importance of obedience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of listening to authority figures like parents or teachers to avoid negative outcomes and foster a harmonious environment.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Through Jonah's mission tasked by God, the story highlights the importance of responsibility in completing given tasks.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the significance of fulfilling their duties, such as completing homework or chores.
Example Lesson: Redemption and Forgiveness
Explanation: Jonah’s prayer from inside the fish and his eventual release show that seeking forgiveness and correcting one's mistakes can lead to redemption.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apologize and make amends when they make mistakes, understanding that forgiveness is always available.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Jonah’s decision to go to Nineveh despite his fears demonstrates bravery in facing daunting tasks.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to tackle difficult situations or face their fears confidently, understanding that courage is rewarded.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The book concludes with a lesson on compassion, as God teaches Jonah to care for the people of Nineveh despite their faults.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of empathy by treating others kindly and understanding their perspectives, even when they are different from their own.