The Story of Jonah
What’s inside...
The biblical story of Jonah, often retold in children's literature, follows the prophet 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's presence by boarding a ship bound for Tarshish. God sends a great storm, and the sailors, realizing that Jonah's disobedience has brought the storm upon them, throw him overboard. Jonah is then swallowed by a great fish, provided by God, where he spends three days and three nights. In the belly of the fish, Jonah prays to God and repents. The fish vomits Jonah onto dry land, and he goes to Nineveh to deliver God's message. The people of Nineveh believe Jonah's warning and repent, and God spares the city from destruction. The story ends with Jonah grappling with his anger at God's mercy and learning a lesson about compassion and divine grace.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
12 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Jonah felt when he was inside the big fish? Why?
How did Jonah change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Why is it important to listen and follow instructions?
What would you have done if you were in Jonah’s place?
How can we learn from Jonah's experience about making choices?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Jonah's situation, fostering empathy and deeper understanding of the character's feelings.
Discuss the concept of responsibility and consequences of actions as presented in the book to connect the story to real-life situations your child might face.
Use expressive read-aloud techniques, changing your tone and pace to match the narrative moments, which can help your child grasp the emotional undertones of the story.
After reading, relate the themes of the book to personal or family values, which reinforces the lessons learned from Jonah's story.
Invite your child to draw or act out different scenes from the book, which can help solidify their understanding and interpretation of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Obedience and Responsibility
Explanation: Jonah's initial decision to flee from his responsibilities sets the stage for his struggles. His journey teaches the importance of following guidance and accepting tasks.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of listening to authority figures like parents and teachers, and the consequences of ignoring responsibilities.
Example Lesson: Repentance and Forgiveness
Explanation: Jonah's story of repentance in the belly of the whale and the forgiveness he receives is central to the narrative. This highlights the themes of redemption and the power of second chances.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of saying sorry and making amends, and teaches them that everyone deserves a second chance.
Example Lesson: Courage and Facing Fears
Explanation: Jonah's decision to go to Nineveh despite his fears demonstrates bravery. His courage to preach to the Ninevites about their wrongdoings shows his growth.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears and challenges boldly, understanding that facing fears is part of personal growth.
Example Lesson: The Impact of Actions on Others
Explanation: Jonah's actions not only affect him but also the sailors on the ship with him. This interconnectivity is a crucial part of the story.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to consider how their actions can impact others around them, promoting empathy and social responsibility.