Once upon a time, there was a man named Jonah. God spoke to Jonah and said, “Go to the city of Nineveh and tell the people to stop doing bad things.” But Jonah was scared and did not want to go. Instead, he ran away on a ship, far away from Nineveh.
As the ship sailed on the big, blue sea, dark clouds covered the sky. The wind began to roar like a lion. Huge waves jumped up and down, splashing water everywhere. The sailors were very afraid. They prayed to their gods, but the storm only got worse.
Jonah knew the storm was because he was running from God. He told the sailors, “Throw me into the sea, and the storm will stop.” At first, the sailors did not want to do it, but the waves were too strong. So, they gently picked Jonah up and threw him into the water.
As Jonah sank into the deep, cold sea, a big fish came swimming. This was no ordinary fish! It was as big as a house! The fish opened its mouth wide and swallowed Jonah whole. Inside the fish’s belly, it was dark and wet, like a little, scary cave.
Jonah felt very lonely and afraid. He prayed to God, saying, “Please help me! I am sorry for running away. Thank you for saving me!” Jonah stayed inside the big fish for three whole days and three nights. Then, the fish swam to the shore and spit Jonah out on dry land.
God gave Jonah a second chance. This time, Jonah obeyed. He went to Nineveh and told the people, “God says, ‘Stop being bad and turn to Him.’” The people listened! They were sorry for their mistakes and promised to live better lives.
God was very happy because the people changed their hearts. He showed His love by forgiving them. Jonah learned that God’s love is big and strong, just like the big fish that saved him.
Isn’t it amazing that God cares for everyone? Even when we make mistakes, God wants us to say sorry and follow Him again. God’s love never gives up!
Questions to think about
- Why did Jonah run away from God at first?
- What happened when Jonah was on the ship?
- How long was Jonah inside the big fish?
- What did Jonah do when he was inside the fish?
- How did the people of Nineveh change after Jonah told them God’s message?
Message of the story
God loves us very much and always gives us a second chance when we say sorry and choose to follow Him.
Bible passage
Jonah 1–4
