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    Jonah and the Whale: Sunday School Lesson

    Jonah 1–4

    Ages 4–10 ~40 min Memory: Jonah 2:9
    Download printable worksheet PDF

    Big Idea

    We cannot run from God, and His mercy is bigger than we think — even for people we don't like.

    Story Summary

    God told Jonah to preach to the wicked city of Nineveh, but Jonah ran the other way and boarded a ship to Tarshish. The LORD sent a great storm, and Jonah was thrown into the sea — where God prepared a great fish to swallow him. After three days Jonah prayed, the fish spit him onto dry land, and Jonah finally obeyed. Nineveh repented, and God showed mercy.

    Read the full retelling →

    Memory Verse (KJV)

    “Salvation is of the LORD.”

    Jonah 2:9

    Discussion Questions

    1. Why did Jonah try to run from God?

      Teacher hint: He didn't want Nineveh — Israel's enemy — to be forgiven (Jonah 4:2).

    2. Can anyone really hide from God? Why or why not?
    3. What did Jonah do inside the fish?

      Teacher hint: He prayed (Jonah 2).

    4. How did the people of Nineveh respond to Jonah's message?
    5. Is there someone hard to love that God might want you to pray for this week?

    Craft Idea: Paper-Plate Whale with Jonah Inside

    Supplies

    • One paper plate per child
    • Blue paint or crayons
    • White googly eye sticker (or paper circle)
    • Small Jonah figure drawn on paper
    • Scissors and glue

    Steps

    1. Color or paint the paper plate blue — this is the whale.
    2. Cut a wedge out of one side for the mouth (save the wedge as the tail fin and glue it on the back).
    3. Add the eye sticker above the mouth.
    4. Tuck the little Jonah figure inside the mouth so children can pull him out as they retell the story.

    Printable Worksheet

    The printable bundle includes the story page, a Jonah 2:9 memory-verse card, a quiz worksheet with answer key, and a Jonah and the Whale coloring page.

    Download PDF Take the quiz online Coloring page

    Lesson flow (45 minutes)

    1. Welcome (5 min): Pray, then read the memory verse aloud three times together.
    2. Story (10 min): Tell the story summary in your own words; open a KJV to Jonah 1–4.
    3. Discussion (10 min): Walk through the questions above. Let every child answer at least once.
    4. Craft (15 min): Make the paper-plate whale with jonah inside.
    5. Wrap-up (5 min): Hand out the worksheet to finish at home and recite the memory verse one last time.

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    Where to go next

    Teaching Jonah and the Whale? Here is what to grab next for your class.