Character Profile
Jonah
Alias: The Ark Builder
Superpowers:
Unveiling the Legend
Jonah was a prophet chosen by the Lord to deliver a message of repentance to the people of Nineveh, a city known for its wickedness. However, instead of obeying the Lord’s command, Jonah attempted to flee from his divine calling, boarding a ship bound for Tarshish. Yet, his escape was short-lived, as a great storm arose, threatening the ship and its crew. Realizing that he was the cause of the storm, Jonah instructed the sailors to throw him overboard, where he was swallowed by a great fish. In the belly of the fish, Jonah repented and prayed to the Lord, who then commanded the fish to vomit him onto dry land. With renewed resolve, Jonah journeyed to Nineveh and delivered the message of repentance, leading the city to turn from its wicked ways and receive God’s mercy.
- Survived Being Swallowed by a Fish: Jonah’s miraculous survival after being swallowed by a great fish serves as a testament to the power of divine intervention and the importance of obedience to the Lord’s will.
- Preached Repentance to Nineveh: Despite his initial reluctance, Jonah eventually obeyed the Lord’s command and delivered a powerful message of repentance to the people of Nineveh, leading to their collective repentance and salvation.
- Learned the Importance of Compassion: Through his experiences, Jonah gained a deeper understanding of God’s compassion and mercy, realizing that no one is beyond redemption.
His Own Fear and Pride: Jonah’s greatest adversaries were his own fear and pride, which initially led him to flee from his divine calling and resist God’s will.
- The Lord: Throughout his journey, Jonah receives guidance and protection from the Lord, who ultimately leads him to fulfill his prophetic mission.
- The People of Nineveh: Despite their initial wickedness, the people of Nineveh heed Jonah’s message and repent, demonstrating their capacity for transformation and redemption.
Family Discussion Questions
Use these questions during family time, devotions, or dinner. Choose what fits your family – there’s no need to do them all.
Ages 4–6
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Who was Jonah?
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Did Jonah listen to God right away?
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Did God still care about Jonah?
Ages 7–9
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Jonah tried to run away from what God asked him to do. Have you ever wanted to avoid something hard?
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Why do you think Jonah was afraid to obey God?
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How can obeying God help us even when we don’t feel like it?
Ages 10–13
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Jonah didn’t want to forgive the people of Nineveh. Why can forgiveness be difficult?
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Read Jonah 1–4. What stands out to you about God’s mercy?
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How can choosing obedience change our hearts?
God is patient and merciful, and He invites us to obey Him and show kindness to others.
THIS HERO’S CHALLENGE
Jonah learned that running away from God doesn’t lead to peace, but obedience and repentance lead to growth and mercy.
This week, choose one thing God is asking you to do that you’ve been avoiding.
Pray together and take one step of obedience, trusting God to help you like He helped Jonah.
What made obedience hard?
How did God show mercy?
Why do you think God cares about everyone?
📖 Jonah 1
📖 Jonah 2
📖 Jonah 3
📖 Jonah 4
Memory Verse:
“Salvation comes from the Lord.” - Jonah 2:9
Game Zone:
Quiz Time
Word Search
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