Jonah 1 & 2
Lesson Aim
To understand that people cannot run away from God.
Hook 1: Pictures
There are many different pictures of the story of Jonah. Use children’s books or children’s Bibles. The pictures can all be very different , as long as they represent different parts of the story.
Hook 2: Large box
Put Jonah and some sailors (children) into a large box which can be the boat sailing to Tarshish. Tip the ‘boat’ more and more to represent the effects of the storm. When Jonah is thrown overboard tip him out of the ‘boat’ and turn the box upside down to represent the fish. Draw some eyes onto the side of the box and ‘swallow’ Jonah up into the fish.
Hook 3: Questions
Have you ever been fishing? Have you caught a fish? How big was it? Was it this big? (hold your arms out). Today’s Bible story involves a fish, a very, very, very big fish.
Hook 4: Artist
If you have a good artist, use their skills. I have told the story of Jonah while an artist sketched different scenes. They had to be quick and they need to practise with you beforehand so that you know exactly what they are depicting , however, it was a very successful way of illustrating the story. Be prepared, though, if you do this, the children will be watching the artist throughout the story rather than giving you their attention: this can be disconcerting.
Story tips
By carefully questioning the children they will be able to tell you most of this well-known story e.g.
What did God want Jonah to do?
Where did Jonah go to instead?
What happened as soon as the ship sailed away?
What did Jonah tell the sailors about the God and the storm?
What did the sailors finally do to Jonah?
What happened as soon as Jonah was thrown into the sea?
What do you think it would have been like inside the fish?
Application
The application should be based upon three points:
1. That we cannot run away from God, even if we go to the ends of the world.
2. Jonah in his desperate situation prayed to God and repented.
3. God heard Jonah’s prayer.
Language
Repented meaning very, very sorry (I believe that the word repented should be used but explain its meaning).