GraceSheetKidsJonah
God asked Jonah to go one direction, so Jonah — famously — went the other way. He ended up swallowed by a great fish before he finally did what God asked. His story is a funny, honest reminder that we really can't outrun God, and that His mercy is bigger than we expect.
Big idea: We can't run from God — and His mercy really is for everyone.
Make Jonah worksheets for your class now.
Create free Jonah worksheets →Jonah's Story
- Jonah Runs Away. Instead of going where God sent him, Jonah sails the opposite direction.
- The Storm and the Fish. A great storm and a great fish bring Jonah back to where he needs to be.
- Jonah's Prayer. Inside the fish, Jonah prays and God rescues him.
- Nineveh Repents. Jonah finally preaches to Nineveh, and the whole city turns to God.
Where to Find Jonah in the Bible
- Jonah — his whole story
Where This Is in the Bible
Where this is in the Bible: Jonah (OT #32 of 39) — out of all 66 books.
Character Traits to Teach
Honest about his struggles · Eventually obedient · Learns about God's mercy
Key Verses About Jonah
- Jonah 2:2 — "In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me" — Jonah's prayer inside the fish. Make a Jonah 2:2 worksheet →
Teaching Ideas by Age
- Make a big-fish craft that 'swallows' a paper Jonah.
- Talk about a time you didn't want to do something God asked.
- Discuss how God's mercy is for people we might not expect.