Nineveh was the flourishing capital of the Assyrian empire (2 Kings 19:36; Isa. 37:37). The book of the prophet Nahum is almost exclusively taken up with prophetic denunciations against this city. Its ruin and utter desolation are foretold (Nahum 1:14; 3:19, etc.). Its end was strange, sudden, tragic. (Nahum 2:6–11) According to the Bible, it was God's doing, his judgement on Assyria's pride (Jonah Nah). In fulfilment of prophecy, God made "an utter end of the place". It became a "desolation". Zephaniah also (2:13–15) predicts its destruction along with the fall of the empire of which it was the capital.Nineveh's repentence and salvation from evil is noted in the Gospel of Matthew (12:41) and the Gospel of Luke (11:32).
Jonah and the people of Nineveh had something in common and God address both. PRIDE
In the Belly of a Whale? Yea Right sure....... Skeptics say that no whale could swallow a man in the first place, and, even if he did, the man would certainly never survive three days and three nights in his belly, as the Bible claims. Jonah is a lesson about a HERO, who needed a lesson in LOVE, to bubble forth with the love of GOD, and how we can learn by looking at ourself in a mirror of life.
My dad always told me "son always look for the good in people not just the bad". What wisdom he shared with me. Over the past few years I have grown a tail [hair] hanging from the back of my head. Me, a man who has always had short hair. Flat-top cuts now with a long 'tail' hanging down. I could'nt understand my own thinking about this, but God had a purpose. A purpose you ask? A long tail? Yes, it has shown me how people judge others by their looks, and not from what is inside their very being. I find it simular to Joah and his illustration about love.
Jonah gives us a negative illustration of love. I see Jonah as a good example of how we tend to judge others and consider ourselves to be better than others. In this walk of the prohets during this period it seems hat the prophets were more concerned about the present failings of the people to follow the law than with future predictions. The word prophet we teach the children is to 'bubble forth'.
This is a great example of what Jesus talk us that we should NOT DO!. Pride should be overcome by becoming HUMBLE. This is a foundation of a HERO. HUMBLENESS.
Jonah’s life illustrates this failure. Jesus summed up the whole law in one phrase, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Jonah definitely illustrates not loving one’s neighbor. Loving involves forgiveness. Jonah would not forgive the Assyrians for their evil. Instead, he clung with pride to his heritage as a Jew, the chosen people of God, and he condemned the Assyrians. I think Jonah mistakenly thought that he deserved the favor of God. I think his prayer in chapter 2 demonstrates that. He called on God for deliverance without repenting of his evil. Why did God choose Israel? Because they were the biggest nation? Because they were more spiritual than the rest? No. He chose them out of grace. [Teacher Read Ezk 16]
Jonah forgot where the heart of God was. [Here I like to take a mirror or have one of those large dressing mirrors set up and allow each child to walk infront of it and take a look at themselves]. To make a point that sometimes we do the same things as others all around us.
If Jonah would have recognized his own short comings or evil, he would have seen that he was just as bad as the Ninevites. This reminds me of the parable of the unforgiving servant, who was forgiven an enormous debt by the king. He in turn refused to forgive a fellow slave a small debt. When the king found out, the unforgiving servant was handed over to the torturers until he could repay the debt. I think God was in a attempt to make Jonah to try to make him see his evil, so he would repent and so he would recognize that he was no better than those he hated. He should have forgiven them and gone to help them. The message of the unforgiving servant is that we should forgive, because we have been forgiven. Jonah was forgiven and delivered from the fish, but he did not see it that way. Respect comes with obedience? In todays world our children seemed to have lost RESPECT and replaced it with PRIDE and conditions. IF you do this, I will do that? ME, myself and I? What happened to others. A real HERO is about OTHERS not SELF?
Jonah Disobeying
(chapter 1)
God's Command (1:1-2)
God commanded Jonah to go to Ninevah and preach to them about their sinfulness and call them to repentance. This is the only time in the OT where Israel is commanded to actively pursue the Gentiles. God’s Covenant with Abraham mentioned that through Abraham’s descendants God would bless the nations, but no Israelite is ever commanded to go to the nations and tell them about God. They were to have a passive witness. The Gentiles were supposed to see the difference between their society and Israel’s and be attracted to it. The OT is full of examples of Gentiles who became Jewish proselytes and worshipped Yahweh - Ruth, Jael, Shamgar, the woman at Jericho.
Jonah's Disobedience (1:3) We must teach children that there is acountability for not obeying. A consequence for our actions we make.
What is Jonah’s reaction to God’s command? God give all of us a CHOICE. That is what makes us so unique. Jonah's choice could either have been OK GOD I will do as you ask, but ... He refused. Jonah tried to run from his problem. And yes, this was a big problem. When God asks us to do something and obey, then oops? It is important that children learn to COMMUNICATE. Yes it is important here that the teacher take some time and talk about this. How we should Communicate and not be silent like Jonah. Well here we go, Jonaha was on the fast track out of town. He didn’t say anything. He did'nt COMMUNICATE with God. He just left town. Notice the route he took: He went down to Joppa. Found a ship going down to Tarshish, so he went down into the boat. If God is up then down is bad. Every thing Jonah did took him further from God. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT HERE that we stress that yes our actions can lead us further away from God, but GOD NEVER LEAVES US?
God's Disipline (1:4-9)
This section emphasizes God’s complete control over ALL things including over nature. He sent the wind and caused the sea to roar and roll.
Here theheathen sailors who feared and are praying while the man of God is complacently sleeping below. The sailors were praying to the wrong gods, but they were convicted by the events at sea. Jonah’s lack of reaction is significant. Sin hardens the heart and makes us insensitive. Here we see that Jonah is insensitive to what God is doing. And we see the first of many contrasts between the heathens and Jonah. Jonah is insensitive, but the heathens are aware that something out of the ordinary is going on and they are praying to their gods.
Jonah’s statement in 1:9 is the exact opposite of what his actions show. He does not fear God. If he did, he would have obeyed the first time, and at the least, been praying because of the storm. Yes we should fear God. RESPECT: We are to reverence God, respect Him, acknowledging how great God is and we are submitted to his rulership. In the same way child would in relation to their parent[s]. God can be gracious or if we are in rebellion and lose our view of fear he can also judge. The fear of God, is having an awesome reverence that can only come from knowing Him by experiencing His presence and seeing His work in our lives. When God's awesome holiness is understood one cannot help react in the fear of God.
Sailor's Prayer (1:10-14)
They would eventually learn that Jonah’s God was the true God.
1:10 shows that the men were amazed that Jonah would do something to displease his God. They spent their life in fear of their gods, trying to please and pacify them. It is ironic and sad that those who worship the true God - the only God worth fearing - and experience His grace, take advantage of His grace and do not live their life in an effort to please Him.
1:13 shows that the heathen sailors had more compassion than Jonah. They did not want to throw him overboard and tried desperately to get to land without doing that. They begged Jonah’s God’s pardon for what they had to do. This is also a contrast with the man of God who had no compassion on the people of Ninevah.
God's Answer (1:15-16)
God responded by calming the sea . The sailors recognize that the true God is Jonah’s God, so they pray to Yahweh. And after the sea calms, we see that they feared Yahweh and offered sacrifices to Him and made vows. They were probably vows that they would follow and obey Him. This is in contrast to Jonah who disobeyed God.
More Discipline (1:17)
It's not over yet just for Jonah. God is not through with Jonah. A great fish [ we like to say a whale]comes along and swallows him up whole. Jonah went down, down, down in the first few verses. Now God is sending Jonah down to the depths of Sheol (2:2) [In Hebrew this is HELL]. At least that is what it felt like to Jonah.
Jonah Praying (chapter 2)
Jonah's Prayer (2:1-9) Jonah finally prays and thanks God for his deliverance even before he is delivered. This shows that Jonah is convinced God answers prayer.
Is Jonah repenting? Like people who go to church on Sunday and rebell and sin on Monday and never realize what they do? Now since he now goes and preaches to Ninevah, Jonah thinks everything is ok. But what was the condition of his heart? To better understand let's look at his prayer:
Within Jonah's prayer we find that he did not mention his own rebellion and sin, so there is no confession of his own rebellion or sin. He considered himself better [ There is this PRIDE thing again] than the pagans ( vs 8-9). What is sad here is that we have already seen that the sailor’s came out looking better than Jonah, the prophet of God. Sometimes we take things for granted in our live. God promises us that he will be WITH US in our storms but we must sometimes face things that we don't understand and have to go through.
Numbers are a very important part in the Bible. Children relate to numbers so we try and teach them the paralells of numbers in the Bible. Here in this study we see the number 3 and the number 40 used. [To find out more about numbers in the Bible.. our site lists them. Go to the sight map.]The number 40 holds particular significance in the Bible and refers to a precise number, not just a long period of time. There are at least ten instances in the Old Testament and New Testament where 40 occurs, either in years or days, e.g. it rained for 40 days and 40 nights, Moses was on the mountain 40 days and 40 nights, the Israelites wandered 40 years, Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days and was seen on the earth for 40 days after His crucifixion. A 40-something time period, whether days, months, or years is ALWAYS a period of testing, trial, probation, or chastisement (but not judgment) and ends with a period of restoration, revival or renewal. Thankfully, God is consistent, so the meaning of a number in Genesis remains the same all the way to the book of Revelation. Sometimes the spiritual significance is not revealed directly, but in the case of "40" and its many examples throughout the Bible, we can be certain of its importance and significance.
In a way Jonah parallels the history of the nation of Israel, and the phrase, “Salvation is from the Lord” Like Jonah,[A prohet is chosen of God] Israel was chosen. Like Jonah, Israel rebelled. Like Jonah, Israel received discipline (dispersion and abuse by other nations up to the present day). I also find it amazing that throughout the Bible we deal with numbers. In our programs we try and teach the children about numbers. Latter on you will see another parallel. And you know who wondered in the wilderness for 40 years? And in how many days would the city be destroyed? 40 Days.
Israel looks to military alliances and national defense as the solution but until Israel recognizes that Salvation is from the Lord, there can be no ultimate deliverance. We all are called for duty. God calls us for a duty, or a way to go, but we rebell, just as Jonah and others throughout the Bible. We search for life in everything else but God until we come to a point in our life where we are so low that we finally recognize our inability and come to the conclusion that Salvation is from the Lord.
God's Answer (2:10) God is gracious and He does answer Jonah’s prayer and the big fish brings Jonah to the shore of Ninevah.
Jonah Obeying (chapter 3)
God's Command (3:1-2)
Again God repeated his command to Jonah to go to Ninevah. Our loving God here for the second time gives Jonah another chance.
Jonah's Obedience (3:3-4)
After the belly of the whale experience Jonah obeyed God the second time around without hessitation it seems God made His point to Jonah.
A simple message to the people of Ninevah, “In forty days Ninevah will be destroyed!” There wasn't a lot of persuasion. I don't think Jonah tried very hard to persuade them. He would have gone into town, said his piece and left saying something like, “Well, I told them. It's their own fault now when God destroys them.” I think this also shows that Jonah hasn’t really changed his attitude. It seems to me he is obeying, but grudgingly.
Ninevah's Prayer (3:5-9)
But the people of Ninevah heard him and believed him and repented. And this was a thorough repentance. Everyone from the king down to the cows were crying out. I'm sure the animals were just hungry, but it probably seemed like they were repenting too.
God's Answer (3:10)
God does not destroy the city.
Jonah Learning
(chapter 4)
Jonah's Anger (4:1-4)
Jonah again allows his [pride] to take over and brings him into a fit of anger when he sees the people's repentance. He knows now that God is not going to destroy them. Here we also see his true heart and further proof that he did not repent in chapter 2. The truth comes out about Jonah's fleeing from God in the beginning. He knew God would forgive them if they repented, but Jonah hated the Assyrians so much he didn't want to even give them the chance to repent.
Why did Jonah hate these people so much? People are taught to HATE. Yes just as people are taught to love. So over the life of Jonah it was within his very being to HATE the Assyrians or any other people that were the enemy of Israel. The Assyrians were a dominant world power during this time and had even defeated Israel in a few battles and exacted tribute from Israel. Assyria wasn't just a non-hostile Gentile nation. It was an active enemy of Israel.
Jonah's Lesson (4:5-8)
Cry baby cry wipe out your eyes turn to the east, turn to the west, turn to the one that you really love best. Perhaps Jonah should have sang this childrens song and turned to God. But no, Jonah goes out of the city to pout about this matter, and see if maybe God will destroy them. Here again God reaches out his long arm with love and takes care of Jonaha. It is hot so God causes a plant to grow and give Jonah shade. The text says Jonah was “extremely happy about the plant.” Then, when the plant withers, Jonah wants to die. Doesn't it seem a little odd that Jonah would be so happy about the plant and so distraught over a plant’s death? Sometimes we also get our priority in life wrong. Here Jonaha goes from happiness for the shade of the tree, rather than the people and when the tree dies he gets very distraught. Where was his mind?
God's Question (4:9-11)
The little voice inside all of us, sometimes speaks out the questions of God to us. Here we find in 4:9-11 that question is asked to Jonah. If Jonah is so upset about the death of a plant, which he didn't even plant, How much more should God be concerned about the death of human beings.
Outline of The Lessons that God teaches us about Jonaha.
(1) We learn about the character of God.
(2) We see his omnipotence as he controls the wind, the sea, the fish and the plant. And all of his power is directed toward a single goal - the reclamation of sinful humans - both Jonah and the Ninevites. (Chisholm, Interpreting The Minor Prophets, p. 129)
(3) We see his love and compassion as he gives Jonah a second chance and as he forgives the Ninevites.
(4) We see that God answers prayer. He answered the sailors' prayers, Jonah's prayer and the Ninevites' prayers.
(5) I think it ironic that God would spare the Assyrians so that they could destroy the Northern kingdom of Israel only a few decades later.
(6) I think this book shows that Jonah knew a lot about God. He presumed on God's grace and assumed his deliverance while still in the fish. He knew God was compassionate and gracious and would not destroy the Assyrians if they repented. So, although Jonah knew about God, he did not want to obey him. It could even be said that Jonah disobeyed in the name of justice. (Chisholm, Interpreting The Minor Prophets, p. 130) The Assyrians certainly had committed enough atrocities that they deserved judgment, and Jonah wanted them to get their due. But he was ignoring the sovereignty of God and disobeying God. He also was displaying a double standard. He was forgetting that Israel had been forgiven many times for her sins and that he himself had just been forgiven for his disobedience. He was a walking contradiction. I think we need to be careful that we do not fall into the same trap.
Materials Recommended: During this story time if someone in the church has a small bowl to set up with a fish swimming in it. Or a larger Aquarium thats great. You also will need some fish crackers have someone in the church donate them. The children can eat them during the story. You can also use the coloring page Jonah to have the children color as a craft. This is also a good time to teach the children what the "FISH" symbol is. Fishers of men, Christ used Fish to feed the 5 thousand plus, The disciples were fishermen, God used a fish....Jonah was in a (Fish). The fish symbol is the sign of a REAL Hero. You can also use kids bubble's and allow the children to blow bubbles that helps them to relate to bubbling forth...a prophet. You can be creative and have bubble blowing contest, see who can blow the biggest bubbles. You can also use sugar free gum, and allow the kids to blow bubble's.
More about this symbol click on it.
When the Romans tried to wipe out the Christian religion during the first 300 years after Jesus died, Christians developed signs to identify themselves to one another in order to avoid persecution. The earliest symbol was a fish. When Romans saw a fish painted on a doorway or etched into the stone wall of a tomb, they may have though it was to identify someone as a fisherman. Actually, it identified the people and Christians. Believers chose this symbol for many reasons, including the Gospel accounts of Jesus calling his disciples. According to Matthew, Jesus told his Apostles, most of whom were fishermen, that he would make them "fish for people" (Mt 4:19).
It is important to express to the children that even though we as humans disobey God he always loves us and uses these times to make us a better HERO for His service.
"Christian liberals" have attempted to avoid this problem by saying that the story of Jonah was only an allegory and was never meant to be understood as actual history. Just like the Good Samaritian, or Noah, how about Gideon going against 135,000 soldiers with only 300 men?
However, whenever the Bible writers used allegories, stories or parables as Jesus used or other symbolic stories, they always either said so or else made it evident in the context. The book of Jonah is certainly written as though it were actual history. Jonah was a real prophet who is mentioned also in II Kings 14:25. None of the ancient Jews or early Christians ever doubted the authenticity and historicity of the book of Jonah and its story.
JESUS CHRIST Most importantly, the Lord Jesus Christ accepted the account as true. He said that the people of Nineveh repented of their sins as a consequence of his preaching (Matthew 12:41). He even said: "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale's belly, so........
A MIRACLE There is little question that the event was a miracle, but this fact certainly does no Later it says:
"And the Lord spake unto the fish, .....
Whole animals as large or larger than a man have been found in the stomachs of the sperm whale, the whale shark and the white shark.
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The "great fish" which the Bible speaks ....................For complete lesson plans, materials please register for the program.