Big Idea: God is patient, so we can go to Him for a second chance.
Bible Basis: Jonah 1-3
Key Verse: “God is patient with you. He doesn’t want anyone to be destroyed. Instead, he wants all people to turn away from their sins.” 2 Peter 3:9b (NIrV)
OPENING PRAYER
Lord, open now my heart to hear, And through your Word to me draw near. Let me your Word ever pure retain; Let me your child and heir remain. All this I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
THUMBS UP, THUMBS DOWN
Simply ask your child to share one good thing that happened today or this week (thumbs up) and one not-so-good thing (thumbs down). This is a great way to share celebrations and struggles with one another.
COMIC SHEET
This month’s theme, The Fab Five, has a superhero / comic sheet feel. So, as we go through the Bible lessons, your child will be able to add their drawings to the Bible History comic sheet available below. The comic sheet will include panels with background scenery, but the primary drawings are missing. As our leader goes through the story, encourage your child to draw the missing pictures.
BIBLE LESSON VIDEO
ASK THESE QUESTIONS
For younger kids:
What was your favorite part of this story? Why?
Why do you think God was so patient with Jonah and with Nineveh?
For older kids:
What does this story teach you about God?
Why do you think God gave Jonah a second chance instead of finding someone else to go to Nineveh?
REFLECT AND RESPOND
After the video, have your child pick one or more of the prompts on the GO! Home Guide.
Prayer Station prompt: Write a prayer to God and thank Him for giving you another chance when you mess up.
Journal Station prompt: Write a letter to God and tell Him about a time that you sinned recently. Ask Him for forgiveness and to give you another chance.
Bible Station prompt: Read it for yourself: Jonah chapters 1 and 2. Draw a picture of the story or write to God about your favorite part of the story. Tell Him why you liked it.
Art Station prompt: Draw a picture for God that shows how thankful you are that He gives you another chance even when you sin big time!
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
+ The Fab Five Connect Activity
- Say: Does anyone here love catching fish? (Take answers.) Well, how would you like it if the fish was catching you? Today we’re going to hear about one of the “Fab Five” prophets that ended up on the wrong end of the fishing pole. Instead of eating the fish, the fish ate him. To get us started, I want to ask you a question. Instead of telling us the answer, though, you’re going to draw it!
- Directions: Give each kid a blank piece of paper. Place a box of markers, crayons, or colored pencils in the middle of the group. When ready, ask the question below and have the kids draw a picture of their answer. When finished, allow the kids to show their picture and tell a little bit about what they drew.
- Question: If you were going to spend 3 days in the belly of a giant fish, what is one thing you would want to bring with you?
+ The Big Whale Fail (Application Activity)
- Say: We all miss the mark sometimes—that’s called sin. In our story for today, Jonah and the people of Nineveh both missed the mark big time! But God was patient and gave them a second chance to turn away from sin. We’re going to do an activity right now that will help us see how hard it is to stay on the right path when we’re focused on sin.
- Directions: Give each kid a “Jonah’s Giant Fish (Whale Fail)” outline drawing along with a marker. Tell them to study the picture for a moment. The object is for the kids to trace the outline of the fish without messing up or coloring off of the line. But as with all good fish stories—there’s a catch! The kids will have to do it without looking. When ready, have them place their marker somewhere on the outline of the fish. Hold up the sign that says, “Sin.” Tell the kids that they have to keep their eyes on the “Sin” sign while tracing the outline of the fish. Kids may not look where they are drawing. When they think they’re finished, allow them to look down and show each other how they did. No one will be able to trace the outline without messing up. Next, tell the kids that you have good news—they get a second chance. Allow the kids to do it again, but this time they can turn away from the “Sin” sign and keep their eyes on the drawing while they trace it. When finished, ask the kids how they did the second time.
- Say: When you were focused on the “Sin” sign, it was impossible for you to trace the drawing perfectly. But then I gave you a second chance. And when you turned away from the “Sin” sign, you were able focus on the drawing and stay on the lines.
- Question: How is that kind of like following God?
- Say: God gives us a path to follow—He tells us what is right and wrong. But when we’re focused on sin, it’s impossible to stay on His path. Fortunately, when we mess up, God gives us a second chance. And when we turn away from sin, like Jonah and the people of Nineveh did, we’re able to follow God and stay on the right path.
- Question: When is a time that God gave you a second chance to do the right thing?
- Question: In the story, God did big things through Jonah when he turned away from sin. What kind of big things do you think God might want to do through you if you keep your eyes on Him?
+ Find-A-Match (Bible Memorization Activity)
- Directions: : Place the 16 “Find-a-Match” Bible verse cards face down in the middle of your group. Each card contains a portion of the Bible verse. Allow the kids in your group to take turns flipping over 2 cards at a time in search of a match. If the cards they flip over are a match, they get to keep the cards. If the cards are not a match, they must turn them back over in the middle. Continue playing until all the cards have been matched. Next, tell your group to arrange the cards in the right order. Once they’re in order, carefully read the verse aloud with your group several times so they can begin to memorize it. Today’s Bible verse says: “God is patient with you. He doesn’t want anyone to be destroyed. Instead, he wants all people to turn away from their sins.” 2 Peter 3:9b. Finally, return the cards face down in the middle of the circle and have the kids recite the verse from memory. Continue playing rounds until kids can confidently recite the verse
- Question: Why do you think God keeps giving us another chance when we mess up?
+ Praying the Bible (Prayer Activity)
- Say: The Bible is filled with the prayers of people who loved and followed God. Reading those prayers in the Bible can help us know how to talk to God.
- Directions: Encourage the kids to turn to Habakkuk 3:2. When ready, choose a kid to read the verse aloud or read it aloud yourself: “Lord, I know how famous you are. I have great respect for you because of your mighty acts. Do them again for us. Make them known in our time. When you are angry, please have mercy on us.” Habakkuk 3:2
- Say: Habakkuk took time to remember the amazing things God had done and he stood in awe of God. Can you remember some amazing things that God has done in your life or the lives of people you know?
- Directions: When everyone is finished sharing, open your group in prayer. Thank God for some of the amazing things He’s done in your life and tell God that you are in awe of Him. Consider opening the prayer to the rest of your group and allowing them to praise God for the things they shared.
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(Due to copyright restrictions, the printable materials described in the activities above are only available to those who have registered for Our Savior’s Kids. To register your child(ren), click the button below)
CLOSING PRAYER
Dear God, thank you so much for your patience and sending Jesus to be my Savior. Help me to remember always the forgiveness of sins that you have given me. Amen.
DURING THE WEEK
Read in the Bible the story that was the basis for this week’s lesson:
Jonah 1-3
Do more of the activities list above with your child.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?
Leave them in the comments below!