Prophet Jonah Runs Away
Prophet Jonah Runs Away
(Bible Overview #29 of 54)
One Main Truth: We Can Not Hide Nor Run from God
New to GameLife 123 Bible Discovery? Click here to see lesson essentials & how to use the “Three Thirds Method.”
1 GAME: “Jonah” & the “Whales”
Game / Bible / Life Connection: In the Game “Jonahs” Could Not Hide from the “Whales” / In the Bible Jonah Could Not Hide Nor Run from God / In your Life You Can Not Hide Nor Run from God
This is Step 1
- Explain that we are going to play a game we call “Jonahs” and “Whales” Show Players the boundaries that the game will be played in.
2. Pick one Player to be a “Whale.” Stand the “Whale” in the middle of the area.
3. The rest of the Players are “Jonahs” have them stand on one side of the area.
4. The object of the game is for the “Jonahs” to get across the area to the other side without getting caught (tagged) by the “Whales.”
5. Call out loud “Whales Ready?” “Jonahs Ready?” “Go!”
6. The “Jonahs” should run from one side to the other then stop at the other side.
7. If a “Jonah” is caught (tagged), then that Player also becomes a “Whale.”
8. Now, with more “Whales” in the middle, call out “Whales Ready?” “Jonahs Ready?” “Go!” This continues until NO “Jonah” is left.
2 BIBLE DISCOVERIES: Gospel & Truth - Jonah 4
Game / Bible / Life Connection: In the Game “Jonahs” Could Not Hide from the “Whales” / In the Bible Jonah Could Not Hide Nor Run from God / In your Life You Can Not Hide Nor Run from God
The dream: Jonny’s grandfather was a great storyteller. All the children in the colony loved listening to his stories. This is how he re-told the story of Jonah.
“Naughty Satish stole a chocolate from Sanjay’s school bag. He hid behind a tree and licked the wrapper clean! Yummy! When Sanjay saw Satish’s mouth full of chocolate, he knew at one that he was the thief! Licking his lips, Satish ran away from Sanjay as fast as he could. Sanjay shouted, ‘God will punish you! Just you watch! I hope you fall down and break your teeth!’
Jonah was no different. When God asked him to go to the wicked city of Nineveh, and warn its people that He will give them 40 days to mend their ways, or they will be destroyed, Jonah didn’t want to go. He hated the people of Nineveh and wanted to see them punished. So Jonah sailed away in the opposite direction! The ship was in the middle of the sea, when a big storm came. It was terrifying! Huge waves rocked the sip! Great big winds blew hard! The sky was dark and frightening! All the sailors prayed to
their gods in desperation. Jonah was fast asleep when the captain woke him up and asked him to pray to his God. How could Jonah ask for God’s help when he was running away from him? Deep inside, Jonah knew that this was his Living God’s way of teaching him a lesson not to disobey him!”
Along with some cargo, the sailors threw Jonah into the rough sea! Jonah drowned deep into the sea when a big fish swallowed him! This was God’s plan! Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights! Then Jonah prayed to God for forgiveness, for his disobedience. The fish vomited Jonah out onto a shore!
Then, God commanded Jonah for the second time! “Go to Nineveh! Warn the people!” This time Jonah obediently went. When the Ninevites heard Jonah’s warning, the King and his people repented. God forgave the Ninevites! Praise God! He is a gracious and forgiving God! Anyone who truly repents from their sins and seeks His mercy receives forgiveness!”
“Satish too felt bad for being naughty. He bought a chocolate for Sanjay and gave it to him. Sanjay forgave Satish, and shared half the chocolate with him.” Then, Jonny,s grandfather confessed, “Children, my name is Satish. I’m the one who stole the chocolate!” The children were aghast! How could Jonny’s grandpa have been such a naughty child? Then grandpa explained,
“Children, nobody can run or hide from God. When we pray, God forgives us! He makes those who we have wronged forgive us too! God does not like sin but he loves the sinners. Never be afraid to accept when you have done wrong. Now tell me, who has been naughty this week?” Slowly, the children start to raise their hands one by one.
3 LIFE CONNECTIONS
Game / Bible / Life Connection: In the Game “Jonahs” Could Not Hide from the “Whales” / In the Bible Jonah Could Not Hide Nor Run from God / In your Life You Can Not Hide Nor Run from God
Memory Verse: “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love.” Jonah 4:2b
Leader, ask God to connect to the children’s minds, the children’s hearts, and in the prayer to connect to the children’s soul.
1. Game
Did the “Noahs” want to get tagged by the “Whales?”
What happened when the “Jonahs” ran from the “Whales?”
Were there any “Noahs” left at the very end of the game? (no)
2. Bible
Where was Jonah supposed to go?
Where did he go? What? That is the opposite direction!
Why did Jonah go the opposite direction?
What happened when Jonah ran away from God?
Did God still use Johah? Yes! And, boys and girls, all the people Jonah told about God became followers of the One True God!
3. Life
Repeat after me: “Dear God, please help me share the Your truth with everyone even people that may not be nice. Holy Spirit tell me who you want me to pray for and share God’s truth *pause*. Jesus please give me courage to obey and share this truth.”
4. Worship Song
Ask the children what is their favorite worship song and then sing several worship songs with hand-motions
(click here for worship songs “GameLife Strong & Powerful Worship Motions”)
5. Reinforcement
Use local resources and common objects.
(Optional)
Draw a big fish with a man in prayer position inside its belly. Discuss: When parents, elders or teachers give you to some responsibility that you don’t like, what do you do?