Jonah Runs from God
Understand that God knows where we are even when we try to run away
Recognize that obedience is important in following God's plan
Develop empathy for Jonah's struggle with God's command
“But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of Yahweh, and went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid its fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of Yahweh.”
— Jonah 1:3 (WEB)Demonstrates human tendency to avoid God's calling and the futility of trying to escape divine purpose
BibleMouse friends, today we're learning about a man who tried to run away from God's special job!
Storytelling of Jonah's attempt to escape God's command
Act out Jonah's journey using classroom props
Simpler: Use fewer props, more verbal storytelling
Challenge: Have child narrate Jonah's story using BibleMouse map
Recap of God's love and care
Dear God, help us be brave and listen to Your plans
Coming up: Tomorrow we'll see what happens when Jonah disobeys!
“Salvation comes from the LORD.”
— Jonah 2:9 (WEB)🎯 Activity: Sailboat Memory Verse Game - Write words of verse on paper boats, have child arrange boats in correct order while saying the verse
Jonah's story illustrates God's sovereignty and compassion
Children might not understand complex theological concepts
Child's understanding of God's omnipresence