Bible Stories for Kids - Jonah & the Whale

Jonah was a man who loved God. One day, God asked Jonah to go to a big city called Nineveh and tell the people to stop making bad choices. But Jonah was scared because the people in Nineveh were not always kind. Instead of listening to God, Jonah tried to run away!

Jonah got on a ship that was sailing far from Nineveh. But while he was on the ship, a huge storm began! The waves crashed over the boat. The sailors were scared. “Why is this storm happening?” they cried.

Jonah knew it was because he ran away from God. He said to the sailors, “It is my fault. Throw me into the sea, and the storm will stop.” The sailors threw Jonah into the wild, swirling water—and right away, the storm stopped!

But God did not want Jonah to be hurt. God sent a big fish, a whale, to swallow Jonah. Jonah stayed inside the belly of the whale for three whole days and nights! While he was inside, Jonah prayed to God. “Thank you for keeping me safe. I will do what you ask,” he promised.

After three days, the whale swam to shore and gently spit Jonah out onto dry land. Jonah listened to God this time. He went to Nineveh and told the people, “God loves you! You should make good choices!” The people listened, and God was happy.

## Activity

Whale Craft: Jonah in the Big Fish

Materials:
- Blue construction paper
- White paper
- Scissors (with adult help)
- Crayons or markers
- Glue stick

Instructions:
1. Draw and cut out the shape of a big whale on the blue construction paper.
2. Draw a small Jonah on white paper. You can give him a happy face and color his clothes.
3. Cut out Jonah.
4. Glue the whale onto another piece of paper, leaving the mouth area open.
5. Glue or tuck Jonah so he peeks out from the whale’s mouth, showing him safe inside.
6. Decorate the background with waves, seaweed, or fish using your crayons or markers.

Let your craft remind you that God is always with us and takes care of us, even when things are hard!

## Reflection Questions

1. How did Jonah feel when he was asked to go to Nineveh? Have you ever been scared to do the right thing?
2. What did Jonah do when he was inside the whale? What can we do when we need help?
3. How did Jonah’s story end? What does this teach you about listening to God?