Jonah and the Big Fish

Jonah was a prophet who listened to God. One day, God had an important job for him.

God said, 'Jonah, go to the big city of Nineveh. Tell the people there to stop being mean and start being kind.'

But Jonah didn't want to go! Nineveh was far away, and the people there were not very nice. So Jonah decided to run the other way!

Jonah hurried to the harbor and found a big ship. 'I'll sail far, far away,' he thought. 'Then God won't find me.'

Jonah paid for his ticket and climbed aboard. The ship sailed away from the land, out into the big blue sea.

Jonah went down below the deck to hide. He was so tired from running that he fell fast asleep.

But you can't hide from God! He sent a mighty storm with huge waves and howling wind.

The sailors were terrified! The waves crashed over the ship, and the wind screamed. 'Help us!' they cried.

The captain found Jonah still sleeping! 'How can you sleep?' he shouted. 'Pray to your God to save us!'

Jonah knew the storm was his fault. 'I was running away from God,' he told the sailors sadly. 'This storm is because of me.'

'Throw me into the sea,' said Jonah bravely. 'Then the storm will stop and you'll be safe.'

The sailors didn't want to, but the storm was too strong. They gently lowered Jonah into the wild, churning sea.

As soon as Jonah hit the water, the storm stopped! The sea became calm, and the sailors were amazed.

Jonah sank down, down, down into the deep, dark water. He was scared and sorry he had run away.

But God still loved Jonah! He sent an enormous fish to save him. The giant fish opened its huge mouth wide.

GULP! The big fish swallowed Jonah whole! But don't worry - Jonah was safe inside.

Inside the fish's belly, it was warm and quiet. Jonah had time to think about what he had done.

For three whole days, Jonah prayed. 'I'm sorry, God,' he said. 'Thank you for saving me. I will obey you now.'

God told the fish to let Jonah go. The big fish swam to the shore and - WHOOSH - spit Jonah right onto the sandy beach!

Jonah lay on the warm sand, happy to see the sun again. This time, he was ready to listen to God.

God said again, 'Go to Nineveh, Jonah.' This time, Jonah said, 'Yes, God!' and started walking.

Nineveh was the biggest city Jonah had ever seen! Tall walls, busy streets, and so many people.

Jonah walked through the city calling out, 'God wants you to stop being mean! Be kind to each other!'

Even the king heard Jonah's message! He took off his fancy crown and said, 'We must change our ways!'

All the people of Nineveh said sorry to God. They promised to be kind and good from now on.

God saw that the people were truly sorry. He forgave them and didn't punish the city. God was so happy they had changed!

But Jonah wasn't happy! He sat outside the city pouting. 'Why did you forgive them, God?' he grumbled.

God made a big leafy plant grow super fast to give Jonah shade. 'Oh, this is nice!' said Jonah, cooling off.

But the next day, the plant shriveled up and died. Jonah was so sad about his plant!

God said, 'You cared about that little plant. I care about all the people in Nineveh! I love everyone, and so should you.' Jonah finally understood - God's love is for everyone!