Read the story of Jonah from a Story Bible or from Jonah 1-4 in the Bible. (Gospel Story Bible pp 138-140)

How does the story of Jonah remind you of Jesus? Where do you see Jesus in this story?

Look for hidden crosses In the picture below to help answer.

See below for more talking points for parents:

• Jesus was sent to die for us and spent 3 days in the tomb. Jonah emerged from a fish - Jesus emerged from a grave! This is why we say he conquered death. Jesus truly died. He was not alive when placed In the grave, but after 3 days, he walked out of the grave. He Is alive! He won, death lost. And he did all of that because he loves us and wants to take out punishment...our death...for us.

• God showed his mercy on us through Jesus' death. God showed mercy on Ninevah. He was kind and compassionate and gave them a chance to believe In him and change. God shows his mercy to us. We all sin. When we sin, we are God's enemy. But God Is kind and compassionate and doesn't give us the punishment we deserve for our sin. God forgives us even when we are his enemy. He sent his Son to take out punishment Instead. God is merciful!

• God loves and forgives. After Jonah went to Ninevah and preached God's love to the people, God loved and forgave the people of Ninevah. Jesus was sent to die for God's enemies...us. Jesus is a true and better prophet than Jonah because he willingly went to his enemies to love and forgive them. Even though we are sinners and don't always put God first In our life, God loves and forgives us.