Jonah and the Big Fish Game

God asked Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh. Jonah ran the other way and got on a ship. A great storm came, and Jonah was thrown into the sea, where a big fish swallowed him. After three days, the fish spat him out, and Jonah went to Nineveh. The people listened and God was kind to them.

The story shows that God gives second chances. This game lets everyone follow Jonah's path.

Verse to remember (Jonah 3:10): When God saw that the people of Nineveh turned from their ways, God showed mercy.

1. Everyone stands. The leader says "Jonah says..." and then an action. Players only do the action if the leader begins with "Jonah says".
2. Use story actions: "Jonah says walk to Nineveh" (walk on the spot), "Jonah says sail the ship" (sway), "Jonah says hold on in the storm" (wobble), "Jonah says swim" (arms swim).
3. Sometimes drop the words "Jonah says". Anyone who moves sits down for one round and then joins back.
4. When the leader says "Big fish!", everyone makes a big gulp and sits.
5. Finish with "Jonah says go to Nineveh!" and everyone marches and cheers.
6. Retell the story in one minute, and let the group add their own actions.

How it ends: Ask why God gave Jonah a second chance. Then thank God for second chances for all of us.

Leader can say: “God kept Jonah safe and gave him another chance. God does that for us too.”

For little ones: Skip the tricky rule where players sit when they move by mistake. Let everyone keep acting all the time.

For teens and adults: Older players can take turns as the leader and read Jonah 1 to 4 aloud in short parts.

Safety: Keep movement gentle and leave space around each player. No pushing during the storm.

After the game, sit together and ask:

• Why do you think Jonah ran away?
• How did God show care for Jonah?
• When have you had a second chance?

• Peace, Be Still: Act out wind, waves and thunder, then freeze when Jesus calms the storm.
• Bible Charades Relay: Two teams act out Bible people and stories with no talking.
• All Bible games for church