Bitterness Blocks the Blessing

Our Philosophy/ Vision: Disciple Grace kids for a lasting commitment to Jesus.

Scripture:

10 When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened.

Jonah’s Anger at the Lord’s Mercy

4 This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. 2 So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. 3 Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.”

4 The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?”

5 Then Jonah went out to the east side of the city and made a shelter to sit under as he waited to see what would happen to the city. 6 And the Lord God arranged for a leafy plant to grow there, and soon it spread its broad leaves over Jonah’s head, shading him from the sun. This eased his discomfort, and Jonah was very grateful for the plant.

7 But God also arranged for a worm! The next morning at dawn the worm ate through the stem of the plant so that it withered away. 8 And as the sun grew hot, God arranged for a scorching east wind to blow on Jonah. The sun beat down on his head until he grew faint and wished to die. “Death is certainly better than living like this!” he exclaimed.

9 Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry because the plant died?”

“Yes,” Jonah retorted, “even angry enough to die!”

10 Then the Lord said, “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. 11 But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness,[a] not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?”

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. 

Purpose:

God extents Grace and Mercy To Everyone

When we think someone does not deserve God Grace, He still loves and gives grace to them.

To live for God means we too have to forgive those we think are our enemies.

Outline:

God's Grace for All

Bible Passage: Jonah 3:10, Jonah 4:1–11

Summary: After the Ninevites repent, God spares them from destruction in Jonah 3:10, showing His grace. However, Jonah's reaction in 4:1-11 reveals a deep-seated struggle with accepting God's grace for those he views as enemies, illustrating a clash between human expectations and divine mercy.

Application: This sermon can help children understand that God's love and grace extend beyond their immediate circles, teaching them to embrace diversity and show kindness to everyone, including those who might be different or hurt them. It encourages discussions around acceptance, empathy, and how to act with love in challenging situations.

Teaching: The teaching fundamentally revolves around breaking down preconceived notions of who deserves God's love and clearly communicates that grace is a gift, not earned by worthiness but freely given. It encourages children to reflect on their own attitudes towards forgiveness and acceptance.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage ultimately points to the universal nature of Christ's sacrifice, emphasizing that Jesus came to redeem all of humanity, regardless of their past. Jonah's struggle illustrates the human condition that Christ addresses by offering grace to the very people we might reject or overlook.

Big Idea: God's grace is a powerful force that calls us to recognize our biases and embrace all whom He loves, pushing us to reflect His acceptance to the world around us.

Recommended Study: In preparing this sermon, investigate the original Hebrew terms used for repentance and mercy in Jonah, using Logos to gather information about how these concepts are understood in the broader narrative of Scripture. Explore commentaries discussing Jonah's character development in relation to the theological implications of grace, particularly any lessons on societal views of forgiveness and inclusion.

1. God's Grace Given

Jonah 3:10

Perhaps you could emphasize that when the Ninevites repented, God saw their change of heart and chose to extend His grace rather than bring destruction. This point highlights the core idea that grace is available to everyone willing to turn to God genuinely. You could connect this to how Jesus offers us forgiveness, encouraging children to be open-hearted and forgiving, understanding that God’s love is not limited by our mistakes but is renewed with repentance.

2. Jonah's Justified Anger?

Jonah 4:1-5

You might discuss Jonah’s displeasure and anger towards God’s mercy on his enemies. This shows Jonah’s struggle with accepting God’s grace for others. You could help children see that, like Jonah, they might sometimes feel upset when others receive kindness or forgiveness. This section suggests they reflect on how Jesus taught us to love everyone, even those we find difficult to love, encouraging them to approach all with empathy.

3. God's Growing Lesson

Jonah 4:6-11

This passage could illustrate how God teaches Jonah a lesson about compassion through the plant. Jonah’s concern for the plant contrasts with his lack of concern for the Ninevites. You might highlight to children that God cares for all creation unconditionally. This suggests they should also care for others and be thankful for God's creation, understanding that just as Christ's love reaches the undeserving, so should theirs. The lesson is about widening their circle of care and understanding.

Object Lesson:

Object Lesson: “The Withered Plant”

Scripture: Jonah 4:1-11 Theme: God cares about people more than our personal comfort.

Object Needed

A small potted plant (real or artificial)

A dry, withered leaf or dead plant (optional)

Introduction

Show the healthy plant to the class.

Ask:

"Have you ever taken care of a plant?"

"How would you feel if it suddenly died after all your effort?"

Allow a few responses.

Bible Connection

Explain:

In Jonah 4, Jonah was angry because God showed mercy to the people of Nineveh. Jonah wanted God to punish them.

God provided a plant to give Jonah shade and comfort. Jonah was very happy about the plant. But the next day, God sent a worm to destroy it, and the plant died.

Jonah became upset about losing the plant. Then God asked him:

"You have been concerned about this plant... Should I not be concerned for the great city of Nineveh?" (Jonah 4:10-11)

God used the plant to teach Jonah that people are far more important than things.

Object Lesson Demonstration

Hold up the plant.

Say: "Jonah cared a lot about this plant because it made him comfortable."

Then show the withered leaf or dead plant.

Say: "When the plant died, Jonah became very upset. But God wanted Jonah to understand something important. Jonah cared more about a plant than about thousands of people who needed God's mercy."

Ask:

"Which is more important, a plant or a person?"

"Which is more important, our comfort or helping others know God's love?"

Lesson Application

Sometimes we are like Jonah.

We worry about our comfort.

We become upset when things do not go our way.

We may not care enough about people who need kindness, forgiveness, or God's love.

God wants us to have His heart for people.

Key Truth

God cares about people, and He wants us to care about people too.

Memory Verse

"Should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh?" Jonah 4:11

Closing Prayer

"Lord, help us to care about people the way You do. Forgive us when we think only about ourselves and our comfort. Give us hearts full of love, mercy, and compassion for others. Amen."

Biblical Background:

Biblical Background: Jonah 3:10; 4:1-11

Historical Background

The book of Jonah takes place during the reign of Jeroboam II (793-753 BC), when the Northern Kingdom of Israel was experiencing prosperity but also spiritual decline (2 Kings 14:23-27). Jonah was a prophet from Gath Hepher in Galilee (2 Kings 14:25).

God sent Jonah to Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Assyria was known for its military power, cruelty, and oppression of surrounding nations. The Assyrians were feared enemies of Israel. Because of this, Jonah did not want God to show mercy to them.

Literary Context

In Jonah 3, after experiencing God's discipline through the great fish, Jonah obeyed God's command and preached in Nineveh:

"Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown" (Jonah 3:4).

The people, from the king to the common citizens, responded with genuine repentance through fasting, prayer, and humility.

Jonah 3:10

"When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened."

This verse reveals the compassionate character of God. God did not change His holy nature, but He responded to the Ninevites' repentance. Throughout Scripture, God's judgment is often conditional, allowing room for repentance and mercy (Jeremiah 18:7-8).

For the Ninevites, this was a demonstration of God's grace. For Jonah, however, it created a problem because he wanted God's justice to fall on Israel's enemy.

Jonah 4:1-4: Jonah's Anger

Instead of rejoicing over the salvation of thousands of people, Jonah became angry.

"But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry" (Jonah 4:1).

Jonah's reaction exposes his heart. He knew God was gracious and merciful, but he did not want those blessings extended to the Assyrians.

In Jonah 4:2, Jonah quotes part of God's self-revelation from Exodus 34:6:

"A gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love."

Ironically, the very attributes that brought hope to Israel were the attributes Jonah resented when shown to Nineveh.

Jonah 4:5-8: The Plant, Worm, and Wind

Jonah left the city and waited to see whether God would still destroy Nineveh.

God appointed three things:

to provide shade and comfort.A plant

to destroy the plant.A worm

to increase Jonah's discomfort.A scorching east wind

Each was under God's sovereign control. The plant became an object lesson designed by God to expose Jonah's misplaced values.

Jonah rejoiced over the plant because it benefited him personally, yet he showed no concern for the people of Nineveh.

Jonah 4:9-11: God's Final Lesson

God asked Jonah:

"Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?" (4:9)

Jonah answered that he was angry enough to die.

Then God delivered the central message of the book:

"You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. ... And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left?" (4:10-11)

God contrasts Jonah's compassion for a temporary plant with God's compassion for an entire city of people.

The reference to "120,000 people who cannot tell their right hand from their left" likely points to the spiritual ignorance of the Ninevites and their need for God's mercy.

Theological Significance

This passage teaches several important truths:

, even toward those considered enemies.God is compassionate and merciful

God desires repentance rather than judgment.

God values people more than personal comfort or possessions.

Believers must align their hearts with God's concern for lost people.

God's grace extends beyond national, ethnic, and cultural boundaries.

Key Lesson

The central lesson of Jonah 3:10-4:11 is that God's mercy is greater than human prejudice. Jonah cared more about a plant that provided temporary comfort, while God cared about an entire city of people who needed salvation. God challenges His people to share His heart of compassion for all nations and all people.

Cross References:

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Here is a teaching-friendly set of cross-references for Jonah 3:10 and Jonah 4:1-10. They are organized by verse and emphasize repentance, God’s mercy, Jonah’s anger, and God’s concern for people.

Jonah 3:10: God Responds to Repentance

Main idea: God saw that the Ninevites had turned from evil, so He withheld the announced judgment.

: God explains that if a nation turns from its evil, He may withhold the judgment He announced.Jeremiah 18:7-8

: People are called to return to God because He is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and abundant in mercy.Joel 2:12-13

: When Ahab humbled himself, God delayed the announced disaster.1 Kings 21:27-29

: God withheld the disaster announced against Israel after Moses interceded.Exodus 32:14

: God relented concerning judgments shown to Amos.Amos 7:3, 6

: God desired the people of Judah to turn from evil so that He might forgive them.Jeremiah 36:3

: Jesus affirmed that the people of Nineveh repented in response to Jonah’s preaching.Luke 11:29-32

: The father’s reception of the returning son illustrates God’s compassion toward repentant sinners.Luke 15:17-24

These passages closely connect Jonah 3:10 with repentance and God’s compassionate response. [openbible.info], [biblehub.com]

Jonah 4:1: Jonah Becomes Angry

Main idea: Rather than celebrating Nineveh’s deliverance, Jonah was displeased and angry.

: The older brother became angry when his father showed mercy to the returning son.Luke 15:25-32

: The workers complained because the landowner showed generosity to others.Matthew 20:10-15

: Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.James 1:19-20

: God’s people are instructed to refrain from anger and forsake wrath.Psalm 37:8

Teaching connection: Jonah resembles the older brother in Jesus’ parable. Both resented mercy being extended to someone they believed did not deserve it.

Jonah 4:2: God Is Gracious and Compassionate

Main idea: Jonah admitted that he fled because he knew God was merciful and might spare Nineveh.

: God reveals Himself as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in faithful love.Exodus 34:6-7

: Moses appeals to God’s patience and abundant love.Numbers 14:18

: God is forgiving, compassionate, and abundant in mercy.Psalm 86:5, 15

: God is compassionate and does not treat people as their sins deserve.Psalm 103:8-13

: God is gracious and compassionate, and His mercy extends over His works.Psalm 145:8-9

: God’s gracious character provides the basis for calling sinners to repentance.Joel 2:13

: God delights in mercy and casts sins away.Micah 7:18-19

Jonah’s description of God echoes the language of Exodus 34:6 and appears elsewhere in the Old Testament as a foundational statement about God’s character. [openbible.info], [bible.know...-jesus.com]

Jonah 4:3: Jonah Asks to Die

Main idea: Jonah was so discouraged and angry that he said death was better than life.

: Elijah, overwhelmed and discouraged, asked God to take his life.1 Kings 19:4

: Moses felt unable to carry his burden and asked to die.Numbers 11:14-15

: Job expressed a desire for death during intense suffering.Job 6:8-9

: Paul discussed life and death, but submitted his desire to God’s purpose.Philippians 1:21-24

Teaching connection: Elijah spoke from exhaustion, while Jonah spoke from anger over God’s mercy. God responded patiently to both prophets.

Jonah 4:4: God Questions Jonah’s Anger

Main idea: God asked Jonah whether his anger was right.

: God questioned Cain about his anger and warned him about sin.Genesis 4:6-7

: People are warned not to be quickly provoked to anger.Ecclesiastes 7:9

: Anger must not be allowed to create an opportunity for sin.Ephesians 4:26-27

: Believers should be slow to anger.James 1:19-20

Teaching connection: God’s question was an invitation for Jonah to examine his heart rather than defend his emotions.

Jonah 4:5: Jonah Waits Outside Nineveh

Main idea: Jonah watched the city, apparently hoping to see what would happen to it.

: Abraham interceded for a sinful city rather than waiting eagerly for its destruction.Genesis 18:22-33

: Jesus corrected His disciples when they wanted judgment to fall on a Samaritan village.Luke 9:51-56

: God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but desires repentance and life.Ezekiel 18:23, 32

Teaching contrast: Abraham pleaded for mercy, but Jonah waited for judgment. Jesus taught His disciples to reject a vindictive spirit.

Jonah 4:6: God Provides the Plant

Main idea: God appointed a plant to shade Jonah and relieve his discomfort.

: Creation operates under God’s sustaining order.Genesis 8:22

: The Lord is pictured as protective shade for His people.Psalm 121:5-6

: God provides shade and refuge from heat.Isaiah 4:6

: God gives common blessings through sun and rain.Matthew 5:45

: Every good gift comes from God.James 1:17

Teaching connection: The plant was both an act of kindness and an instrument through which God would correct Jonah.

Jonah 4:7: God Appoints the Worm

Main idea: God sent a worm that attacked the plant and caused it to wither.

: Job acknowledged God’s authority both to give and to take away.Job 1:21

: Human life is compared to temporary grass and flowers.Psalm 103:15-16

: Earthly life and beauty fade, but God’s Word endures.Isaiah 40:6-8

: Earthly possessions are temporary and subject to decay.Matthew 6:19-20

Teaching connection: Jonah’s comfort was temporary. God used its loss to reveal the condition of Jonah’s heart.

Jonah 4:8: The Wind and Jonah’s Distress

Main idea: God appointed a scorching wind, and Jonah again wished to die.

: God commands the wind and can also bring it to stillness.Psalm 107:25-29

: Jesus demonstrated authority over the wind and sea.Mark 4:37-41

: Affliction should be viewed in light of God’s eternal purposes.2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 16-18

: God’s discipline is painful temporarily but is intended to produce righteousness.Hebrews 12:10-11

Teaching connection: God controlled both the plant and the weather to teach Jonah, not merely to make him uncomfortable.

Jonah 4:9: Jonah Values the Plant

Main idea: Jonah defended his anger over losing the plant.

: God similarly questioned Cain’s anger.Genesis 4:6

: A person’s treasure reveals the location of the heart.Matthew 6:21

: Life does not consist in possessions.Luke 12:15

: Believers are called to value others rather than concentrating only on personal interests.Philippians 2:3-5

Teaching connection: Jonah’s strong reaction showed that he cared deeply about what benefited him personally.

Jonah 4:10: Jonah’s Misplaced Compassion

Main idea: Jonah pitied a plant for which he had neither worked nor provided growth.

: Humanity has a special place within God’s creation.Psalm 8:3-6

: The earth and everything in it belong to God.Psalm 24:1

: God cares for creation, but human beings are of greater value.Matthew 6:26-30

: God watches over small creatures, while people are worth much more.Matthew 10:29-31

: People may plant and water, but God gives growth.1 Corinthians 3:6-7

: Believers should look not only to their own interests but also to the interests of others.Philippians 2:4

Central Cross-Reference Themes

Jeremiah 18:7-8; Joel 2:12-13; Luke 11:32.Repentance can lead to mercy:

Exodus 34:6-7; Psalm 103:8-13; Micah 7:18-19.God’s character is compassionate:

Luke 15:25-32; Matthew 20:10-15.Self-righteous anger resents grace:

Matthew 6:26-30; Matthew 10:29-31.God values people above temporary comforts:

Genesis 4:6-7; Hebrews 12:10-11.God patiently corrects His servants:

Main Teaching Truth

God responds compassionately to repentance, and He wants His people to value human lives more than personal comfort.

Special Notes:

Suggested songs :

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For a lesson on Jonah 4:1-11, choose songs that emphasize God's love, mercy, compassion, obedience, and loving others. Here is a suggested children's worship song list:

Opening Songs

Jesus Loves Me

Reinforces God's love for all people, including Nineveh.

This Little Light of Mine

Encourages children to share God's love with others.

Theme Songs: God's Love and Mercy

God Is So Good

Connects to God's goodness and compassion toward the Ninevites.

Deep and Wide

Illustrates the vastness of God's love and mercy.

Father Abraham

Reminds children that God's family includes people from all nations.

Theme Songs: Obedience and God's Heart

Obedience

("Obedience is the very best way...")

Helps children understand the importance of following God's will.

I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

Encourages willingness to follow God even when it is difficult.

Theme Songs: Loving Others

The Love of Jesus Is So Wonderful

Emphasizes sharing Christ's love with everyone.

Jesus Loves the Little Children

Highlights God's concern for all people regardless of nationality or background.

Love One Another

Based on John 13:34-35 and fits God's lesson to Jonah about caring for people.

Response Song

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands

Connects beautifully with Jonah 4:11, where God expresses concern for the people of Nineveh.

Memory Verse Song

Jonah 4:11 Song (Simple Tune: "Twinkle, Twinkle")

"Should I not care for Nineveh, People there need mercy too. God loves all, both great and small, He has compassion for them all. Should I not care for Nineveh, People there need mercy too."

Closing Song

This Is the Day

Ends the lesson with joy and gratitude for God's mercy.

Recommended 4-song sequence for a 30-minute children's church lesson:

Jesus Loves Me

God Is So Good

Love One Another

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands

These songs closely support the central lesson of Jonah 4:1-11: God cares about all people, and He wants us to have hearts of compassion like His.

Scriptures that indicate times when God changed his mind.

Exodus 32:9–14 — After Israel worships the golden calf, Moses intercedes, and “the LORD relented from the disaster” He had said He would bring upon them.→ Particularly clear example of God responding to intercession.

Numbers 14:11–20 — God proposes destroying rebellious Israel and making a new nation from Moses. Moses intercedes, and God says, “I have pardoned, according to your word.”

1 Samuel 15:10–11 — God tells Samuel, “I regret that I have made Saul king,” because Saul has disobeyed Him.

2 Samuel 24:15–16 — After the plague upon Israel, God stops the destroying angel and says, “It is enough; now stay your hand.”

2 Kings 20:1–6 / Isaiah 38:1–5 — Isaiah initially tells Hezekiah that he will die. After Hezekiah prays and weeps, God tells Isaiah to return and announce that Hezekiah's life will be extended by fifteen years.

Jonah 3:4–10 — Jonah announces Nineveh's destruction in forty days. The people repent, and “God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them.”

Jeremiah 18:7–10 — God explicitly gives a principle: if He announces judgment against a nation and it turns from evil, He will relent concerning the disaster.

Jeremiah 26:2–3 — God says that if Judah listens and turns from its evil ways, He may “relent of the disaster” He intends to bring upon them.

Amos 7:1–6 — Amos sees visions of judgment and twice intercedes. After Amos asks God to forgive, God says, “It shall not be.”

Joel 2:12–14 — God calls Israel to repentance and says that He may “relent” from the disaster.

Questions;

What did God notice about the people of Nineveh that made Him change His mind?

Why was Jonah angry after God decided to spare Nineveh?

How did God show Jonah that He cared more about people than plants?

What is the main lesson that God was trying to teach Jonah through the plant?

How can we show kindness to those we might think don’t deserve it, like Jonah had to learn?

What did Jonah do when God told him to go to Nineveh?

Why did Jonah feel it was better to die than to see God show mercy to Nineveh?

What does God's question to Jonah about the plant teach us about His love for all people?

How does the story of Jonah and Nineveh teach us about forgiveness?

What can we learn about God's grace from Jonah's story?