Come Follow Me 2026 · Week 48
Amos; Obadiah; Jonah Family Home Evening Lesson (Nov 23–29)
November 23–29 · Amos; Obadiah; Jonah
This week's one thing
When we turn back to the Lord, He is quick to show mercy.
Opener: The Flashlight in the Dark
Turn off the lights and have one child stand across the room holding a lit flashlight pointed at the floor. Have another child try to walk toward the light while facing the opposite wall, then turn around and walk toward it. Ask: "Which way was easier? What had to change before you could reach the light?" Point out that the flashlight never moved; the walker only had to turn around.
Jonah and the people of Nineveh both turned around, and the Lord was waiting with mercy the moment they did (Jonah 2:1–2, 10; 3:10).
Scripture Story
God says to Jonah, "Go to Nineveh. Tell the people to stop doing wicked things." But Jonah does not want to go. He runs to the sea and gets on a ship going the other way. Then a huge storm comes! The wind howls and the waves crash. The sailors are scared. Jonah says, "This storm is my fault. Throw me into the sea." Splash! Down Jonah goes, and a great fish swallows him whole. It is dark and wet inside the fish. Jonah prays, "Lord, please help me." After three days, the fish spits Jonah onto dry land. God says again, "Go to Nineveh." This time Jonah goes. He tells the people, "Change your ways!" The king and all the people listen. They stop doing wrong, and God forgives them. What do you think Jonah was feeling when he was praying inside the dark fish?
Discussion Questions
Little Kids (ages 4–7)
- If you were inside a big fish, what would you see, hear, and smell?
- Jonah said a prayer inside the fish. Where is a place you have said a prayer?
Big Kids (ages 8–11)
- Jonah ran away from what God asked him to do. Why do you think he didn't want to go to Nineveh?
- The people of Nineveh were wicked, but God still sent them a prophet. What does that tell you about how God feels about people who make bad choices?
Teens
- At the end of the book, Jonah is angry that God forgave Nineveh (Jonah 4:1–2). Have you ever felt upset when someone you thought didn't deserve it got a second chance? What would it take to feel the way God felt about them?
This Week's Challenge
Put a flashlight on the kitchen counter. Whenever someone says sorry and makes something right this week, they get to click it on for a count of five while the family says "welcome back." On Sunday, share which turn-around was hardest to make.
Song Suggestions
Jonah in the Fish Paper Plate
Ages 3-10~10 min- 1
Step 1: Fold the plate in half and draw a big fish shape on the outside, with an eye and fins.
- 2
Step 2: Cut a small triangle out of one edge to make the fish's mouth.
- 3
Step 3: Draw Jonah on a small strip of paper, then tape him inside the fold so he peeks out.
- 4
Step 4: Open the fish and draw a picture of Jonah praying on the inside.
Jonah prayed from inside the fish, and the Lord heard him and gave him another chance (Jonah 2:1–10).
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