For Young People

A Lesson in God’s Mercy

JONAH​—PART 2

Instructions: Do this exercise in quiet surroundings. As you read the scriptures, imagine that you are part of the event. Visualize the scene. Hear the voices. Feel the emotions of the characters. Let the account come to life.

 1 ANALYZE THE SCENE.​—READ JONAH 3:1–4:11.

How do you imagine that Jonah felt as he entered the city of Nineveh?

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What emotion do you sense in Jonah’s voice as he proclaimed Jehovah’s judgment?

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What discomfort must Jonah have felt as he sat outside the city? (See Jonah 4:5-8.)

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 2 DIG DEEPER.

Why might Jonah have wanted Jehovah to follow through with the foretold destruction of Nineveh?

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Using research materials at your disposal, find out something about (1) the appearance and characteristics of a bottle-gourd plant, and (2) the significance of the king of Nineveh’s covering himself with sackcloth and sitting down in ashes.

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Despite his initial reluctance to prophesy in Nineveh, why can Jonah be called a faithful and courageous prophet? (Matthew 21:28-31)

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 3 APPLY WHAT YOU LEARNED. WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU LEARNED ABOUT . . .

The potential of humans to turn back from a wicked lifestyle.

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Jehovah’s mercy.

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Our need to be merciful.

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 4 WHAT ASPECT OF THIS ACCOUNT IS MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU, AND WHY?

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For further research, see The Watchtower, April 1, 2009, pages 14-18.

IF YOU DON’T HAVE A BIBLE, READ IT ONLINE AT www.watchtower.org