• mercy - undeserved kindness

Jonah was angry that God had forgiven Ninevah after they repented. And he went to a place outside the city where he could watch what was happening. It was hot and Jonah had no house. God made a vine that grew up over Jonah and gave him shadow. Jonah was very relieved and happy. Then God prepared a worm that ate the vine. It withered and died, leaving Jonah hot again. It was so hot Jonah wished he were dead instead of in such anguish. God asked Jonah, "Is it right for you you to be angry about the vine?" Jonah said, "yes!" God answered, "You had pity on the vine, which you didn't grow or help, which came up in one night and died in one night. Why shouldn't I spare Ninevah, that great city, where live 120,000 people who don't know right from wrong, and their possessions? "Jonah didn't care about the people of Ninevah - he was mad at them for what they'd done wrong. But God cared, and wanted them to do what was right. God wasn't just out for vengeance, he preferred obedience. When we know others who are doing wrong, we need to be like God. We need to care about them, and want them to do what's right -- not hope that they are punished for what they've done.

• Jonah 4:2 ... For I knew that you are a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness...

Craft:

1. Ninevah was a Jewish city. F
2. Jonah wanted the Ninevites to be saved. F
3. God wanted the Ninevites to be saved. T
4. We can escape God's presence. F
5. Jonah missed his vine when it died. T