Note to the parent or teacher: Here is a 30- to 45-minute lesson plan to fill out the class “Cities of the Bible: The City of Nineveh,” that covers the lesson objectives: “Learn of more of the lives of the great men and women of the Bible” (Christian Life and Faith: Witnessing and Missionary Training: Great Men and Women of God-2a); and “Be able to describe what it means to be judgmental, and the negative effects of such an attitude; identify ways to show compassion rather than passing judgment.” (Character Building: Social Skills: Compassion-2b).

Read “Cities of the Bible: The City of Nineveh.”

REVIEW PARAGRAPH 1:

Read Genesis 10:1–11 and help the children find the answer to these questions:

• Was Nineveh built before or after the flood in Noah’s lifetime? (Answer: After.)
• Besides being the founder of Nineveh, what else was Nimrod known for? (Answer: Being a great hunter.)
• What was the ancient name of the region where Nineveh was built? (Answer: Assyria.)

Read 2 Kings 19:31–36 and Isaiah 37:33–37 (For those interested, here is the fuller story in Isaiah 37:10–37.)

• The historical context

REVIEW PARAGRAPH 2:

Read Jonah, chapters 1–4 or a shorter version in a children’s Bible.

Reflect with the children about how it must have been for Jonah. The people of Nineveh were known for being cruel and evil, even posing a threat to the people of Israel. Maybe that’s why he didn’t want to warn them. When he finally did, thinking they would be judged, he was disappointed when they repented and were shown mercy.

Ask the children if they have ever been upset at another child who has been unkind to them, and maybe even thought it was unfair when the other child received attention from other friends, family, or teachers rather than consequences. Talk about how in such situations, even if it’s difficult to show the same mercy God shows, we can look to Jesus for help to do so.

Reflect with the children on how the people of Nineveh did not know how to live right (Jonah 4:11). Then talk about how helpful it is for us to have the examples in the Bible, especially in Jesus’ life, of how to live in a compassionate and caring manner.

REVIEW PARAGRAPH 3:

Read Matthew 12:38–41.

Ask the children what similarities there were between Jonah’s and Jesus’ messages to the people, and how these messages helped to change them.

REVIEW PARAGRAPH 4:

Find on a map the city of Mosul, where remnants of old Nineveh can be seen today.

Additional material:

• “When and how was Nineveh destroyed?”