The story begins in the peaceful and idyllic town of Joppa, where the citizens, including the beloved vegetable characters from the “VeggieTales” series, live happily together. One day, Jonah (voiced by Phil Vischer), a young and somewhat self-centered asparagus, receives a message from God instructing him to go to the city of Nineveh and deliver a message of repentance to its citizens.
However, Jonah is reluctant to obey God’s command and decides to flee in the opposite direction aboard a pirate ship headed for Tarshish. He hopes to escape his responsibilities and avoid confronting the wickedness of Nineveh.
During the voyage, Jonah’s disobedience brings calamity upon the ship, and he is thrown overboard in a storm at sea. He is swallowed by a giant whale named Khalil (voiced by Tim Hodge), who takes him on a journey to the depths of the ocean.
Inside the belly of the whale, Jonah reflects on his actions and realizes the error of his ways. He prays to God for forgiveness and promises to fulfill his mission to go to Nineveh and deliver the message of repentance.
Meanwhile, back in Joppa, Jonah’s friends and fellow citizens, including Bob the Tomato (voiced by Phil Vischer) and Larry the Cucumber (voiced by Mike Nawrocki), embark on a journey to find Jonah and bring him back home safely.
As Jonah is spit out onto the shores of Nineveh, he delivers God’s message to the city’s inhabitants, urging them to repent of their sins and turn back to God. To his surprise, the people of Nineveh heed his warning and repent, leading to their salvation and redemption.
In the end, Jonah learns the importance of obedience, forgiveness, and compassion. He returns to Joppa humbled and grateful for God’s mercy, ready to embrace his role as a messenger of God’s love and grace.
“Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie” is praised for its colorful animation, catchy musical numbers, and faith-based message. It remains a beloved favorite among families and fans of the “VeggieTales” series, offering an entertaining and meaningful retelling of the biblical story of Jonah and the Whale.