The answer is: A worm

Jonah 4:7 - God employees even the smallest of creatures to do His work. This was to teach Jonah a lesson in pity.

In the Book of Jonah, that little detail about the worm doing God's bidding is quite the thought-provoking twist! It's remarkable how the smallest creatures can have the biggest impact. The worm, which usually brings to mind decay and destruction, is used here to deliver a critical lesson on compassion and empathy.

Jonah's grouchy reaction over the loss of the plant may seem exaggerated at first, but it reflects a profound human tendency to deeply appreciate the things that provide personal comfort without regard for larger contexts. The story reminds us that everything, even a seemingly insignificant creature like a worm, plays a role in the greater narrative of life.

Interestingly, this reflects a broader biblical theme where God uses ordinary things for extraordinary purposes—the burning bush that spoke to Moses, a boy with a slingshot to defeat a giant, or the simple bread and fish that fed thousands. These moments highlight an enchanting dynamic in the divine narrative: something humble can lead to a pivotal revelation.

Additionally, the plant’s short-lived shade analogizes to many comforts we seek in life. They can be here one moment and gone the next, leaving us to reflect on our choices and what we truly value. Jonah's beloved shade was stripped away to emphasize his need to consider the greater message—compassion extends beyond personal affinities, and it’s vital to have the same concern for others that we naturally possess for ourselves.