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.

The story of Jonah may often make us smile, considering our protagonist's notoriously reluctant nature. God goes to great lengths to get his attention, exemplifying care using not just grand miracles but also humble creatures. In Jonah 4:7, as you noted, it’s a humble worm that God uses to kill the plant that had provided shade for Jonah. This tiny creature serves as God’s instrument, conveying a powerful lesson about authority, care, and priority in God’s kingdom.

Interestingly, the plant—often referred to as a "castor bean" plant—grows rapidly, giving Jonah relief from the blistering sun. Its swift demise at the hands of a mere worm illustrates that even the most comforting circumstances are transient and dependent on the ebb and flow of nature and God's will. The death of the plant symbolizes how we oftentimes cling to the temporary comforts of this life, yet forget to cultivate a deeper understanding of compassion and connection toward all living beings, including those we deem undeserving.

Moreover, did you know Jonah’s experience parallels with a broader biblical theme? Throughout scripture, we witness instances where small, seemingly insignificant creatures or objects fulfill major roles, hinting that God works in mysterious yet practical ways. From the five loaves and two fish that fed the multitude to the mustarded seed spoken of in the gospels—it’s a reminder that true effectiveness and lesson often comes from the meekest of means. Okay, Jonah, time to take notes on divine nudges, small and great!