Lesson 3: A message from Amos.
Passage: Amos 5:14-15, 24 - Amos urges the people to seek good and not evil so they may live, and so that the Lord will be with them. He calls them to hate evil, love good, and seek justice in their communities. He emphasizes that God desires justice and righteousness to flow continuously and abundantly, like a never-ending stream, more than religious rituals or outward displays.
Big Idea: Justice means doing what’s right and fair.
For Teachers:
Lesson plan.
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the children sit in a circle on the circle time rug. Welcome them to class.
Warm Up Activity: TBD — Activity Leader
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we are going to be learning about another one of God’s special messengers, who are also called prophets. Today’s prophet is named Amos.
Let’s watch our video to find out more…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
What did Amos say God wants the people to do? (what’s right and fair)
What do you think it means to treat someone fairly?
What’s one way that we can be kind and fair to someone this week?
Do you think Amos was brave for telling people God’s message? Why?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
Dear God, thank you for the story we learned about Amos, and how he tells us that you love it when we are kind and fair to others. Please help us think of lots of different ways that we can share your goodness and love with others this week. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
Activity: Tent Collage — Activity Leader
Kids will create a collage of a camping scene, add start stickers, and draw themselves within the scene. Tent shaped cut outs will be provided.
If a child is not interested in the activity, allow them to move to free play.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the children sit in a circle on the circle time rug. Welcome them to class.
Warm Up Activity: TBD — Activity Leader
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we are continuing our new series on the prophets, who were the messengers of God. So far we’ve learned about Isaiah who was willing to be sent by God, and about Jonah who wasn’t as willing at first but God gave him a second chance.
Today’s story is going to be about another prophet named Amos.
Let’s watch our video to find out more…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
What was the problem with how people were acting in Amos’ time? (pretending to be good and spiritual, but secretly treating others unfairly)
What do you think “justice rolling like a river” means?
Can you think of a time when you or someone else stood up for what was right? Is it easy or hard to do?
How do you think we can we be truly good in God’s eyes and not just pretending like the people in Amos’ time?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
Dear God, thank you for the story we learned about Amos, and how he teaches us about how God loves it when our hearts are full of goodness and justice. Please help us to see all the small and big ways we can do what’s right and fair each day, and give us courage to do the right thing even when it’s hard. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
Activity: Tent Collage — Activity Leader
Kids will create a collage of a camping scene, add start stickers, and draw themselves within the scene. Tent shaped cut outs will be provided.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
-
Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the children sit in a circle on the circle time rug. Welcome them to class.
Warm Up Activity: TBD — Activity Leader
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we are continuing our new series on the prophets of the Old Testament, who were God’s chosen messengers to the people.
Can anyone remember the names of the prophets we’ve talked about so far? (Isaiah and Jonah)
What do you remember about their stories?
Today we’re going to be learning about the prophet Amos and what he had to say.
Read: Amos 5:14-15, 24
Now let’s watch our video to find out more…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Why was God upset with the people’s worship during the time of Amos?
What do you think is the difference between real worship and pretend worship?
What do you think true justice looks like in everyday life?
Why do you think it’s sometimes hard to stand up for what’s right and fair?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
Dear God, thank you for the lesson we learned today about the prophet Amos and how he teaches us about God’s heart for justice and real worship that’s not just for show. Please help us to see all the ways we can live lives that are full of your goodness and justice. And help us to stand up for what’s right even when it’s hard. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Activity: Tent Collage — Activity Leader
Kids will create a collage of a camping scene, add start stickers, and draw themselves within the scene. Tent shaped cut outs will be provided.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
For Parents:
Follow-up questions.
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
What did Amos say that God wants people to do — be mean to others or be kind and fair?
How can we help someone who’s being treated unfairly?
What’s one good and fair thing you can do this week?
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
Why do you think God cares so much how we treat others?
What do you think it means to “let justice roll like a river”? What would that look like?
Can you think of a time when you saw someone being treated unfairly? What did you do?
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
Why do you think God didn’t accept the people’s worship in Amos’ time?
What are some examples of real justice and fairness that you’ve seen in school or in the world?
What do you think makes it difficult to stand up for what’s right? And how can we be brave like Amos?
What are some simple ways we can practice justice and kindness in our everyday lives?
