Dr. Pat's Orthodox Super Sunday School Curriculum

MINOR PROPHETS: AMOS

Objectives:

1. Children should identify Amos as a shepherd from the land of Judah.
2. Children should be able to tell of his message to the people of Israel.

Possible Lesson Plan:

1. Open with prayer.

Amos was a shepherd and grower of sycamore figs. He was not the son of a prophet or had any schooling in prophecy. He was called by God from his home in the southern kingdom of Judah to speak to the northern kingdom of Israel. The land was rich and peaceful. The people of Israel were enjoying riches they had not had for centuries. But they did not care about God. They went to the city of Samaria to offer sacrifices to God but continued to do wicked deeds. They did not care for the poor or helpless. Amos told them that God would punish them if they did not return to following God’s commandments and worshipping God in their hearts and caring for the poor. This did not make Amos popular with the rulers. They told Amos he could not speak anymore. So, Amos wrote down his prophecies, often on pieces of broken pots. He knew that God had told him to speak and that God’s word would not be lost but saved for people to read later.

2. Tell the story of Amos. There is a brief summary in the Golden Chldren’s Bible, page 291. For more detail:

3. True/False questions:

                                           True                                            False

                  Amos was a shepherd.                              Amos was a king.

                  Amos was a prophet of God.                    Amos hated God.

                  Amos spoke to the people of Israel.         Amos spoke about Baltimore.

4. Review sheep and shepherds (Remember David?) What are sheep like? Why do they need a shepherd? What is the life of a shepherd like? What dangers does he face? How is God like a shepherd?

5. Sing “Amos Had a Little Lamb”
   1. Amos had a little lamb…whose name was Israel.
   2. Amos had a little lamb…whose fleece was black with sin.
   3. Amos said to Israel…”You must obey God.”
   4. Amos said to Israel … “Your fleece will then be clean.”

1. Make a Sock-puppet sheep:

Each child gets a white sock. Show child how to put socks on his hand and press in for a mouth. Glue red felt tongue in mouth. cGlue on felt, pompom, or wiggle eyes. Make black felt ears and glue in place. Glue several cotton balls on top of Head.

6. Close with prayer.