This lesson teaches children that God sees everything his people do, and that he cares about how we treat each other. It is written for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Teachers can use the story, the memory verse motion, and the activities to fit the time they have.
Big Idea
God loves his people and always sees what is right and wrong. Because he cares, he tells us the truth, even when it is hard to hear.
Memory Verse
Amos 5:24
But let justice roll on like rivers, and righteousness like a mighty stream.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both arms out in front of them and then move their hands out wide, like a river spreading across a field. As you say the verse together, let the motion show justice rolling like water. Repeat it a few times until everyone can do the motion without looking.
The Story: Amos 3 for Kids
A shepherd named Amos lived in the countryside, but God sent him to speak to the people of Israel. God had brought his people out of Egypt long ago and had cared for them. Amos told them that God was going to hold them accountable for the wrong things they were doing.
Amos asked the people some simple questions. Can two people walk together unless they have agreed to do it? Does a lion roar in the bushes when it has caught nothing? Amos was helping them think. When something happens, there is usually a reason behind it.
Amos spoke to the leaders of nearby nations and told them to look at Samaria. The people there were not doing what was right. They were keeping stolen things in their fine houses and did not care about the poor. God said that their strong walls and fancy homes would not keep them safe.
Amos also said that a shepherd only saves a small piece of a sheep from a lion’s mouth. In the same way, only a small part of the people might be saved. This was a hard message, but God wanted the people to listen and turn back to him.
The story ends with God’s promise that the houses of ivory and the great houses would come to an end. The people had trusted in their beautiful homes instead of trusting God. God was telling them that the things they were proud of would not last forever.
Read It Together
Amos 3:2
“I have only chosen you of all the families of the earth. Therefore I will punish you for all of your sins.”
(WEB)
Point out that God says he has known his people in a special way. Tell the children that God loves them and wants them to live in a way that honors him. Ask them what it means to be known by someone who loves you.
Amos 3:3
Do two walk together, unless they have agreed?
(WEB)
Show the children that two people usually walk together only when they agree on where to go. Explain that God wants his people to walk with him in agreement. Talk about how we can agree with God by doing what he says.
Amos 3:8
The lion has roared. Who will not fear? The Lord the LORD has spoken. Who can but prophesy?
(WEB)
Explain that when a lion roars, people feel afraid. God has spoken, and his message matters a great deal. Point out that Amos could not keep quiet about what God had told him to say.
Talk About It
- What did God remind the people of Israel about the time he brought them out of Egypt?
- Why do you think God wanted the people to know he saw their wrong choices?
- What were the people in Samaria doing with the things they had taken, and how did that go against what is right?
- Why do you think the big houses could not keep the people safe from God’s judgment?
- How can you show God that you want to walk with him this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Lion and a Shepherd
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a shepherd holding a lamb, with a lion nearby. As they draw, talk about how a shepherd takes care of his sheep and how God takes care of his people. Let the children share their pictures and tell one thing God does to keep us safe.
Walk Together Game
You will need a open space in the room and a few chairs. Have two children walk side by side across the room and stop when they both agree on a direction. Explain that people walk together when they agree, and God wants us to agree with him. Let every child take a turn walking with a partner.
Take-Home Reminder Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and tape. Write the memory verse on the card and draw a simple picture of rolling water. Let each child decorate the card with stickers or colors. Ask them to tape it to a bedroom door or the fridge so they can see it each day and remember that God cares about what is right.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is not indifferent to injustice. He holds his people to a high standard because he loves them and wants them to reflect his character. The passage also reminds us that privilege and comfort cannot replace faithfulness to God.
When teaching children, avoid making the lesson only about punishment. Be sure to point out that God speaks because he cares, and that his warnings are an invitation to return to him.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for seeing everything we do and for caring about what is right. Help us to walk with you and treat others with kindness and fairness. When we make mistakes, help us listen and turn back to you. We love you, and we want to follow you every day. Amen.
