Capstone

OBJECTIVE

The objective for the Old Testament Module is to introduce students to the prophetic words of the Major Prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, and the words of one Minor Prophet Habakkuk. Students should learn about how these prophets were aware of the coming of Jesus Christ and had lessons for Israel to learn about His coming.

INSTRUCTIONS/IDEAS

WARM UP DISCUSSION:

Take some time to reflect on the Old Testament history we have covered so far. What message do you think God wanted to send to Israel and Judah? Most often, it was a message of judgment (which is why prophets weren't exactly looked upon kindly sometimes). But sometimes it was one of a promised savior in the future. The theme of sackcloth and ashes as a symbol of mourning or repentance is seen many times in the prophets. Sackcloth was an extremely rough and itchy material used to make sacks. When they wore it as clothing and placed ashes on their head, they were intentionally making themselves uncomfortable to show their deep inner discomfort - either in mourning or because they were deeply sorry for their sins.
Being a Messenger - Have the students put themselves in the place of a messenger delivering a message to one of their siblings from their parents. What was the message? Did you remember to give the message to them? Did your siblings react to the message? How did that go?
Putting yourself in the place of a Prophet - The people must have thought they were very judgemental of their actions and not acting upon God's instructions, and in turn, they were being judged by the people, not realizing that they are prophets.
- Prophets heard a message directly from God and had to be obedient to give that message to the people
- Prophets told the people to repent or stop sinning or God would judge them (show sackcloth and ashes as you make this point)
- Prophets told the people of things that would happen in the future (including the coming Messiah, Jesus)
- The major theme of the prophets was that the people of Israel needed to repent or face judgment. Also, another theme was that a coming Messiah would soon deliver them.
- The person of Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies in the Old Testament concerning the Messiah and he took the judgment we deserve for our sins on himself. Have you trusted in Jesus as your Savior?

SIMON SAYS - GAME ON OBEDIENCE

Play Simon Says. Children must listen and follow actions correctly.

"Then the Lord reached out his hand. He touched my mouth and spoke to me. He said, I have put my words in your mouth. Today I am appointing you to speak to nations and kingdoms. I want you to pull them up by the roots and tear them down. I want you to destroy them and crush them. But I also want you to build them up and plant them." Jeremiah 1:9-10

The Prophets not only had to listen to God, they also had to be obedient in speaking His words to the people.

TELEPHONE GAME - DID YOU HEAR THE MESSAGE CORRECTLY?

Have students sit or stand in a line.
Whisper a message into the ear of the first student in line.
That student will whisper the same message in the ear of the person next to them and so on down the line.
Have them pass the message on fairly quickly.
The message gets mixed up by the time it gets to the end

It is a good thing prophets got a direct message from God to pass on to His people

PERSUASIVE SPEECH or STAGE A DEBATE - GROUP ACTIVITY

The purpose is to try to persuade a group of people to think differently. What tactics do they use to get their point across? The topic can be anything that may catch their attention.

Examples:

Should parents allow their kids to play football
Does Facebook need a Dislike Button
Should Social Media be censored
Do professional athletes have moral obligations
Give up all Social Media
Stop eating hamburgers

RESOURCES

How to Give a Persuasive Speech

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How to Hold a Debate

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