Memory Verse

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10

Introduction

This week we are looking at the life of Esther and learning how she trusted in God’s sovereignty in the midst of trials. At this point in the biblical narrative, we know that many Jews in exile returned to Judah to rebuild the temple. Some Jews remained in Persia. It’s at this point of the story that we encounter Esther. An orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, Esther found herself in a very unique situation. King Xerxes was looking for a new queen and had women from throughout the land brought before him. For such a time as this, Esther was selected as queen. Soon she would face a challenging trial where she would risk her life in order to save her Jewish people.

Key Passage

• Read the Book of Esther

Younger Group (Preschool-3^rd)

• Watch Video Lesson – August 9, 20202 Older Group Video Lesson 13

Open up your bibles to the book of Esther and also to 1 Peter. Begin by reviewing the memory verse from 1 Peter 5:10. After reading the memory verse, turn to the book of Esther. Read the entire book of Esther.

• What secret did Esther keep from the king? She was a Jew, Esth. 2:10
• Why was Mordecai upset? He learned that Haman planned to kill all the Jews, Esth. 4:1-3
• What could have happened to Esther as a result of her going before the king uninvited?She could have been put to death, Esth. 4:11
• Why do you think Esther was willing to die to save her people? Help the kids see that Esther understood that she had been made queen for this reason. She understood that God was working through her life and spent days fasting and praying about the issue. God gave her courage to stand up for her people.
• Esther spoke up for her people. Who speaks up for us today? Explain that when we trust in Jesus, He speaks to God the Father on our behalf. When we are joined to Jesus, He gives us His perfect righteousness and obedience, Heb. 7:25
• How can you speak up for a friend in need? Guide kids to think about situations where they may see people being mistreated, such as bullying at school. Remind them that God has commanded us to treat everyone with love and to protect those in need. Brainstorm things they could say to help others.

Older Group (4^th-Teen)

• Watch Video Lesson – August 9, 20202 Older Group Video Lesson 13

Open up your bibles to the book of Esther and also to 1 Peter. Begin by reviewing the memory verse from 1 Peter 5:10.

• As Christians, should we expect suffering and trials in our life?
• What does Christ promise He will do when we suffer?

Read Esther 3:1-6

• Who was Haman? Haman was a royal noble that served King Xerxes (v. 1)
• What caused Haman’s anger toward Mordecai? Mordecai refused to kneel down or pay Haman honor (v. 2, 5)
• How did Haman respond? He had a vengeful heart and sought to not only kill Mordecai, but all the Jews in the kingdom (v. 6)

Read Esther 4:11-16

An order was sent throughout the entire kingdom that on a set date, all the Jews would be killed. Mordecai brought this news to Esther so that she could use her position as queen to help her people. Esther couldn’t just go before the king with a request to help her people. She knew that her life would be at risk.

• What did Mordecai challenge Esther’s fears with? He pointed her to God’s sovereignty and opened her eyes to see that maybe God raised her up to be queen in order to protect her people. (v. 14)
• How did Esther respond to Mordecai’s challenge? She called for all the people to pray and fast and she chose to risk her life. “And if I perish, I perish.” (v. 16)
• Where is God calling you to trust in His sovereignty, that He is in control of all things?Open discussion