Esther - A Spiritual Concept for a Semester

God’s love for Israel becomes evident—children realize that this love is also for them.

A Rich King

A six-month banquet hosted by the Persian King Xerxes at the royal palace in Susa (to demonstrate his wealth, power, and influence)

Queen Vashti disobeys the king’s command. A decree is issued that Vashti may never come before him again; a letter containing the law is sent to all the provinces 

Introducing Mordecai and Esther: Esther, a pretty Jewish girl, has been raised by Mordecai, her older cousin in Susa, since the death of her parents.

Main message of the passage, Bible verses related to the story

Esther 1, Esther 2:5–7, and 3:20b

• What are the consequences of disobedience? (e.g., Vashti)
• Esther as a role model who obeys her foster father
• Whom must we obey? Obeying God, our parents, and our teachers means sometimes doing a little more than just what we’re told to do (cleaning up our room, even if we weren’t asked to)
• Have the courage to say “no” when you don’t want to do something

Possible Activities

• Welcome new children, hand out program booklets
• Make a king’s palace craft
• Throw a party (possibly with girls and boys separated)
• Outdoor game: Rule over 127 provinces with different languages (secret scripts)

Search for a Queen Esther 1:1–18 

King Xerxes orders that all beautiful young women be brought to Susa to Hegai (the royal eunuch) for his harem

Esther is summoned to the royal court and wins the favor of Hegai, who takes special care of her. Following Mordecai’s advice, she does not reveal her Jewish heritage

The king favors Esther above all other women, and she becomes queen in place of Vashti

Main message of the passage, Bible references related to the story

• With God, outward appearance does not matter (even though Esther was especially beautiful)
• God has made us wonderfully; we should thank Him for that (Psalm 139:14: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made”)
• God remains with you even when you go through difficult or sad times
• (Matthew 28:20 – Esther left Mordecai; her future was uncertain)

Possible Activities

• Beauty salon: face masks, painting fingernails, massage, hot stone…
• Barefoot trail
• Craft a mirror for reflection (with Psalm 139:14)

A Plot to Kill?! Esther 2:21–3:15 

Mordecai is now working for the king. He hears that two eunuchs are plotting to kill the king. He tells Esther, who immediately reports it to the king. The two culprits are punished.
Haman plans to kill the Jews because Mordecai refused to bow down to him.

Main Message, Bible Passages Related to the Story

• Jesus wants to save your life (Mordecai, Acts 16:25ff)
• God is always in control, no matter what happens
• Gossiping behind people’s backs is not a solution and only makes things worse (e.g., Haman says false things about the Jews; example: COLOR as our team’s values)

Possible Activities

• Song: God Has the Whole World
• “Romanopoly” (a game about forgiveness)

The Test of Courage Esther 4 and 5, 1–8 

Mordecai urges Esther to intercede for the salvation of the Jews. Esther goes before the king and invites him and Haman to a banquet.

Main message, Bible passages related to the story

• Stand up courageously for your friends and other Christians (Esther was courageous when she appeared before the king—am I sometimes courageous enough to share about God or to stand up for others?)
• Esther was certainly afraid—God wants to help me in my fear.
• Psalm 50:15: Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.
• Trust in God and hope in His help

Possible Activities

• Put on a sackcloth and ashes
• Deliver messages (possibly in secret code)
• Invitation to a meal

A Sleepless Night Esther 5:9–6:14 

Haman wants to kill Mordecai. The king remembers how Mordecai saved his life and wants to reward him: Mordecai is honored—Haman is humiliated.

Main message, Bible passages related to the story

• God stands by those who love Him.
• God rewards you when you stand by Him. 

Possible Activities

Make a journal as a chronicle of the king’s reign to commemorate the event

What do you wish for? Esther 7:1–8:12 

At the second banquet, Esther pleads for the salvation of the Jews. Haman is put to death, Mordecai is honored—a new decree is issued.

Key message, Bible passages related to the story

• For God, there is always a way out.
• God can bring good out of difficult, bad situations, Romans 8:28

Victory and Jubilation Esther 8–10 

• Esther receives Haman’s estate, and Mordecai gains access to the king. They ask the king to revoke Haman’s decree. They write a letter in which the king permits the Jews to defend themselves. The enemies of the Jews are killed.
• Establishment of the Feast of Purim

Main Message, Bible Passages Related to the Story

• God’s plans are good, even if they don’t seem that way at first glance.
• God is never too late.
• God has good intentions for you.

Possible Activities

Celebrate Purim:

• dressing up
• Looking back, e.g., shaking noisemakers at Haman
• Sorting pictures

Baking hamantaschen (www.kikverband.ch/wzk/ester)

Source:

• Content: Ameisli Romanshorn, 2010
• Cover image:Clipart courtesy of the publisher buch+musik ejw-service gmbh, Stuttgart -www.ejw-buch.defrom: Jungscharleiter Grafik-CD plus; Second revised edition 2002 © buch+musik ejw-service gmbh, Stuttgart