Queen Esther

King Xerxes now ruled Persia. Because he had deposed his queen in a drunken feast, a search was made throughout the kingdom for a new queen. Under the direction of her cousin, Mordecai, Esther was put forward and chosen. Not knowing that his beautiful queen was Jewish, Xerxes fell in with a plan to destroy the Jewish exiles living in his land. Queen Esther saved her people by revealing her Jewish origins to the king and convincing him to let the Jews defend and protect themselves.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Esther 1-10

Outline:

1. Esther becomes queen.(Esther chapters 1-2)
2. Haman attempts to destroy Mordecai and all the Jews. (Esther chapter 3)
3. Esther saves her people. (Esther chapters 4-8)
4. The Jews defend themselves and celebrate. (Esther 9-10)

Tips for teaching children:

• Make a crown.
• Provide paints so that children can paint a portrait of Queen Esther.
• Write talents or gifts on individual cards (cooking, singing, money, etc.). Have children take turns picking a card and then explaining how that gift might be used to help God’s people.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Plan an evening together with the class that reflects 9:13 – feasting and giving of gifts.  Traditionally the book of Esther is also read at Purim but have the class read it before the evening.  On the designated evening, eat together and follow with the exchange of a gift that takes its theme from Esther.  As host, prepare another traditional Feast of Purim food, Hamantaschen (ears of Haman) – triangular shaped pastries.  Here’s a link to the recipe: https://bellyfull.net/hamantaschen-cookies/
• Just enjoy the evening together talking about what you have learned from your reading of the book.  You may want to especially discuss 4:13-14 and 6:13 and what these verses have to do with the idea of the providence of God.  Where else in the book is the providence of God possibly seen?
• End the time by reading Romans.8:28 and thanking God working in our lives.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Queen Esther

Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock),  Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com 

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org