Esther Risks Her Life to Save the Jews from Haman
(Esther 3-4)
King Xerxes ruled a vast empire. He promoted a man named Haman to be the highest official in the land. The king commanded all his royal officials at the king's gate to kneel down and pay honor to Haman. Everyone bowed except one man. Mordecai, a Jew who sat at the gate, refused to kneel. Day after day, the other officials asked him, "Why do you disobey the king's command?" Mordecai told them he was a Jew. He would not bow to any man, only to God.
When Haman learned that Mordecai would not honor him, he became furious. But Haman did not want to punish just Mordecai. He wanted to destroy all of Mordecai's people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom. Haman cast lots, called pur, to pick a day for the destruction. Then he went to King Xerxes and said, "There is a certain people scattered across your kingdom who do not obey your laws. Let a decree be issued to destroy them." The king gave Haman his signet ring and said, "Do with the people as you please." So Haman sent out couriers with a decree to kill every Jew, young and old, women and children, on a single day.
When Mordecai learned what had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. In every province, the Jews mourned with fasting, weeping, and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes. When Esther, the queen, heard about Mordecai, she was deeply distressed. She sent clothes for him to put on, but he would not accept them. So Esther sent a servant named Hathak to find out what was troubling Mordecai.
Mordecai told Hathak everything, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay for the destruction of the Jews. He gave Hathak a copy of the decree to show to Esther and urged her to go to the king to beg for mercy for her people. Esther replied, "All the king's officials know that anyone who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned must be put to death, unless the king extends the gold scepter. And I have not been called to go to the king for thirty days."
Mordecai sent back this powerful message: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone will escape. If you remain silent at this time, deliverance will arise from another place, but you and your family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" Esther responded, "Go, gather all the Jews in Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." So Mordecai went and carried out all of Esther's instructions. The fate of the Jewish people now rested on Esther's brave decision.
A Curious Question
Why did Mordecai refuse to bow to Haman even though it put his entire people in danger?
Jesus Connection
Esther risked her life to intercede for her people before the king. She stood in the gap between death and life. In the same way, Jesus intercedes for us. The book of Hebrews says Jesus lives forever to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). Jesus did not just risk his life; he gave his life on the cross to save us from our sins. He rose again and now sits at the right hand of God, pleading for us. Just as Esther went before the king to save the Jews, Jesus went before the Father to save all who trust in him. He is our perfect mediator.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think Mordecai refused to bow to Haman, even when it was dangerous?
- How do you think Esther felt when she heard about the decree and Mordecai's request?
- What does Mordecai's message "for such a time as this" teach us about how God places people in special positions?
So What? What Can I Do?
- Stand for what is right. Mordecai honored God even when it was costly. When you face pressure to do wrong, remember his courage and ask God to help you stand firm.
- Trust God's timing. Esther was made queen for a special purpose. God may have placed you in your family, school, or church for a reason. Ask him to show you how you can help others.
- Pray and fast when you need courage. Esther asked all the Jews to fast before she took a huge risk. When you face something scary, you can pray and ask God for strength, just like Esther did.
Memorize God's Word
Esther 4:14: "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"
- And who knows hold your hands out with palms up, as if asking a question.
- but that you have come point forward with both hands, then bring them toward yourself.
- to your royal position place one hand on your head like a crown, then sweep your arm out wide.
- for such a time as this point to your watch or wrist, then point down to the ground.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank you for the brave example of Esther and Mordecai. Help us to stand for what is right, even when it is hard. Show us the special purpose you have for our lives. Give us courage to trust you and to help others. In Jesus' name, amen.
Craft or Activity
Courage Crown
Children will create a paper crown that reminds them of Esther's royal position and her brave choice to approach the king. On the crown, they will write "For Such a Time as This" to remember that God has a purpose for each of them.
Materials Checklist:
- Cut a long strip of yellow or gold construction paper, about 3 inches wide and long enough to fit around your head.
- Decorate the strip with markers, stickers, or jewels.
- Write the words "For Such a Time as This" on the front of the crown.
- Staple or tape the ends together to form a circle that fits your head.
- Wear your crown and remember that God has a special purpose for you, just like he did for Esther.
Effective Teaching Techniques
For Younger Children: Focus on the simple story of Esther's bravery. Use hand motions for key actions like bowing, tearing clothes, and putting on a crown. Emphasize that God helped Esther be brave.
Prep Shortcut: Pre-cut the crown strips and have the memory verse printed on labels so kids can stick them directly onto the crowns.
Classroom Management: During the craft, play soft background music and keep instructions short and clear. Have a helper assist with stapling.
For Older Kids: Dive deeper into the idea of God's providence. Discuss how God works behind the scenes, even when we cannot see him. Challenge them to think of a time when they might need to be brave for God.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Mordecai refuse to bow to Haman?
- Mordecai was a Jew who would not bow down to any man in worship, only to God, even though it put him and his people in great danger.
- What did Haman's decree say about the Jewish people?
- Haman convinced the king to sign a law ordering that every Jew in the empire, young and old, women and children, be killed on a single day.
- What did Esther mean when she said, "If I perish, I perish"?
- She was showing that she was willing to risk her own life by approaching the king without being summoned, trusting God with the outcome, in order to plead for her people.