For Such a Time

Esther has won the beauty contest to be queen but has kept her Jewishness a secret. Now, the king has sent out a decree to kill all Jews. Has God placed her as queen for such a time?
This video has been designed to be used in a small group. When you have gathered your group, begin with prayer.
Icebreaker: When have you had to deliver an important message to another person?
Watch the video, retell the story from what you heard, then read the text, Esther 4:1-17. Use the questions below to spark some conversation.
Head Questions: get the facts straight
1. How do the Jews react to Haman’s decree for the destruction of the Jews?
2. Why couldn’t Mordecai speak to Esther directly?
3. Who was the “go-between” for Esther and Mordecai?
4. What was the news that Mordecai had for Esther?
5. Why was Esther hesitant to appear before the king?
6. What does Mordecais say to this hesitancy?
7. What does Esther decide to do?
8. How does Esther ask for help before she goes to the king?
Heart Questions: dig deeper
1. What do you see as the reason for sackcloth, ashes, and weeping? What are some ways we display grief?
2. Why do you think Mordecai refused to change into the clothes Esther sent? What does this tell you about Mordecai? About Esther’s understanding of the situation?
3. Even though Esther lived in the palace, she may not have been aware of the decree against the Jews. How do you see Mordecai instructing Hathach so he could explain the situation to Esther?
4. What might have been some reasons Esther had not been to the king for thirty days? How might this have made her more hesitant to go the king? When has a difficult situation been made worse by relationship issues?
5. Mordecai says to Esther “If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from someplace else.” Why do you think Mordecai can be so sure that there will be a deliverance? Where do you think God is in this picture?
6. Mordecai reminds Esther that living in the palace will not save her, but then adds: Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this. How do you God involved in this situation? What effect do you see Mordecai’s statements having on Esther?
7. How do you see Esther preparing to go into the king? How do you prepare for a difficult assignment? What part does God play in your preparation?
8. Esther has been obedient to Mordecai’s instruction to this point, how do you see Mordecai now being obedient to Esther? What do you think this story teaches us about Esther’s maturation?
9. What do you think this story teaches us about handling difficult situations and relationships?
10. What do you think this story teaches about dealing with those in authority?
11. How do you see evil dealt with in this story? What does it tell you? What questions does it raise for you?
12. Where do you see God even if His name is not mentioned? What does this story teach you about God and about humankind?
Hands Questions: application
1. What has this story taught you?
2. What did you learn to help you walk with Jesus?
3. What was the theme for today?
End in Prayer
More Resources:
Podcast: podpoint.com/l...
Blog: Seven coordinating blogs begin here: lightofchristj...
Webpage: www.lightofchr...
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