grade kids bible study guide unit 21, session 6: esther ... · esther was a young jewish girl who...

1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 21, Session 6: Esther Saved Her People

2012 LifeWay Christian Resources

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TEACHER BIBLE STUDY Let’s set the scene for the story of how Esther saved her people. The Babylonian captivity had

ended while Cyrus was king. Some of God’s people—now referred to as Jews (people from

Judah)—traveled back to Judah to rebuild the temple, the city, and their lives. Others, however,

stayed in Persia where life among the pagans was relatively comfortable.

The king of Persia was now Ahasuerus (uh haz yoo EHR uhs), also known by his Greek name,

Xerxes (ZUHRK seez). Esther was a young Jewish girl who became queen of Persia by winning

a beauty contest of sorts. The former queen had defied the king and was promptly replaced.

Esther had been an orphan, so her cousin Mordecai adopted her. Mordecai kept in touch with

Esther while she lived in the palace. One day, the king gave Haman the Agagite a very important

position in the kingdom. The king even commanded the people to bow down to Haman. But

Mordecai refused.

Haman was a descendant of Agag, king of the Amalekites. The nations of Israel and Amalek did

not get along. Haman was angry, but instead of just punishing Mordecai, he planned to kill all

the Jews in the kingdom.

In today’s Bible story, Mordecai turned to Esther for help. After all, she was in a position of

power, and the Jews were her people. The stakes were high, but Esther approached the king and

explained her people’s plight. Review the details in Esther 7. The king ordered Haman to be

killed on the very gallows Haman constructed for killing Mordecai.

Note how Esther described Haman: “The adversary and enemy is this evil Haman” (Esther 7:6).

We too have an adversary—the Devil. He prowls around like a lion, seeking people to devour.

(1 Peter 5:8) He loves nothing more than to destroy believers and hinder the work of God. Satan

thought he had succeeded when Jesus died on the cross, but God raised Jesus from the dead and

defeated Satan once and for all. (See Hebrews 2:14-15.)

LESSON OVERVIEW/SCHEDULE Session Title: Esther Saved Her People

Bible Passage: Esther 1–10

Big Picture Question: How does God use people? God uses ordinary people to carry out His

plan.

Key Passage: Zechariah 9:9

Unit Christ Connection: God saved His people who were in physical captivity as He would one

day send Jesus to save and restore His people who are in spiritual captivity.



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Transition Time

Welcome time

Activity sheet/Table Centers

Session starter (10 minutes)

Lesson

Countdown

Introduce the session (1 minute)

Timeline Map (3 minutes)

Big picture question (1 minute)

Sing (4 minutes)

Key passage (4 minutes)

Tell the Bible story (10 minutes)

Discussion starter video (3 minutes)

The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me (optional)

Prayer (4 minutes)

Table Time

Timeline map (1 minute)

Bible story review (10 minutes)

Large Group Review / Activities

Key passage activity (5 minutes)

Activity choice (10 minutes)

Prayer (5 minutes)

THE BIBLE STORY/OVERVIEW

Esther Saved Her People

Esther 1–10

King Ahasuerus (uh haz yoo EHR uhs) was the king of Persia. Many years earlier, when

Cyrus was king, he sent some of God’s people back to Judah to rebuild the temple in

Jerusalem. So some of God’s people went to Judah, but some of them stayed in Persia.

God’s people were called Jews because they were from Judah.

The king of Persia needed a queen. He chose Esther to be queen. Esther was very

beautiful. She was a Jew and had been raised by her cousin Mordecai (MAWR duh kigh).

Esther didn’t tell the king that she was a Jew.

One day, Mordecai heard that Haman, a very important leader who worked for the king,

was planning to kill all the Jews. Haman didn’t like the Jews. Mordecai was upset! He was a

Jew; he didn’t want all the people he loved to be killed. Mordecai and all the Jews cried.

Esther didn’t know what was wrong. She sent a messenger to ask Mordecai why all the



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Jews were upset. Mordecai told Esther about Haman’s evil plan.

“You have to do something!” Mordecai said. “You’re the queen. Ask the king to stop

Haman. Ask him to save the Jewish people.”

Esther sent a message back to Mordecai. “No one can approach the king unless the king

calls for that person first,” Esther said. “The punishment is death—unless the king holds

out his scepter; then you may live.”

Mordecai encouraged Esther to think about it. “You’re a Jew,” he said. “If you don’t

stop Haman, he will kill you too. Maybe this is why you are the queen.” Maybe God put

Esther in the palace to save her people!

Esther asked Mordecai to gather the Jewish people and to fast. They would not eat or

drink for three days. They would pray to God for help. Then Esther would go to the king. She

was willing to die to save the Jews.

Mordecai, Esther, and the Jewish people fasted for three days. On the third day, Esther

went to the king. The king was sitting on his throne. He saw Esther and held out his golden

scepter. Esther walked toward him and touched the tip of the scepter.

“What is it, Queen Esther?” the king asked. “What do you want to ask me? I’ll give you

anything—up to half of my kingdom.”

Esther said, “Would you and Haman come to a feast today? I have prepared it.”

So Haman and the king went to Esther’s feast. As they sat after eating, the king said,

“What do you want, Queen Esther? I’ll give you anything—up to half of my kingdom.”

“Please come to my feast tomorrow, you and Haman,” Esther said.

The king agreed. That night Haman went home and had gallows made where he could hang

Mordecai. Haman often saw Mordecai sitting outside the palace, and Haman hated him.

The next day, Haman and the king went to Esther’s feast. As they sat after eating, the king

said, “What do you want, Queen Esther? I’ll give you anything—up to half of my kingdom.”

Esther spoke up, “There is a plan to kill me and my people.”

The king replied, “Who is responsible for this plan?”

“This evil enemy—Haman!” Esther said.

The king was angry! He ordered for Haman to be hanged on the gallows Haman had built

to kill Mordecai. Haman was hanged, and the king wasn’t angry anymore. He made a law to

keep the Jewish people safe from their enemies.

Christ Connection: God was in control over Haman’s evil plan to destroy the Jews. Like

Haman, Satan wants to destroy believers. He thought he had won when Jesus died on the cross,

but God raised Jesus from the dead and defeated Satan once and for all.



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TRANSITION TIME Session Title: Esther Saved Her People



plan.




Welcome time Tip: As kids arrive this is a great time to collect the offering, fill out attendance sheets, and help new kids connect to

your group.

Arriving Activity: One Color Bible Story Coloring Page

crayons or markers

Provide each kid with the same color crayon or marker and this session’s coloring page. Hide the

other crayons or markers. Invite each kid to color the page with her one crayon. When asked for

more, explain that you decided one color would be enough. Encourage them to color with their

one color the best they can. Once all the kids have arrived, provide another copy of the coloring

page and multiple colors of crayons or markers.

Say • Why was it so hard to color with one color? Each color has a purpose. Today, we will see

how each of us has a purpose too—no matter how ordinary you may think you are.

Activities/Table Centers (5 minutes) Table centers (Miscellaneous Activities)

“Real Queen” activity sheet / Bible Story Coloring Sheet, 1 per kid

pencils, markers or crayons

Guide boys and girls to complete the activity page.

Say • A young lady in the Bible was chosen to be queen based on her outer beauty, but she is

remembered for much, much more. We’ll find out what she is remembered for in today’s

Bible story.

If time remains, allow kids to complete the coloring page provided with this session.

Session Starter (10 minutes) Option 1: Different But Good paper

pencils or markers

Form groups of two kids. Provide each group with a piece of paper. Encourage them to write

down as many ways as possible that they are different from one another. Kids can include ways

they look, things they like to do, favorite foods and colors, and so forth. The goal will be to see



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which pair can come up with the most differences. For kids who are uncomfortable writing,

encourage each pair to share their differences with each other. After 30 seconds, invite them to

switch partners and share again.

Say • Each of you is very unique. God made you that way because He has special plans for you.

We will see how God used a girl named Esther in a few moments.

Option 2: Scepter Snack pretzel sticks

donut holes

cake icing (optional)

Allergy Allert

Give each kid a few pretzel sticks and donut holes. Let them make scepters by pushing one end

of the pretzel stick through the donut hole. You can also provide cake icing to decorate.

Say • In today’s Bible story, a young lady became queen and saved her people in a big way.

Let’s find out how.

Transition to large group

LESSON Session Title: Esther Saved Her People



plan.




Countdown countdown video (on provided DVD with lesson videos and worship)

Show the countdown video as you clean-up table centers, set up classroom chairs for the lesson

and set it to end as large group time begins.

Introduce the session (1 minute) picture of a house [Large group leader enters with a picture of a beautiful house.]

Leader • Is there a home that you think is really beautiful? Here’s one I think is beautiful. You

don’t build a home hoping it will be ugly. You want it to be beautiful. Now what if that home

didn’t have a floor or rooms? Could you tell from the outside? Would it be very useful? No!

A home must be able to house people. That reminds me of a beautiful girl in the Bible named



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Esther. She was very pretty, but it was her courage that made her so important that people still

celebrate her today.

Timeline Map (3 minutes) Timeline Map (small group visual pack – copies provided for Table Time Review)

Leader • Let’s talk about what we have learned over the past few weeks. God sent a prophet

named Obadiah to tell the Edomites they were about to be punished because they didn’t help

the Israelites when they were taken to Babylon. They thought they were better than anyone

else. We call that pride. Why did God judge Edom’s pride? Pride steals God’s glory.

While God promised to destroy the people of Edom, He kept His promise to return the

Israelites to their homes in Judah. How did God keep His promise to the Israelites? God

changed King Cyrus’s heart so the Israelites could go home.

After their return home, the people started rebuilding the temple but gave up because their

neighbors made it difficult for them. The Israelites forgot God, and they focused on themselves

instead. God always deserves to be first. How can we honor God? We can put God first in

our lives.

God sent two prophets to encourage His people to complete the temple. Haggai and

Zechariah both shared how important the temple was. However, Zechariah had a more

important message to share. What was Zechariah’s message? Zechariah spoke about the

coming Messiah.

The Israelites listened and continued working on the temple. More than 20 years from when

they first started, they completed the temple and worshiped God there. Why did the people

rebuild the temple? The people rebuilt the temple to worship God.

Big picture question (1 minute) Big Picture Question: How does God use people? - 11x17 poster provided

Leader • While many of God’s people returned to their home in Judah, some stayed in Babylon

and nearby areas. Included among those was a girl named Esther. Esther lived in Persia. How

do I know this? It’s in the Bible. Who has a Bible? Great! Here is our big picture question,

How does God use people?

Sing (4 minutes) Worship Song: “Broken Hallelujah” (on provided DVD)

Leader • God has a plan for each of us. We don’t always understand or even know His plans,

but God knew us even before we were born. We may not always feel like we are known and

loved by God, but He knows us and loves us. Whether we are sad, angry, or hurt; God has a

plan. Let’s praise Him!

Sing together “Broken Hallelujah.”



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Key passage (4 minutes) Key Passage Poster: Zechariah 9:9 (provided)

Worship Song: “Look” (on provided DVD)

Leader • God’s ultimate plan for us is to know and tell others about Jesus. God told the

Israelites through the prophets that a Savior was coming. Zechariah was just one of many

prophets to give them a sign to look for to know who the Savior is.

Show the slide or poster of the unit’s key passage, Zechariah 9:9. Lead the boys and girls to read

the verse together. Sing together “Look.”

Tell the Bible Story (10 minutes) “Esther Saved Her People” video (on provided DVD)

Bibles, 1 per kid

Bible Story Picture Slide or Poster

Leader • So who is Esther, and what did she do? Let’s open our Bibles to the Book of Esther

and find out. We’ll also find the answer to our big picture question, How does God use

people?

Show the “Esther Saved Her People” video, or choose to tell the Bible story in your own words

using the script provided. For a shorter version of the story, read only the bolded text.

Leader • God used an ordinary girl’s beauty to ultimately save His people. How does God use

people? God uses ordinary people to carry out His plan. Esther was just like any other Jew.

Jews are what the Israelites were called during and after they were held captive in Babylon.

Esther had to face a tough choice. Would she try to protect herself, or risk her own life to

save the rest of the Jews living in Persia? Mordecai, Esther’s cousin, helped her see that God

made her queen for a reason. Jews today still celebrate how God used Esther to save them

during a holiday called Purim.

Ask the following review questions:

Why did the king choose Esther? (her beauty; Esther 2:7-9,17)

How did Esther find out about Haman’s plot to kill the Jews? (Mordecai, her cousin, told

one of her servants; Esther 4:6-10)

Why was it dangerous for Esther to go to the king? (Anyone who came to the king

without permission could be killed, Esther 4:11)

What did the king do to Haman once Esther shared what was happening? (the same thing

Haman was going to do to Mordecai, Esther 9:25)

How does God use people? God uses ordinary people to carry out His plan.

Discussion starter video (3 minutes) Unit 21, Session 6 - Discussion Starter Video (on provided DVD)

Big Picture Question: How does God use people? - 11x17 poster provided

Leader • Have you ever faced a tough decision before? Maybe it was something like this.

Show the “Unit 21 Session 6” video.

Leader • What are some scary things you’ve faced before? Esther was probably terrified to go

before the king. The king could have killed her. Plus, she had to face Haman, the enemy who



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wanted to kill her people. That didn’t stop her. She trusted the king to take her side.

Christians have an enemy too. His name is Satan. Satan has power, but his power is no match

for God’s. When Jesus died for our sins and rose again, He defeated Satan forever.

The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me (optional) Use Scripture and the guide provided with this session to explain to boys and girls how to become

a Christian. Assign individuals to meet with kids who have more questions. If this is not

possible, encourage boys and girls to ask their parents, small group leaders, or other Christian

adults any questions they may have about becoming a Christian.

Prayer (4 minutes) Big Picture Question: How does God use people? - 11x17 poster provided

Show the big picture question slide or poster.

Leader • How does God use people? God uses ordinary people to carry out His plan.

Use the phrase “God uses __________.” Fill in the blank with things like soccer players,

cheerleaders, boys, girls, first graders, and so forth. Kids who identify with whatever you fill in

the blank should stand and say the answer to the big picture question.

Before transitioning to small group, make any necessary announcements. Lead the kids in

prayer. Pray that God will use each kid in amazing ways.

Dismiss to small groups for Table Time

The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me Ask kids if they have ever heard the word gospel. Clarify that the word gospel means “good

news.” It is the message about Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation. Use the following

guide to share the gospel with kids.

God rules. Explain to kids that the Bible tells us God created everything, and He is in charge

of everything. Invite a volunteer to read Genesis 1:1 from the Bible. Read Revelation 4:11 or

Colossians 1:16-17 aloud and explain what these verses mean.

We sinned. Tell kids that since the time of Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey

God. (Romans 3:23) The Bible calls this sin. Because God is holy, God cannot be around sin.

Sin separates us from God and deserves God’s punishment of death. (Romans 6:23)

God provided. Choose a child to read John 3:16 aloud. Say that God sent His Son, Jesus, the

perfect solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. It’s something

we, as sinners, could never earn on our own. Jesus alone saves us. Read and explain Ephesians

2:8-9.

Jesus gives. Share with kids that Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and

rose again. Because Jesus gave up His life for us, we can be welcomed into God’s family for

eternity. This is the best gift ever! Read Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; or 1 Peter 3:18.



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We respond. Tell kids that they can respond to Jesus. Read Romans 10:9-10,13. Review

these aspects of our response: Believe in your heart that Jesus alone saves you through what He’s

already done on the cross. Repent, turning from self and sin to Jesus. Tell God and others that

your faith is in Jesus.

Offer to talk with any child who is interested in responding to Jesus.

TABLE TIME LEADER

Session Title: Esther Saved Her People



plan.




Bible story review (10 minutes) Tip: Divide children into small groups for table time. Each group should include an adult leader at the table.

Bibles, 1 per kid

Timeline (small group visual pack – extra copies provided for Table Time Review)

Big Picture Question: How does God use people? (11x17 poster provided in classroom)

Encourage the kids to find the Book of Esther in their Bibles. Help them as needed.

Say • Is Esther in the Old Testament or New Testament? (Old Testament) Esther is in the

History division of the Bible. Esther is in one of two books in the Bible named after

women. Can you name the other? (Ruth)

Use the small group visual pack to show kids where today’s Bible story is on the timeline.

Review the Bible story provided using the poem below. It also makes a great rap.

Say • Here’s a little story about a girl named Esther

And a man named Haman who might just arrest her.

Esther was a girl just like any other

But the king thought she was like no other.

He took her to his castle and made her his wife;

She was living the dream with her brand new life.

Now, Haman had plans against the Jews.

If he had his way, their lives they would lose!

He went to the king and said, “These people are trouble!

“Give me the power, and I’ll turn them to rubble.”



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Of all the Jews that made Haman sigh

There was no one he disliked more than Mordecai.

But Haman didn’t know about a family situation:

He was messing with the man who was Esther’s relation.

Esther told the king about the Jews’ despair—

And how she was a Jew, so their lives he would spare.

The king got mad because of Haman’s lies

And soon it was Haman that the king did despise!

The moral of this story is clear for you to see:

God uses people just like you and me.

The next time you’re placed in a scary situation,

Trust Jesus and you will always find salvation.

Show the big picture question slide or poster.

Say • How does God use people? God uses ordinary people to carry out His plan.

LARGE GROUP REVIEW

AND ACTIVITIES

Key passage activity (5 minutes) “Key Passage Feast”

Key Passage Poster: Zechariah 9:9 (provided)

dry erase board and markers (optional)

4 groups of Key Passage pieces (each grouping is on a different color paper)

4 containers

paper plates, 1 per group

Make sure the key passage, Zechariah 9:9, is visible for each child, either as the printed poster or

written on a dry erase board. Read the verse together.

Say • God used a queen to save the Israelites, or Jews. Esther risked her life to save her people

from Haman. God used a King to save His people from sin. Jesus is the King we read

about in Zechariah 9:9. He didn’t just risk His life, He gave His life for you and me. Let’s

see who knows the key verse by heart.

Write the entire key passage on three or four different colored pieces of paper and cut it up into

one word pieces. Put each color’s pieces into a separate bowl or container.

Talk about how Esther prepared two feasts before telling the king about Haman’s plans. Form

three or four groups, and give each group a plate. Place the bowls in different parts of the room.



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Explain that everyone is part of the key passage feast. Each group must collect at least one piece

from each bowl, and they may collect no more than 20 pieces from any one bowl. The goal is to

be the quickest to collect all the words of the key passage on their plate.

Activity Choice (10 minutes)

Option 1: Unit Review Big picture question and answer cards (x4 sets)

Form four groups of kids. Cards are provided with each big picture question for every session of

this unit. Separate cards with the answers are also provided. Mix them up. Give each group one

set of questions/answers. Let the kids race to match each question with its answer. Shuffle and

repeat. Here are the six questions and answers for this unit:

Why did God judge Edom’s pride? Pride steals God’s glory.

How did God keep His promise to the Israelites? God changed King Cyrus’s heart so the

Israelites could go home.

How can we honor God? We can put God first in our lives.

What was Zechariah’s message? Zechariah spoke about the coming Messiah.

Why did the people rebuild the temple? The people rebuilt the temple to worship God.

How does God use people? God uses ordinary people to carry out His plan.

Say • In each Bible story, God used ordinary people to complete His plans. God still uses

ordinary people today. How does God use people? God uses ordinary people to carry out

His plan.

Option 2: Party Invitations heavyweight paper or construction paper

markers

stickers

Use heavyweight paper or construction paper to make invitations for the following week’s

session. Demonstrate how to fold the paper like a card, and provide the kids with some examples

of what to write. Consider serving a breakfast feast at the beginning of the next session, and add

that to the invitation. Allow the kids time to decorate the invitations with markers and stickers.

Encourage them to hand deliver their cards to a friend.

Say • Esther invited the king to two feasts before sharing what Haman was about to do to her and

her people. God used Esther to save His people. How does God use people? God uses

ordinary people to carry out His plan.

Prayer and Clean-Up (5 minutes) Say • Here’s our final look at the big picture question and answer. How does God use people?

God uses ordinary people to carry out His plan.



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If time remains, take prayer requests. Pray, thanking God for using us in His plans. Pray for

each child by name, asking God to help each kid trust His plan.

Clean-Up Room

The Exiles ReturnedUNIT 21 • Session 6 • Younger Kids Activity Pages© 2013 LifeWay Christian Resources.

Instructions: Find the true queen below. She wears glasses, a smile, a crown with four jewels, and has a few freckles.

© 2013 LifeWay

Family Journal Page

Unit 21 • Session 6OK TO PRINT

Invite kids to name people they know whom God has used

in His plan. Encourage kids to think about people they go to

school with, attend church with, or see in other life situations.

Family members may also name Bible people. Review the story of

Esther by allowing kids to tell or read the Bible story. Write

a prayer on the journal page asking God to help each family

member to be willing to be used by God in His plan to rescue

people from sin.

The Exiles ReturnedEsther Saved Her PeopleEsther 1–10

Preschool Key Passage: Zechariah 9:9

Big Picture Question: How did God use Esther? God

used Esther to help save His people.

Christ Connection: The Jews were in danger, and they

needed someone to save them. God made Esther the

queen so she could help the Jews. Today, everyone sins

and is in danger. We need someone to save us. God sent

His Son, Jesus, to save people from sin.

KidsKey Passage: Zechariah 9:9

Big Picture Question: How does God use people?

God uses ordinary people to carry out His plan.

Christ Connection: God was in control over

Haman’s evil plan to destroy the Jews.

Like Haman, Satan wants to destroy

believers. He thought he had won when

Jesus died on the cross, but God raised Jesus from

the dead and defeated Satan once and for all.

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O

daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming

to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Zechariah 9:9

Unit 21 • Key Passage Poster (ESV)OK TO PRINT The Exiles Returned

grade kids bible study guide unit 21, session 6: esther ... · esther was a young jewish girl who...

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