1. An intriguing story. Of all the events included in the Bible, the story of Esther has close to the greatest appeal of them all. Beauty, competition, intrigue, jealousy and a simple young woman’s conviction: those are the elements. What kind of a party was King Ahasuerus planning? Was there a reason given for this extravagant event? Why do you think he chose Esther among all the beautiful women to be his new wife? Where was God while this was going on?
2. ­­Esther in Persia. Can you imagine planning—and paying for—a party that
   

   In the right place at the right time

   lasted an entire week? Why did kings and other rulers let themselves go in such lavish entertainment? At this party only men were present with one exception. Why? What did the king ask Vashti, his wife, to provide for the celebration? It was such an honor, but how did Vashti respond? Why is she considered the heroine in this part of the story? How do you feel about Vashti?

3. Esther in the Court. Why do you think Esther was asked to keep her identity unknown? Who asked her to do this? Even though the Jewish people were not hated at that time, Esther withdrew from the opportunity to tell the men of the court about her Jewish background. Wouldn’t that have been a splendid witnessing opportunity? Are there times when you and I, even in a free and open culture, to hold back on telling about ourselves? Why?
4. “For such a time as this.” Mordecai wasn’t Esther’s father or uncle. What was the relationship? What scorn did Mordecai have for Haman at the court where he waited to see Esther each day? How did he express his scorn? What did Esther do that turned the tide against a destructive plot that would have wiped out her people exiled in Persia? What is the standard that Esther sets for all of us to try, with the strength of God, to obey?
5. Drama. The drama of this emotion-drenched story comes to a rapid conclusion. What was Haman’s final evil plan? How do you think he felt by this time? What instruments of victory did Mordecai and Esther have at hand to use? Meanwhile…What was Haman doing to be sure that Mordecai was punished for his attitude? If you ever need to explain the word “irony,” what part of this story does that best? Can you imagine how Haman must have felt when he learned the verdict?
6. Evangelism. The conclusion, however, is not giving Haman what he deserved or rescuing Mordecai from certain death. Can you imagine how Esther must have felt when she heard that her relative, Mordecai, was scheduled to die—and probably her, too? How did the events involving Esther and Mordecai play out among the surrounding peoples? What impression did Esther’s bravery have on the people of this part of the world? Why did they decide to become Jewish? How did this story turn out to be an inspiring account of soul winning?

Lesson Guide

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