Esther 4 - The One Who is Willing to Die
Intro: What makes someone a hero? Come up with some definitions, what have they done? What character traits do they have? What kind of situations can someone be a hero in?
Reading: Esther Chapter 4
Discussion Questions:
v1-3 Why are the Jews wearing sackcloth and lying in ashes?
v4-8 Why doesn’t Esther already know what the edict says?
v8-11 How does Mordecai think this problem can be solved and what are the dangers of Esther trying to save her people?
v12-14 How can Mordecai be so certain they will be rescued? How does Mordecai see God at work here?
v15-17 Why is Esther willing to risk her life? How does Esther show her faith in God?
In what way does she point forward to Jesus?
“Thank Jesus that he died to rescue you”
Extra Time: One of the ways Jews today celebrate what Esther did is by sending a gift of food to a friend or aqaintance through a third party or messenger. This is the Mishloach Manot and you can read more about how it is practiced here. Although you can’t really take part in this without being Jewish and when it’s not Purim, you can reference this rule by packing edible gifts or friends or for those in need. You could include an encouraging note, chocolate, biscuits or sweets (please be aware of the dietary needs of the recipient). You could send them in the post, arrange to deliver each others (easiest if the kids are in the same schools) or take them to a nursing home or children’s ward to be shared out by the carers. Ask your young people what event in this chapter do they think inspired this rule.