Sunday School Lesson 36
THE ESTHER GENERATION
MEMORY VERSE: “I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and I perish, I perish” – Esther 4:16b (NKJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Esther 2:5-17
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Esther, the main character in the book of Esther, was an orphan raised by her uncle, Mordecai (Esther 2:5-7). Her Hebrew name is Hadassah which means ‘myrlte’ – Rosy flower (Esther 2:7). Esther’s story and life is a case of humility, obedience, divine substitution, great favour, sacrifice and divine intervention, such that youths should learn from.
LESSON OUTLINES
- THE SPIRIT OF ESTHER
- LESSONS FROM HER LIFE
1. THE SPIRIT OF ESTHER
Esther became the queen of Persia in B.C 478, even a stranger in the land of captivity (Esther 2:17). She was a woman of faith and courage. This is evident in the way she handled the news of the death sentence resulting from Haman’s fury (Esther 4:16). She portrayed a selfless and sacrificial character that stood in the gap for her helpless kinsmen. She was willing to give her life in an attempt to save the Jews (Esther 4:16b). She was not driven with Zeal but rather, her faith in God gave her confidence.
Esther prayed, fasted and made the great sacrifice (Esther 5:1-4). She saved the Jews from the massacre planned by Harman (Esther 8:3-13).
2. LESSONS FROM HER LIFE
- Esther was from the ‘less privileged’ family group in Persia (Esther 2:21). Yet, she did not write herself off. She contested for the position of a queen with everyone else, even as a foreigner. Do not look down on yourself (1Tim. 4:12; Titus 2:15). You can do all thing through the power of the Holy Spirit in you (Phillip 4:13, 2Cor. 12:9).
- Esther became popular for being a resourceful and confident problem solver (Esther 8:3-13). Youths should not see themselves as weaklings, dependent and liabilities (Phillip 2:13, 4:13). They must be bold to face the challenges of life (Prov 28:1)
- Esther was obedient to a godly leader. Esther obeyed Mordecai in detail. Experienced godly leaders and matured Christian mentors are needed in the journey of life (Esther 4:13-16; 1Cor. 11:1)
- Just as Esther used the correct manner of approach to gain the attention and favour of the King, youths should also approach God or their leaders rightly to gain attention and favour (Psalm 100:4; Proverbs 24:3). God’s favour is highly required for breakthrough (Esther 2:9,17).
- When we need help, God is more than willing to help us if we ask him rightly (Isaiah 41:13, James 4:3). Faith and courage will often bring to us the things that we need (Matthew 21:22).
CONCLUSION: Regardless of your family or socio-economic background, God can make great person out of you.
QUESTIONS:
- Mention the key achievement of Esther as a queen.
- What lessons should Christian youths learn from the life of Esther?