Grow Guide | Advent 2
People of the Promise
Esther 4:1-16
Connecting Questions
· Did you/do you have an Advent calendar? How does it help you purposely wait for Christ in hope?
· Have you ever done a bold act or witnessed someone else act boldly? What happened? What was it like?
Context
This week is our third Sunday in a 5-week worship series called “People of the Promise.” We will be focusing on the stories of prophets and servants who rely on God’s promises (even if they are also warnings). December 4 is also the second Sunday in the season of Advent, when we’ll remember the ways the prophets looked to the future, speaking words of judgment and hope. We too wait for our Savior during Advent—both the birth of Jesus and his return when all creation will be restored.
This week we focus on the book of Esther, which is the last of the historical books in the Old Testament. It focuses on Queen Esther, a woman of valor and a hero who cleverly devises a plot to save her people. The book of Esther is full of exaggeration and drama and is the center of the Jewish holiday of Purim, which includes a full reading of Esther (with lots of audience participation!) gift exchanges, a celebratory meal, charitable acts, and costumes.
Look at the Book
In order to understand the context for our reading, it’s important to know the full story of Esther. Take time to understand the plot of chapters 1-3.
In chapter 1, what happens to Vashti, King Ahasuerus’ wife?
What is the concern in 1:18? Is this still a concern when women draw boundaries and stand up for themselves?
What secret does Esther keep (see 2:10)?
What did Mordecai not do, which enrages Haman (the king’s high official)?
What does Haman plot to do in 3:5-6?
Read Esther 4:1-16.
What does Mordecai ask Esther to do? Why is it dangerous for Esther?
Review 4:14. Have you heard this verse before? Why do you think it’s been popular throughout the centuries? (It reminds us that we have what we need right now to do God’s work.)
Review 4:16. What is Esther’s decision? What do you think of her bravery?
In 4:13-14, Mordecai reminds Esther that she is called to serve others through her role as a Jew, a family member, and a member of the royal house. What are your roles and relationships? How are you called to serve others through those roles?
The book concludes with the king discovering the goodness of Mordecai and saving him and the Jews (at Esther’s request), and Haman hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai.
This is the only book in Scripture that never mentions God. Where do you see God at work in this book (hint—look for coincidences)?
How does this book inspire ordinary people to do extraordinary things?
Taking it Home
· Are you waiting to do something important because you don’t think you have what you need? How may you accomplish your task or goal by reflecting on Esther 4:14?
· Look up and watch a video about the book of Esther and/or the holiday of Purim. What do you notice? Here is a great option: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JydNSlufRIs&t=10s