A Time of Courage

A Time of Courage
Discussion Guide 2-10-2013
Text: Esther 4:14
Esther 4:14 – “For is you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”

Summary
Its purpose is to demonstrate God’s love and sovereignty in all circumstances. As a post-exile story about Jews who stayed behind after most returned to Jerusalem after captivity, Babylon was conquered by Persia, and Esther miraculously becomes the queen of the land and saves her people.

Discussion Questions
1. What life lessons does Haman teach us about pride, self-centeredness, and hatred?

2. In what way can we see God working behind the scenes in this story?


3. Queen Esther was willing to risk her own life to save her people. What are some examples in which we may risk everything to do what is right?

4. What main points is Mordecai trying to get across to Esther in Esther 4:13-14?

5. What types of people does God use to save His people or to make a difference?

6. An Agagite is an Amalekite, and the Amalekites were descendants of Esau and were enemies of God’s people (Exodus 17:16). How does this apply to Haman in Esther 3:1?

Scripture
Esther 2:17; Exodus 17:16; Esther 3:1-2; Exodus 20:3-5; Esther 4:13-14,16; Esther 5:12-13;
Esther 6:8-9; Esther 7:8;