Lesson 12 Review: Esther and Mordecai

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “ ‘I will give you as light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth’ ” (Isa. 49:6, NRSV).

The Book of Esther contains one of the most inspiring accounts of “cross-cultural ministry” in the Bible. Esther, Mordecai and their fellow Jews were living in the capital of the Persian Empire, Susa. Esther became Queen, Mordecai became prominent, and they witnessed for the truth even in a foreign environment. This story in the Book of Esther shows how God’s people, even in foreign environments, can witness for truth.

What important points can we draw from Sunday’s lesson?

For those who are determined to be faithful, even the most unfavorable environment cannot keep them from obedience.

What could be part of the reason why Esther was chosen to be presented to the king?

Their position and where they lived got them immersed in the Persian culture.

What could be the possible reason why Mordecai gave Esther a command not to reveal her people or family?

As aliens in a foreign culture and religion that could be hostile, the Jews were wise in keeping silent about their family and people.

 Why did Mordecai not kneel before Haman?

Mordecai is a faithful Jew who is not willing to pay homage to a descendant of Agag and Amalekite, enemies of his people since the Exodus (Deut. 25:19), or worship anyone but the Lord.

How did Mordecai respond to the King’s servants by the gate who asked Mordecai why he transgressed the king’s command?

He witnessed to them about his faith. He let them know that he was a Jew. He had the opportunity to explain that as a worshipper of God who created heavens and the earth, he could not worship any sinful human being.

How else do we see the results of Mordecai’s witnessing before the day of Purim?

If, before Mordecai transgressed the king’s command, Haman, along with the king’s servants by the gate and everyone in the province didn’t know about Mordecai’s faith, they knew about the faith of Mordecai and his people as a result of not worshipping Haman.

What can we learn from Wednesday’s lesson?

Mordecai’s faith sought to awaken Esther’s faith by appealing to her love for her people with words in Esther 4:13, 14 – “…Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?’ ” (NKJV). This appeal led her to not hesitate putting her life on the line – “…And if I perish, I perish’ ” (Esther 4:16, NIV).

Esther along with other Jews knew that without God Esther would not succeed, so they accompanied their fasting with prayer.

What do we learn about God’s actions?

God’s actions can take the appearance of normal, natural events, and if we don’t pay careful attention to them, we will not notice God’s presence.

What was the result of Esther’s effort?

The miracle of Purim is hidden, disguised in apparently natural events. Though the law to destroy the Jews was not reversed, a new law was written to allow the Jews to defend themselves. God worked through these events to reveal Himself to the Persians and bring lost souls to the knowledge of Him. And the result? “Many people of other nationalities became Jews” (Esther 8:17, NIV). This day, Purim became a yearly time in remembrance and celebration of their victory.

In Conclusion,

By being faithful, Esther and Mordecai were able to witness in a foreign environment of their faith. We too, should not let the environment determine our faithfulness to God, at all times we must hold on to the faith that we profess. I pray that God strengthens us to be faithful irrespective of the environment in Jesus’ name.