ESTHER - PART 3

PRAY TO BEGIN

Ask someone in the group to give a recap of the story of Esther so far. See if they can give a snapshot in 2 or 3 sentences.

Read Esther 4:4-17

Read through the passage twice in two different versions. Ask the group to linger and dwell on the things that stand out to them throughout the second reading.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. After reading through the passage twice what strikes you from this part of the story of Esther. What did you remember/put emphasis on as it was read?

2. What does Esther’s response to Mordecai’s request in v 10-11 expose about her fears?

Because the book of Esther has no mention of God it creatively invites us to read the story looking for God’s activity.

4. In the story so far what has God used to change the direction of Esther’s life?

5. What does Mordecai’s response in v12-14 reveal about his thinking around his and Esther’s purposes? How has this shifted from the beginning of the story?

6. Why did Esther ask the Jews in Susa to fast? What might be the significance of Esther enlisting the Jewish community to fast and pray with her?

Read Joel 2: 12-14

“Even now,” declares the Lord,
    “return to me with all your heart,
    with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Rend your heart
    and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
    for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
    and he relents from sending calamity.
Who knows? He may turn and relent
    and leave behind a blessing—

7. How is this verse echoed in the passage of Esther?

APPLICATION
When it comes to faith Jesus says “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

1. Is there an area of your life, whether deliberately or not, that you are living as Esther and Mordecai were previously. Covertly as God’s people?

2. Is there an area in your life that you are living half for the world and half for God?

PRAY
Pray for boldness to live as Gods people in the context he has placed you in.

If there is an area in your life that you are needing to return to Lord in, pray also for repentance. To live fully for God in all areas of your life for He is good, He is merciful, and works in all situations.