A Tale of Two Plots
Esther 2:10-4:17
Series: LIVING YOUR PURPOSE – The Story of Queen Esther Grace
Community Church January 24, 2010
1. Notice the year-long beauty preparation for Esther and the other women (2:12). Does Esther’s story speak in any meaningful way today to our culture’s obsession with physical beauty?
2. There are two occasions in the text where we are told Mordecai had forbidden Esther to reveal her national identity (2:10, 20). Why did he do this? Was this wise, given our call in the New Testament to be willing to identify with Jesus? Why did Mordecai reveal his identity when he knew it would bring him trouble (3:4)?
3. Connect the dots between Exodus 17:8-16, I Samuel 15:1-3, 7-9, 2 Samuel 16:5, and Esther 2:5, 3:1. What is the significance of how Mordecai and Haman are intentionally identified, if any?
4. It becomes evident in Esther 3:7 that Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews included almost a full year from hatching to completion. Given his evident rage, why was he willing to wait so long for their destruction?
5. What were the risk factors the text indicates for Esther as Mordecai challenges her to confront the king?
6. Ponder the Mordecai’s challenge to Esther (4:13-14): And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" What is the “such a time as this” situation in your life that God may have shaped and placed you to impact?
7. Identify the resources Esther draws on as she makes her commitment to serving the purpose for which God has placed her where she is.
8. Can you identify a situation where your circle of believing friends (your “community”) gave you the encouragement you needed to make a difficult decision?
Esther 2:10-4:17
Series: LIVING YOUR PURPOSE – The Story of Queen Esther Grace
Community Church January 24, 2010
1. Notice the year-long beauty preparation for Esther and the other women (2:12). Does Esther’s story speak in any meaningful way today to our culture’s obsession with physical beauty?
2. There are two occasions in the text where we are told Mordecai had forbidden Esther to reveal her national identity (2:10, 20). Why did he do this? Was this wise, given our call in the New Testament to be willing to identify with Jesus? Why did Mordecai reveal his identity when he knew it would bring him trouble (3:4)?
3. Connect the dots between Exodus 17:8-16, I Samuel 15:1-3, 7-9, 2 Samuel 16:5, and Esther 2:5, 3:1. What is the significance of how Mordecai and Haman are intentionally identified, if any?
4. It becomes evident in Esther 3:7 that Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews included almost a full year from hatching to completion. Given his evident rage, why was he willing to wait so long for their destruction?
5. What were the risk factors the text indicates for Esther as Mordecai challenges her to confront the king?
6. Ponder the Mordecai’s challenge to Esther (4:13-14): And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" What is the “such a time as this” situation in your life that God may have shaped and placed you to impact?
7. Identify the resources Esther draws on as she makes her commitment to serving the purpose for which God has placed her where she is.
8. Can you identify a situation where your circle of believing friends (your “community”) gave you the encouragement you needed to make a difficult decision?
Our Vision
Developing Biblically Grounded Followers of Christ
Exalt the living God in worship
Explore the Word of God in study
Encourage the family of God in fellowship
Extend the love of God in outreach
Developing Biblically Grounded Followers of Christ
Exalt the living God in worship
Explore the Word of God in study
Encourage the family of God in fellowship
Extend the love of God in outreach