Grace Community Church

Study Questions for Esther Wrap-Up
2.14.10

1. How do the various characters in the story of Esther mirror the characters in the cosmic drama of Christ’s life and death?

2. In what ways does your “mission: possible” feel more like “mission: impossible”?

3. How does the story of Esther help you identify your shadow mission? [Questions 4-9are drawn from the phrase that constitute Esther 4:13-14.]

4. “Do not think”: How does this phrase help you to look at your mission from a different perspective? What does it say about God’s purposes in the world and our part in them?

5. “If you remain silent”: Are there consequences if we opt out of God’s plan? Is simply not choosing to be a part of God’s plan to go against it?

6. “You . . . will perish”: In what ways do we “perish” when we do not follow God’s mission for our lives? How is failure to walk closely with God a sort of “death”?

7. “Who knows?” How does this question emphasize Esther’s stepping out in faith? What unknowns are preventing you from taking a leap of faith toward God’s mission for your life?

8. “You have come”: Esther was brought to her position of influence for a specific purpose. Identify areas in your life that you believe God has brought you to for his purposes.

9. “For such a time as this”: How does Jesus’s life reflect the temptation to choose the shadow mission over God’s mission?

10. What are three episodes in the Gospels, specifically Matthew, that we see Christ confronted with his shadow mission? Are there any others?

11. How is Christ’s shadow mission paradigmatic for all Christians? How is it unique to his person as the Son of God?

12. Reflect on and write out your mission that God is calling you to. Be specific to your own circumstances. Insert Content Here