Esther Saved Her People
(Esther)
July 12th, 2026
Sunday Recap
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Sunday Recap •
Hey Fams!
The book of Esther tells a fascinating story of courage and demonstrates how God works to protect His people to carry on His mission. Esther takes place during a time when some of the Jewish people were living under the rule of the Persians. During that time, God elevated a young Jewish woman named Esther to a place in the king's palace that would allow her the opportunity to save her people.
One of the interesting aspects of the book of Esther is that the name of God is not mentioned. Although His name is not mentioned in the book, God is present in every aspect of the story. Perhaps this is most clearly seen in Mordecai's words to Esther. In Esther 4:14, Mordecai, Esther's cousin, tells her that perhaps she has been elevated as queen in the king's palace exactly for this moment. The phrase “for such a time as this” describes how God works seemingly behind the scenes to accomplish His will, proving He rules over every aspect of our lives.
The main theme of the book of Esther is that God is sovereign over all of history. God will deliver His faithful remnant when they face threats from enemies. Even when circumstances seem hopeless, God is at work. God delivered His people in this story by thwarting the plans of Haman, an advisor to the king. Haman's plan was not just a political move but a spiritual attack on the very people of God. But God, in the sovereignty of His will, had placed Esther in the perfect place at the perfect time to defeat the enemies of His people.
The book of Esther points us to the day when Jesus would come at just the right time in just the right place to deliver us from our sins. Help kids see how Romans 5:6 tells us that at just the right time, Jesus came to die for us while we were helpless. Encourage kids to understand that in God's sovereignty, He determined the exact right place and time for Jesus to be born and to die for their sins.
***Next Week: The Walls Rebuilt (Nehemiah 1-6)
Family Discipleship Plan
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Family Discipleship Plan •
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Read the book of Esther from the Bible.
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In 2011, a car company aired a commercial featuring a young child dressed in a costume attempting to use imaginary powers to control objects around the house. After several failed attempts at moving objects, the boy stands in front of his dad’s car, puts his hands out toward the car, and the car engine starts! The boy is amazed at his powers, but the commercial reveals the dad is standing inside the house using a remote to start the car. The father was in control the whole time!
As we read the book of Esther, God’s name never appears in the story. He is not mentioned one time, yet it is evident that He is in control the whole time! When Mordecai heard Haman’s evil plan to kill the Jews, he reminded Esther that perhaps God had made her queen for a purpose. God used Esther to save His people from Haman.
Esther’s life did not go exactly the way she had planned. There were ups and downs, but God was in control the whole time! We can trust that God has a plan for us too. No matter what happens in our lives, we can know that God is in control, and His plans will always be for His glory and our good.
Even though Haman tried to hurt God’s people, God was in control and had a plan to save the Jews. Sin hurts us and breaks our relationship with God, but God had a plan from the very beginning to save us through Jesus’death on the cross.
Pray: God, You are always in control. Help us trust that You have a plan and Your plans are good. Even when we don’t understand what is happening, remind us that You have the power to use what the enemy meant for evil and turn it for good and for Your glory! Amen.
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Preschool:
“This is our God. We waited, and He saved us.”Isaiah 25:9
1st-5th:
“At that time they will say, “He is our God. We trusted in him, and he saved us. He is the Lord. We trusted in him. Let us be filled with joy because he saved us.”
Isaiah 25:9 (NIRV) -
Mornings
Ask God to help you trust Him more. How can learning more about God’s character and His mighty works help you trust Him more?
Evenings
Thank God for His good and perfect will for your life. Even when we don’t know or understand what He is doing, we can trust that He is perfectly working out His plan. Why can we trust that God’s plans for us are good?
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For Fun
Take turns playing with a remote-controlled car. Set up an obstacle course for each family member to guide the car through. Afterward, discuss how the person holding the remote was in control. Remind kids that God is always in control. God is perfect and will work out His good plans no matter what happens.
To Serve
Purim is a Jewish feast to celebrate the saving of the Jewish people from Haman’s plan. Baskets of pastries, candy, and juice are often given to families and those in need as part of the celebration. Assemble a basket of food and drinks that you can give to someone else. When asked what the gift is for, take the opportunity to share the story of Esther and how it points us to the greater Rescuer—Jesus!