Leader Guide
Video Leader Guide
Select a video to have playing as children enter the Large Group room. Videos are under Resources on the top menu bar.
Have Small Group leaders greet the children as they enter the Large Group room and engage them in a game or conversation until time for Large Group to begin.
Welcome (2 minutes)
Welcome back for the last lesson of our Superbook adventure called “Esther—For Such a Time as This.” The Bible tells us that Esther’s father and mother died when she was a little girl. She was adopted by a cousin—a man who loved her, helped her to be courageous, and gave her godly advice—even when she was grown up. Here’s a question for those of you who have already seen our Superbook video. What was the name of this man? Mordecai.
We have a Father in heaven who adopts us as His beloved children when we accept His Son Jesus as our Savior. Our heavenly Father loves us, takes care of us, and fills us with godly wisdom and boldness. Let’s all stand up and sing The Salvation Poem. As we sing, let’s think about how we are adopted into God’s family as His own children!
Play Video 7: (Song) The Salvation Poem (3 minutes)
Be sure to preview the song so you can sing along with the children.
The Salvation Poem
SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)
Our SuperTruth for today is: “God will help me fulfill His purpose.” Let’s say that together. “God will help me fulfill His purpose.”
Fulfill means to completely finish or accomplish something. What purpose did Esther fulfill?
Yes, she stood up for her people, the Jews, and saved many lives. Do you think Esther could have fulfilled God’s purpose all by herself, without any help from anyone? No.
Who helped her? God, Mordecai, the Jewish people.
God was with her, giving her strength and courage. Mordecai, her relative, gave her wise counsel and support. Also, the Jewish people helped by praying and fasting—giving up food for a time of prayer. As we learned last time, God created each of us for a purpose—and today we’ll talk about how God helps us fulfill that purpose!
Introduce Condensed Bible Story (1 minute)
If all children watched the Bible story video in a previous lesson, omit it here and go straight to the SuperVerse.
Now, let’s watch a short version of our Superbook adventure to see how God helped Esther fulfill her purpose by standing up for what was right with the king! If you’ve already seen the video before, watch for the answers to two bonus questions we’ll ask in Small Group: 1. What did Haman build in his courtyard? 2. When Esther went before the king, what did he say he would give her?
Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (10 minutes)
Condensed Bible Story
Superbook whisks Chris, Joy and Gizmo back to ancient Persia, where a wicked man named Haman is plotting to kill the Jews. The children meet Queen Esther, who must decide whether to risk her life by going to the king and revealing that she is Jewish—or do nothing while her people are destroyed. The children learn that God will always help them stand up for what is right.
Play Video 10C: SuperVerse Graphic 3
Graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat verse.
SuperVerse Graphic 3
SuperVerse (2 minutes)
Our SuperVerse, Psalm 57:2, says,
I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill His purpose for me.
This verse says “I cry out to God,” so let’s cry out the SuperVerse, Psalm 57:2, as loud as we can:
I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill His purpose for me.
God is all powerful and He created the heavens and Earth. The fact is, He doesn’t need us to do anything—yet He chooses to let us participate in His glorious plan. Each of us has a wonderful purpose in life, and He will help us fulfill it. Whenever we need wisdom, or strength, or courage, or anything else—we can cry out to God, who will give us everything we need to fulfill His plan for us.
Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group.
Introduce Signposts Video (1 minute)
Let’s watch our Signposts video to learn how the Bible story of Esther in the Old Testament points to Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
Play Video 6: Signposts Video (3.5 minutes)
Signposts Video
Prayer and Send-Off (2 minutes)
Let’s pray. Dear God, it’s wonderful to see how You helped Esther fulfill Your great purpose for her life as she trusted You. You are God Most High. No one is greater than You, and nothing can stop us from fulfilling Your plans when we have faith in You. We worship and praise You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Today in Small Group, we are going to play a review game about the Superbook story of Esther. Let’s go have some fun!
Teachers take children to Small Group classes for Grades 1–3 and 4–6. If the combined group is small, all children may stay together for Small Group time.