Leader Guide

Video Leader Guide

Welcome everyone! Today is the second lesson of our Superbook adventure, “Esther—For Such a Time as This.” I would like to have someone in grades 1–3 tell me something about the Superbook video we watched in our last lesson. 

Great! Now, I would like someone from grades 4–6 share something you remember about the video. 

Good memories! God has given each of us a special purpose in life. Let’s thank Him as we sing and do the motions to Holy, Holy, Holy.

Play Video 11: (Song) Holy, Holy, Holy (3 minutes)

Be sure to preview the song so you can sing along and do the motions with the children. They may clap and do freestyle movements during the animation sections.

Holy Holy Holy

SuperTruth and Discussion (1 minute)

Our SuperTruth today says: “God created me for a purpose.” Did you ever wonder why you were placed on Earth? We are a part of His plan and God has important things for each of us to do! Let’s have all the boys shout the SuperTruth as loud as you can! Boys shout the SuperTruth.

OK girls, do you think you can shout louder?

Let’s hear you shout the SuperTruth! Girls shout the SuperTruth. 

Introduce Condensed Bible Story (1 minute)

If all children watched the Bible story video in the previous lesson, you may skip it here and go straight to the Bible Background Video.

In our previous lesson, Joy wanted a new girl at school to become a member of the girls’ club. Why didn’t the club president think the new girl should be invited to join? She was in a wheelchair and may not be able to participate in club projects.

That’s right! Joy faced a hard decision about whether to obey the club president or stand up for what she believed. Let’s watch our video. For all of you who have seen the full video, be on the lookout for the answer to this bonus question as you watch this video. What object did the king place in both Haman’s hand and Esther’s hand—but not at the same time?

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.

Discussion (1 minute)

Let’s see who was paying attention. What object did the king place in both Haman’s hand and Esther’s hand—but not at the same time? A ring.

Why was it risky for Esther to go see the king without being invited? 

How did Mordecai convince Esther to visit the king and try to help her people, the Jews? 

Introduce Bible Background Video (1 minute)

Now let’s watch our Bible Background Video and learn more about ancient Persia, where our Superbook story took place! When Gizmo asks a question in the video, wait for him to suggest some answers, then call out the one you think is right!

Play Video 5: Bible Background (8.5 minutes)

Bible Background

Play Video 10B: SuperVerse Graphic 2

Graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat verse.

SuperVerse Graphic 2

SuperVerse (1 minute)

Let’s say our SuperVerse together. Esther 4:14b:

“Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”  

Our SuperVerse was part of a message sent to Queen Esther. Who sent that message? Mordecai.

Why? He was encouraging her to stand up for her people by going to see the king.

Do you think God may ask you to be bold and take a stand for something important?  

Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group.

Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)

Let’s pray: Dear God, You created each of us with a purpose. Help us trust You and boldly stand up for what is right. Thank You that You are with us always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let’s go to Small Group and play a game with a purpose! 

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.

Game

This game is the most fun if played outdoors, in a gym, or in a large space. Divide the class into teams of four children. Teams line up in rows—see diagram, with about 6–8 feet between each player. If space permits, have all teams play at the same time.

Options for smaller classes or smaller spaces:

• Play only two teams at a time, then hold playoffs, with the winners of each round playing each other to determine the fastest team.
• Play with only three children per team and eliminate one of the four positions.
• Teachers and assistants can play if necessary to complete teams.

Let’s shout our SuperTruth for today: “God created me for a purpose.”

In our story, God placed Esther in the right place at the right time to do what He called her to do. In our game, every player on each team will play four different positions, and each position has a different purpose or task. So, you must be careful to perform the right task, at the right time, in the right place—and as quickly as possible!

Give a ball to the first player on each team. Use the board to explain each player’s purpose for each position:

Player 1 throws the ball to Player 2.

Player 2 catches the ball and rolls it to Player 3.

Player 3 catches the ball and bounces it to Player 4.

Player 4 catches the ball and shouts the SuperTruth.

Everyone rotates positions, with Player 4 carrying the ball to stand where Player 1 was. Continue playing until every member of the team has been in each position. The first team to finish wins.

Conclusion: Was it difficult to remember the purpose for each position?

God created us for a purpose, and He wants to use us in different places at different times! Let’s learn more about our purpose now!

Teaching

We just played a fun game to show how you can fulfill your purpose in a certain place at a certain time. Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai both had a purpose. God placed them in their important positions to fulfill His purposes for them. Our SuperTruth says: “God created me for a purpose.”

Place the chair in front of the children. This chair was designed and built for a purpose. What is that purpose? For people to sit on.

Exactly—to sit on!

Choose a child to sit on the chair. Is the chair doing what it was created to do—is it fulfilling its purpose?

Yes, the chair’s purpose is to provide a place for someone to sit safely and comfortably—and that is exactly what it is doing. Child may return to the group. 

So what is our purpose; what did God create us to do?

Those are some good thoughts—let’s read a verse in the Bible. 

Have a volunteer read Ephesians 2:10:

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.

How exciting! We are God’s masterpiece! When we are born again, we become brand new creatures in Jesus to do good things that God planned for us from the beginning. So what are the good works that we are created for?

The Bible tells us in the book of Isaiah that God made us for His glory. See Isaiah 43:7. We want to bring glory and honor to God through everything we say, do and think. We want to place God far above everything else in our lives, and help others come to know Him, too.  

Think of it this way. Imagine people going to a museum to see a famous painting—a fantastic work of art that is truly a masterpiece. They look in wonder at the painting, appreciating its amazing beauty and the detail of the workmanship. They also think about how wonderfully talented the painter is. Well, we are God’s masterpiece, so people should be able to look upon our lives and see God’s workmanship in us! When they see how we live our lives, they should want to praise our Creator—the Lord of heaven and Earth!

Have a volunteer read Matthew 5:16b:

“Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

We are to bring God’s glorious light to a world darkened by sin. Our main purpose is to glorify God with our lives—through our choices, through our obedience, our worship, and our service. Whatever God asks us to do, large or small, we must do it to glorify Him.  

Esther and Mordecai honored God by obeying Him. They trusted Him to help them and courageously did what was right to save God’s people.

Ask one child to bring a piece of the puzzle and hold it up for all to see. This doesn’t look like much, does it? Sometimes our purpose for a specific time may not seem very important in our own eyes. We may think, what can just one person do?

Ask the other five children with puzzle pieces to come forward. Hold up your puzzle pieces so the class can see them. Now, keep holding them up while you put them together so everyone can see the picture. Allow the children a few moments. Each piece is important to this puzzle! What if one person had thought, “This isn’t important; I’m going home.” Would our puzzle be complete? No.

You may not understand how your piece fits together with anything else, but God does. He always sees the big picture—and we are an important part of His plan.

You are God’s masterpiece, you are priceless to God, and He has created you for a purpose. On the count of three, turn to your neighbor and say the SuperTruth—1, 2, 3! “God created me for a purpose!”

That was great!

We live in a world that may make us feel unimportant. If we compare ourselves to other people, we may think we are not as popular, or smart, or athletic as others. But should we compare ourselves to others? No.

What does God think about us?

He loves us, and created us to be an important part of His plan! Yes, God created each of us for a wonderful purpose!

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Distribute a Scepter Pattern and materials to any children who missed Lesson 1, and explain how they can assemble the craft at home.

Our scepters say that we can come boldly to God’s throne! We don’t have to be concerned, like Esther was when she approached King Xerxes with her request. There is no doubt that God will hear our prayers and accept our worship! I will read some different ways we can approach God’s throne in prayer, which are written on the challenge card. If you prayed like this, raise your hand to share your experience with us.

Read numbers 1–4 of the challenge card below and allow children to share their challenge results with the class.

1. For strength and courage to do the right thing in a difficult situation.

2. To praise, worship, and thank God.  

3. For wisdom and understanding to make a choice or decision.

4. For a specific need; for yourself, family, or someone else.

Let’s continue our Discipleship Challenge to come before God in prayer. The next time we meet, I will give you a chance to share your challenge experiences with the class. Remember to pray for understanding of the purpose God has given you and the courage to obey Him!  

SuperVerse

Let’s say our SuperVerse together. Esther 4:14b:

“Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”

Now, we’ll play a game to help us learn our SuperVerse today. What must the king hold out to Esther before she could talk with him? A scepter.

Hold up the scepter. Very good! And I have one to use in this activity. Whoever I point to with my scepter should say one word of our SuperVerse! 

Have the children stand in a line. Point the scepter at the first child in the line, who will say the first word of the verse. Continue going down the line, pointing at each child, until the entire SuperVerse has been said or until all children have had a chance to say a word. Children may look at the board if they need help remembering a word. 

For the next round, quickly point to various children—not in order—who should immediately say the next word, until the verse is finished. If time allows, repeat the game, allowing children to take turns using the scepter. Praise them each time the verse has been completed correctly.

Prayer

Our SuperTruth tells us that God created just a few people for a purpose, right? No!

Oh, that isn’t right? Who did He create for a purpose? Me, everyone.

Right! He created everyone for a purpose. Do you remember the verse we read earlier in our lesson about God’s purpose for us? 

Read Ephesians 2:10:

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.

That is such an encouraging verse for us! We are His masterpiece—a valuable, priceless work of God! He intentionally and purposefully created us, and planned good things for us to do! Every disciple or follower of Jesus should share the Gospel and follow God’s Word—but He has specific, unique things for each of us to do, as well! 

Let’s take time to pray silently. I want each of you to ask God what He wants you to do in the coming days. Remember, God would never ask you to do something that is sinful or that would hurt someone. God has put each of us in a place where we can show His love and help others. Let’s ask Him to show us how.

Allow a few moments for children to pray silently, then pray: Dear God, thank You so much for creating everyone here today for a purpose. Help us to pray each day to discover that purpose and to fill us with boldness and courage to do the good things You have designed us to do! Please show us, moment by moment, what You would have us do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Did anyone sense God speaking quietly to your heart about something He wants you to do? Allow time for children to share briefly. 

Craft

Read Ephesians 2:10:

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.

We read this verse earlier in our lesson. God created Earth with sky, land, sea, animals, fish, birds, plants, and human beings—each with a specific purpose, and all good! Genesis 1:31 says God looked over all He had made, and He saw that it was very good! 

You will have a chance to create an item, name it, and give it a good purpose. For instance, you may create a robot to help pick up the trash; or you may create a new type of toy, or tool, or building. Use your imagination and creativity! You will each have a chance to share your creations with the class and tell us what the purpose is for your creation.

Place the materials on the tables and give children time to make their creations. Allow time for them to share their creations with the class, and make sure they explain the purpose of each item.

You made some interesting creations, each with a purpose—great work! Let’s end this activity by saying our SuperTruth together: “God created me for a purpose.”  

Drama Activity

Our SuperTruth today says: “God created me for a purpose.” Esther was certainly in the right place at the right time in God’s plan! In this activity, we will act out some important scenes in the story of Esther—without saying any words!  

Divide the class into groups of 3 or 4 children. If possible, have a girl be a member of each group to play Esther. Each group receives at least one Bible and a Scene Slip for them to pantomime. You may choose to assign easier scenes to younger children.

Have them find a place in the room to look up their scripture and develop and practice their scene for a set amount of time. Assist the children as needed. Emphasize that they should keep it simple and use all children in the group to create and or/act out the scene. Remind them that they must not use any words. After the allotted time is over, have the groups act out their scenes in front of the rest of the children to see if they can guess what the scene is about, then discuss these questions:

• Did a character show bravery or courage?
• What events led up to the scene?
• What was the purpose or goal of the main character in the scene?  
• How did this scene affect the rest of the story?

Conclusion: You did a great job creating and acting out your scenes. Let’s remember to ask God what our purpose may be in all the different situations we find ourselves each day. Is there a higher or greater purpose than we may think? Are we willing to act with courage if God wants to use us to say or do something?

Let’s pray! Dear God, thank You for helping Esther and Mordecai do what they were created to do! We know You will be with us, too! Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to live inside us to show us what to do and give us the courage to obey. In Jesus’ name, Amen.  

Crown Game

It wasn’t by luck that Esther was chosen to be in the king’s court and then become queen. God placed her in that position. This was all part of God’s purpose for Esther. Let’s say our SuperVerse together. Esther 4:14b:

“Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”

No, it wasn’t by luck or by chance—it was by God’s design and plan! In this game, we will try to place the crown on Esther to make her queen!

This game is played similar to “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” but with teams. Divide the children into two groups, giving children in one group “Team 1” crowns and children in the other group “Team 2” crowns. If teams are uneven, have a helper join one team, or have one child play twice. Have each team form a line several feet away from the poster. The teacher and a helper stand at the front of the lines to blindfold each player. Spin each player slowly two or three times. The player will walk carefully toward the poster and try to place the crown on Esther’s head.

Optional scoring: Give two points for each crown placed above eye level and not above the head. Give one point for each crown below eye level but still touching the face. No points are scored if the crown does not touch the face at all. After every player has played, count the points. The team with the highest points wins.

For larger teams, make two posters, divide the class into four teams, and use four blindfolds. Teams play at the same time.

Bible Study

Let’s say our SuperVerse together. Esther 4:14(b):

"Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?" 

God created each of us for a purpose—to worship and serve Him. As part of serving Him, God gives us large and small tasks to do as part of His master plan on Earth. Esther was put into place for a specific time to stand up for her people and to save them from Haman’s evil plot. We must always be prepared to follow God’s leading so that we can fulfill His purposes.

Have the children look up and read the verses aloud. Lead a discussion with the questions listed below.

1. Joshua 

Read Joshua 1:1–5:

¹ After the death of Moses the Lord's servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, ² “Moses My servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. ³ I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you— ⁴ from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.’ ⁵ No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.”

• In verses 1–2, how was Joshua prepared for something larger—for “a time such as this” like Esther? He was Moses’ assistant.
• In verse 2, what was the purpose God had for Joshua—for this time? Lead God’s people across the Jordan River into the Promised Land.
• In verses 3–4, what did God promise Joshua? Wherever he went, God would give him victory and that land.
• In verse 5, what was another promise God gave to Joshua? No one could stand against him for his entire life; God would never leave him or fail him.
• How do you think this helped Joshua?
• How can knowing God is with us help us stand for Him and do what He created us to do?

2. Saul/Paul

Read Acts 9:1–6:

¹ Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. ² He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. ³ As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. ⁴ He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting Me?” ⁵ “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the One you are persecuting! ⁶ Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

• In verses 1–3, what did Saul think God’s purpose for him was? To persecute, arrest followers of Jesus.
• Have you ever thought you were supposed to do something, but you were mistaken? How do we find out what our purpose is from God?
• In verses 3–6, how did God change Paul’s direction and let him know this was not His purpose for Saul? 
• Why is it important to know your purpose from God rather than guessing or just doing what everyone else does? 
• Put yourself in Saul’s place. Your life has just been turned upside down. You had dedicated your life to persecuting Christians, and now suddenly you realize that this was all wrong! How would you feel—what are your thoughts? 

Give the children some background about how this is God speaking to Ananias, one of Jesus’ followers, who was sent to Saul/Paul to make God’s purpose clear.

Read Acts 9:15–16:

¹⁵ But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is My chosen instrument to take My message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. ¹⁶ And I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

• What was Saul’s new purpose? God wanted him to be an instrument to take the Gospel to Gentiles—non-Jews, royalty, and Jewish people—basically, to everyone!
• What do you think verse 16 means? 
• What does this say to us when we are doing what God created us to do—what does it say about difficulties or opposition—are we safe from all of them?

3. Rahab

Read Joshua 2:1–7,15–16:

¹ Then Joshua secretly sent out two spies from the Israelite camp at Acacia Grove. He instructed them, “Scout out the land on the other side of the Jordan River, especially around Jericho.” So the two men set out and came to the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there that night. ² But someone told the king of Jericho, “Some Israelites have come here tonight to spy out the land.” ³ So the king of Jericho sent orders to Rahab: “Bring out the men who have come into your house, for they have come here to spy out the whole land.” ⁴ Rahab had hidden the two men, but she replied, “Yes, the men were here earlier, but I didn’t know where they were from.” ⁵ “They left the town at dusk, as the gates were about to close. I don’t know where they went. If you hurry, you can probably catch up with them.” ⁶ (Actually, she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them beneath bundles of flax she had laid out.) ⁷ So the king’s men went looking for the spies along the road leading to the shallow crossings of the Jordan River. And as soon as the king’s men had left, the gate of Jericho was shut. ... ¹⁵ Then, since Rahab’s house was built into the town wall, she let them down by a rope through the window. ¹⁶ “Escape to the hill country,” she told them. “Hide there for three days from the men searching for you. Then, when they have returned, you can go on your way.”

• In verse 1, what was the purpose of the two spies? Spy on the city of Jericho, gather information.
• In verses 4–7, what did Rahab do because she wasn’t afraid to take a stand? Hid the spies and risked her life.
• Do you think that Rahab was instructed by God to do this? Why do you think she would help the enemy and risk her life for a God she didn’t even worship? Hint: Joshua 2:8–11. 
• In verses 15–16, how did Rahab help the spies? Gave them a way to escape and then hide from Jericho’s men.
• Consider if Rahab did not do what she did. What if she was too frightened? Do you think God would use someone else to help? 
• What do you think happens when we do not do as God planned for us; if we do not do what He created us to do? Does God’s work fail? Hint: remember what message Mordecai sent to Esther when she was hesitant to take a stand? See Esther 4:14.
• How can the fact that God used a common person, one who many looked down upon, to do such an important act, to fulfill her purpose? God used her in a mighty way and she acted with faith and courage. How can this encourage us?

Close in prayer: God, You have created us with a purpose. At different points in our lives, You will use us to accomplish tasks as part of Your master plan on Earth. Regardless of whether the task is big or small in our eyes, help us to always be willing to trust and do all that You created us to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.