Teaching

For each of the three Signposts, select a different child to come to the table and read aloud a Signpost Crown in sequential order. Discuss each Signpost with the information below. Each Signpost also includes additional scriptures for Grades 4–6 to look up and discuss.

The story of Esther points to the life of Jesus in many ways, as we saw in our Signposts video today. Let’s discuss these events together.

Signpost 1—An Evil Plot

What was the evil plot against Esther, Mordecai, and all the Jews? Haman tricked the king into making a law to kill all the Jews in his kingdom. Haman also built a gallows to hang Mordecai.

There was also an evil plot against Jesus. What was it? Jewish leaders came up with a plan to arrest and kill Jesus. They paid Judas, one of the disciples, 30 pieces of silver to betray Jesus.

Jesus’ enemies planned for Him to die on the cross. They thought they could get rid of Him forever!    

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6 DISCUSSION

 Esther 3:8:

Then Haman approached King Xerxes and said, “There is a certain race of people scattered through all the provinces of your empire who keep themselves separate from everyone else. Their laws are different from those of any other people, and they refuse to obey the laws of the king. So it is not in the king’s interest to let them live.”

 Matthew 26:3–4:

³ At that same time the leading priests and elders were meeting at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest,⁴ plotting how to capture Jesus secretly and kill Him.

Signpost 2—God's Perfect Timing

God placed Esther in her position as queen at just the right time to save the Jewish people. When Mordecai sent a message to Esther telling her she must go to the king, he asked in Esther 4:14b,

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

God had a plan for Jesus, too! We are all sinners, and we need a Savior! Jesus came into the world at just the right time to die for sinners and rise from the grave to give us new life! No one else could have done this except Jesus, who was without sin and the perfect sacrifice for us all!  

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6 DISCUSSION

Esther 4:14:

“If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”

Romans 5:6:

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.

Signpost 3—Obeyed God 

How did Esther obey God? 

Esther knew it was dangerous to go to the king and plead for her people’s safety. Yet she chose to obey God, even if it meant dying! Before she went to the king, Esther sent a message to Mordecai. She asked him to have the Jewish people fast from eating and drinking for 3 days.

How did God answer their prayers? Esther had the strength to obey God, and the king granted her request.

For Jesus, obeying God meant dying on the cross. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He asked His disciples to pray, then He prayed in agony because He understood exactly what would happen. Jesus knew He would suffer and die, taking on all of the sins of the world. He needed God’s strength to endure what was coming.

Luke 22:42:

“Father, if You are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from Me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not Mine.”

Jesus obeyed God and died. But did He stay dead?

On the third day, He rose from the grave to defeat sin and death! Jesus sits at God’s right hand and intercedes in prayer for us! Through His selfless sacrifice, we can have a wonderful relationship with God, our Father in heaven—and we can boldly come to Him in prayer, anytime!

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6 DISCUSSION

Ephesians 3:12:

Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.

Romans 8:34:

Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

Conclusion: It is interesting to see how the story of Esther points to Jesus. As we trust God and fulfill His plans for us, we can point others to Jesus, too!

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Distribute a Scepter Pattern to any child who did not receive it previously and explain how to assemble it at home.

Could Esther come boldly to King Xerxes’ throne without being invited? No.

We do not face that problem with our heavenly Father. He loves us and wants us to be in His presence all the time! Our God will never turn us away or punish us for coming to Him.

Let’s review our challenge card, which lists some ways we can approach God’s throne in prayer. Raise your hand if you prayed in one of these ways and would like to share what happened.

1. For strength and courage 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.

Conclusion: This is the last week for the Prayer Challenge; however, our access to God never ends! As God’s children, we have the privilege of coming to God at all times! During your prayers this week, remember that God is Most High, which means He is above everything! Let’s say our SuperVerse again.

Psalm 57:2:

I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill His purpose in Me.