Please sit with your parents

Welcome & Opening Prayer

QUIZ on last week’s Chapter 19

1. ______ gave Jews permission to rebuild their temple in Jerusalem. Nebuchadnezzar Daniel Cyrus Tattenai

2. This man was the governor of Judah during the time of rebuilding. Nebuchadnezzar Zerubbabel Cyrus Haggai

3. True/False: Judah’s enemies hindered and stopped the rebuilding of the Temple for 16 years.

4. Haggai’s main message to the Jews was: Come home! Listen to Joshua! Live love! Be strong!

5. This prophet/priest also lived during the time of Haggai’s ministry. Zechariah Zerubbabel Cyrus None of the above

6. King Darius forced Tattenai to: Pay for the rebuilding of the temple Give daily supplies to the Jews Offer animals for Jewish sacrifices All of the above

On your worksheet… Under “See the Story,” create a simple image or symbol that you think best represents Chapter 20 AND explain it to your parents.

This week’s video: The Queen of Beauty and Courage

Chapter 20 Notes King Xerxes of Persia Threw a big party and ordered his Queen Vashti to come to his party “to display her beauty.” (pg. 276) How did she respond? NO WAY! The king kicked her out and started a nation-wide search for a new queen. Young women were forced to come to the capital city of Susa to receive beauty treatments. How would you feel if you were forced to be displayed in front of the king as a possible wife?

Chapter 20 Notes Mordecai Esther A Jew in Persia who adopted his cousin, Esther, after her parents died. Forbid Esther to reveal her nationality. Why? He visited Esther’s courtyard to check up on her every day. Esther Taken to be part of the king’s harem in Susa. Won the favor of everyone who knew her. She won King Xerxes’ favor and was crowned queen. Mordecai overheard 2 Persian guards wanting to kill the king. He told Esther who then told the king. Mordecai was credited in saving the king.

Chapter 20 Notes Haman King Xerxes honored Haman at the city gate. All bowed down to Haman except for Mordecai. Why would Mordecai do this? Haman discovered Mordecai was a Jew and conspired to destroy Mordecai’s people. He forced the king to issue a decree that all Jews would be killed at the end of the year. Mordecai sent a message to Esther informing her about the decree. “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? “ (pg. 286)

Chapter 20 Notes Why was Esther worried about entering the king’s presence uninvited? The king could’ve sentenced her to death. Meanwhile, Haman plotted to murder Mordecai The king ordered Haman to honor Mordecai (read page 284 middle section) Mordecai’s honor was exactly the type of honor that Haman wanted for himself! During her 2nd banquet for the king and Haman, Esther asked the king to “spare her people.” What happened next? Haman was killed on the pole he set up for Mordecai. The Jews were saved.

God’s Grace in Esther -Esther, like Jesus, is willing to die for her people and is an advocate on their behalf. -God preserves his people in the face of danger.

On your worksheet… Under “Join The Story,” answer one of the questions.

Discussion Questions

How did Mordecai respond when faced with the threat of disaster for his people?

How would you describe Queen Esther’s character How would you describe Queen Esther’s character? What did you learn from her actions?

In what ways have you experienced God’s faithfulness and protection in your life?

What does this chapter of The Story teach about God’s work behind the scenes of history?

For Next Sunday: Read Chapter 21 (the last Story lesson from the Old Testament!)

Next Sunday Night FLY: “Let’s Talk Dating…” – Feb. 12 Whether you’re single or taken! Games, Bible study, funny videos, and snacks!

Closing Prayers