1. Esther “God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” 1 Corinthians 1:27

2. Kimberly Munley

5. DISCUSSION GUIDE 1.Outline the major characters in the story of Esther: a. Xerxes – King of Persia b. Vashti – Queen of Persia who was deposed from her throne c. Mordecai – Esther’s cousin who would take a stand

6. DISCUSSION GUIDE 1.Outline the major characters in the story of Esther: d. Esther – A Jewish, orphan girl who would be the Queen e. Haman – Highest appointed royal official

7. DISCUSSION GUIDE 2.Who were the “somebody’s” in the eyes of society in the above cast of characters? Xerxes, Vashti, Haman

8. DISCUSSION GUIDE 3.What makes a person “somebody” in our culture today? Wealth, power, scandalous behavior, talents, family they are born into, etc.

9. DISCUSSION GUIDE 4.Who are the “nobody’s” that have made great impacts in our society?

10. DISCUSSION GUIDE 5.How did Queen Vashti lose her position of queen? (Esther 1:10-12) She refused to come before the drunken king and the men to show her beauty.

11. DISCUSSION GUIDE 6.How did Esther become the queen? (Esther 2:8-17) She was chosen over all of the other candidates. Obviously, the Lord’s plan was being carried out.

12. DISCUSSION GUIDE 7.How is God’s plan played out in your life? What influences does He use to reveal His plan?

13. DISCUSSION GUIDE 8.How did Mordecai save the king? (Esther 2:21-23) He overheard a plot to kill the king and informed Esther.

14. DISCUSSION GUIDE 9.What took place when Mordecai encountered Haman? (3:1-6) Mordecai refused to bow to him and he revealed that he was a Jew. Haman became filled with anger.

15. DISCUSSION GUIDE 10.Although the name of God is not mentioned in the book of Esther, how is His presence felt throughout the rest of the story? a. Esther is given an audience with the king b. Mordecai finds favor for saving the king

16. DISCUSSION GUIDE 10.Although the name of God is not mentioned in the book of Esther, how is His presence felt throughout the rest of the story? c. Haman is humiliated and defeated d. Mordecai is promoted

17. DISCUSSION GUIDE 11.Esther showed tremendous courage facing the king uninvited. (4:16) She was prepared to die for her cause. How have you taken a stand for the cause of Christ?

19. "When I sat down on the bus that day, I had no idea history was being made—I was only thinking of getting home. But I had made up my mind. After so many years of being a victim of the mistreatment my people suffered, not giving up my seat—and whatever I had to face afterwards—was not important. I did not feel any fear sitting there. I felt the Lord would give me the strength to endure whatever I had to face. It was time for someone to stand up—or in my case, sit down. So I refused to move.“ Rosa Parks