Esther 5 – 10

Lesson Aim

To understand that God saves his people.

Hook 1: Purim style

When Jews traditionally celebrate the festival of Purim they retell the story of Esther. Children are given a noisy instrument and every time the name of Haman is mentioned they blow or bang their instrument to block out the sound of his name. Try it! Anything which makes a noise can be used even if it is a margarine tub with some dried peas inside or a pan and a wooden spoon.

However, before you let the children make any noise give then a sign which means quiet e.g. raising of your arm or you sitting down.

Hook 2: Jigsaw

Make a jigsaw by writing words at random from the story of Esther onto a large sheet of card or paper (words like:- queen, dinner, make-up, crown, Esther). Cut the paper up into different pieces. As you tell the story or ask questions give pieces to children to put together so that the jigsaw is gradually revealed. Have the word Saviour in large letters of a different colour. Place this piece into the jigsaw last when you give the application about Jesus being our saviour.

Pictures of things associated with the story could also be used e.g. a crown.

Story tips:

Have approx. 12 pieces to your jigsaw.

Hook 3: Questions

Who knows the name of any person who risked their life for their country? Nelson died fighting for England. Many soldiers died in WW1 and WW2 for their country. In our story today Queen Esther risked her life for her people.

Story tips:

It isn’t necessary to mention the gallows which Haman built for Mordecai. Say that Haman planned to kill Mordecai and similarly that Haman was killed as a punishment

Application

Esther was sent by God to save his people and years later God sent his son Jesus as an even greater Saviour. By trusting in Jesus we can be saved from death, from the punishment for our sins and given a new life in heaven.