8. Esther, Part III
Have you ever longed for justice, but it eluded the situation? There is something inside of us that desires a fitting end to every story. We want the good guy to come out on top and the bad guy to pay for his evil. That sense of justice comes from God, who someday will put all things right.
A Precious Word from God
“If I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:16 NASB
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Day One Study
Review Esther Chapter 7; read 8:1-8.
1. Review the Precious Word from God and their context in chapter 4. Throughout history God’s people have taken stands for the Lord and His people in the face of dire consequences. Record any insights into this from the following verses:
a. Hebrews 11:24-27
b. Hebrews 11:32-39
c. Rev. 12:11—what was the key to their ability to take a stand?
- Diamonds in the Word: Study the story in Daniel 3 of those who determined to stand for God.
2. Sharing question: If there has been a time in your life when God gave you the grace to stand for Him despite the possible consequences, share the experience as an encouragement to others in your group.
3. What was Esther’s request to the king and how did he answer her? (8:5, 8)
4. Contrast the relationship between King Ahasuerus or Xerxes and his subjects (Esther 4:11; 5:2; 8:4) and God’s relationship to His people from these verses:
a. Heb. 4:16
b. Heb. 10:19-22
5. Sharing question: How do these truths affect you personally?
6. Responding to God: Come into His presence with thanksgiving and boldness! Write out your prayer.
Day Two Study
Read Esther 8:9-17.
7. Reread the original edict in 3:13. The new edict did not revoke the old one. How did it deal with the previous edict? Why did it not just revoke the first one?
- Diamonds in the Word: Read in your commentaries or Bible resources about edicts in that day.
8. Contrast how the Jews and the others reacted to the news. (8:16-17)
Read Esther 9:1-17.
9. Reread 8:15-17 and then read 9:1-17, looking for repeated phrases. Repeated words and phrases help identify important points or the theme of a passage. What do you discover from these repeated phrases and words?
10. Add any ironies you see from these verses in addition to those you saw in last week’s lesson.
11. Sharing question: What has God done in your life that you should remember year after year?
12. Responding to God: Pray for God to show you how to remember His blessings and answered prayers. Thank Him right now for some of those.
Day Three Study
Read Esther 9:18-32.
- Diamonds in the Word: Study the modern Jewish celebration of Purim, perhaps online.
13. Who, when, why, and how was Purim to be celebrated?
14. Where did the name Purim originate? (You may need to refer back to the note at the top of Day One Study of Lesson Seven.) What is ironic about the Jews naming their holiday Purim? (9:23-26)
15. Why would you say celebrations like this are important?
16. From the example of Purim, do you learn anything that you can apply within your own family?
17. Sharing question: Share with the group an occasion you celebrate with your family which is particularly meaningful.
18. Responding to God: Pray that you will always celebrate the blessings of God. Thank Him for a blessing that you are enjoying today.
Day Four Study
Read Esther Chapter 10.
19. What would you consider the secret of Mordecai’s greatness?
20. Read God’s comments about various Old Testament people in Hebrews 11:1-31. Which story speaks to you about how to achieve greatness? Why?
- Diamonds in the Word: Use other resources to look up Mordecai.
21. Sharing question: If your life were over tomorrow, what would be your epitaph? What specific steps can you take in your life today to increase the possibilities that you would be remembered as great?
22. Responding to God: Write a poem or prayer about your epitaph.
Day Five Study
Review the book of Esther.
23. What qualities did you see in Esther and how were they evidenced in her life?
24. How did you see God use Esther in His timing and for His purposes?
25. Sharing question: What do you learn from Esther to apply to your own life?
26. What does the book of Esther teach you about God?
27. Responding to God: Take the time to praise Him for each truth you wrote down about God.
As we think about remembering God’s great work in our lives through celebration, Dakan shares her story of a family wedding that reminded them of God and His care and work.
Dakan’s Story
Eleven family members (ages 6 months to 84 years) traveling together to a foreign country to join 70 friends for my son’s wedding. Stress is high! I WANT to be in control of travel schedules, hotels, restaurants, clothing and even our snacks!! Months into the organization, I realize I must release this to the Lord. I wanted Him to be a part of it, but I had to step back, ask Him and allow Him. I had to have trust and faith in God’s desire for this wedding celebration – not mine. He deserves such glory for reveling Himself in our family times together of a never before closeness. He opened closed eyes and gave light to darkened hearts. The words at the ceremony spoke to young friends who desire a Godly foundation for their lives. Leaving the country after the wedding festivities, I was in awe of how our Lord was so faithful, how His hand had touched so many people and how we had received a peace and abundant blessings because of His care of us.
Related Topics: Character Study, Curriculum
9. Mary, the Mother of Jesus
Imagine being thrust into a situation far beyond anything you ever sought or imagined! What if God needs to change your life in order to use you for His purposes in such a time as this? Will you be ready and willing, as Mary was?
A Precious Word from God
“The Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name.”
Luke 1:49 NASB
Historical background: We now jump into the New Testament from the story of Esther, an approximate 500 year span. As you study, look on your maps for the locations of the towns mentioned.
Day One Study
Your assignments include all of the accounts where Mary appears, but they will focus more on the ones that reveal the person of this woman, Mary. The passages are in chronological order so you can follow the events more easily.
Read Luke 1:26-38.
1. The miraculous and the impossible were to occur in Mary’s life. Write Gabriel’s words that explain to Mary how this can happen. (1:35-37) Why may Gabriel have used the term “Most High” as the name of God in this situation?
- Diamonds in the Word: Look up the term “Most High” in your Greek dictionary and find other references to this name of God.
2. What do you learn about Mary from her reactions to Gabriel’s message in 1:29 and 34?
The note on 1:38 in the NET Bible explains that the word for servant (NET, NIV) or bondservant (NASB) is traditionally translated “handmaid” (KJV). It goes on to explain that “the word does not bear the connotation of a free woman serving another. . . . The most accurate translation is ‘bondservant,’ sometimes found in the ASV for doulos, in that it often indicates one who sells himself or herself into slavery to another.”
NET Bible p. 1791
3. What does the use of this word for servant reveal about Mary?
4. Sharing question: Can you truly call yourself a bondservant of Jesus Christ? Why or why not? What would you have to change in your attitude to make it so?
5. Sharing question: Share the story of a time in your life when something seemingly insurmountable was put before you, and yet it was accomplished by the power of God.
6. Responding to God: Write a prayer of praise to the Most High God, basing it on Mary’s words (1:38).
Day Two Study
Read Luke 1:39-45.
- Diamonds in the Word: Study Luke 1:5-25 to learn about Elizabeth’s background.
7. What do Elizabeth’s words reveal about Mary? (1:42, 43, 45)
Read Luke 1:46-56.
8. This passage contains most of the recorded words said by Mary. Do not hurry through this passage, but carefully read it, considering this woman. What do you learn about Mary herself from what she says here?
9. Compare Mary’s words in Luke 1:46-55 with Hannah’s words in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. Record any parallels you see. What insights about Mary do you gain because of these parallels?
10. Sharing question: Which truth about God mentioned by Mary in Luke 1:46-55 is most meaningful to you today? Why?
11. Responding to God: Go back through Luke 1:46-55 truth by truth, praising God just as Mary did.
Day Three Study
Read Matthew 1:18-25.
12. 12. How would you have felt about God’s plan if you had been Mary? About Joseph?
Read Luke 2:1-20.
13. How would the shepherds’ visit have affected you if you were Mary?
14. Again, how would you have felt through these events if you were Mary? Consider how she may have felt about God and about the situation.
15. If you have any insights into Mary from these verses, record them here.
- Diamonds in the Word: Study the Luke story from your commentaries. What other insights into Mary do you receive?
16. Sharing question: How do these very familiar stories impact you today? What is God’s Spirit saying to you personally?
17. Responding to God: Sing a song of praise to God for the birth of Jesus. You may want to sing a familiar Christmas carol, but be sure you think through the words so that the song comes from the heart.
Day Four Study
Read Luke 2:21-40.
18. Write down what the occasion was, where it took place, and when.
- Diamonds in the Word: Study the Jewish Old Testament laws behind this event.
19. Why might Simeon’s words have been a shock to Mary?
Read Matthew 2:1-18. Again we have one of the most familiar of all the Bible stories. You may have believed that it should go before the last story thinking it happened at the manger, but a careful reading of the story indicates otherwise.
20. Because the story is so well known, just record any thoughts you have about Mary and the events.
Read Matthew 2:19-23.
21. Record any insights that you have about Mary from these verses.
22. Sharing question: Describe a time in your life when God put you in a situation where you could later see His hand at work.
23. Responding to God: Praise God that He knows the future. Express the trust that you feel knowing this.
Day Five Study
Read Luke 2:41-52.
24. What do you learn about Mary from this passage?
Read John 2:1-12. About eighteen years has elapsed since the last time we saw Mary.
25. Write down any insights you have into the person of Mary from this story.
- Diamonds in the Word: Study this miracle, which was Jesus’ first miracle, and consider Mary’s part in the story.
These next passages involve Mary but she is only a background character. Read 1 of these 3 passages: Matt. 12:46-49; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21.
Then read John 19:25-27.
26. Write down any thoughts you have about Mary from these two events.
Read Acts 1:1-14.
27. Record what you learn from this final glimpse at Mary.
28. How did God use Mary for His purposes and in His time?
29. Sharing question: What have you learned from Mary for your life?
30. Responding to God: Review our Precious Word from God. Join Mary in praise to God for the great things He has done for you.
Just as Mary’s faith was strong because of the Scriptures that she knew, so Jane’s faith increased as she read God’s Word and applied it to her situation.
Jane’s Story
When I was beginning to grow as a Christian, I was having issues with a guy I was dating. I don't remember the details, but I remember having that constant dull ache in my heart.
At the time, I was in a Bible Study where we were studying a book about dealing with emotions. I remember sitting on my bed and picking up the book, wondering if it would have anything to say about my situation. So I flipped through and came across Romans 5:3-5, which says, “…We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
I got so excited when I read that. I thought, "Wow - this trial has a purpose!" And my pain was literally replaced with joy. I'm sure the dull ache eventually crept back in, but now at least I knew where to go for a cure!
Related Topics: Character Study, Curriculum
10. Mary of Bethany
Related Media
Click here to download the student handout for this lesson.
Click here to download the manuscript for this lesson.
Click here to download the PowerPoint for this lesson.
A Word from Kay Daigle on how to use the resources for this study…I want to encourage you to complete the personal lesson below before you click on any of the accompanying elements that may be found with this lesson (audio lecture, manuscript, PowerPoint, or handout). This study was written to help you maximize your personal spiritual growth. That means that you first spend time with God through His word, and then hopefully, discuss what you learned with a small group of women. After that, if you want to hear the audio (or read the manuscript) and follow the PowerPoint, filling in the handout, then that is a great time to do it! I cannot cover all the verses in depth, but you can read and study them for yourself. It is best for you to think through the passages before hearing what anyone else thinks, even me! You will find some lessons without lectures. At our church we use some of those weeks to spend extra time in our small groups sharing life stories, having a longer prayer time, or expressing how God is working in our lives.
Mary’s story is one of love. From the first time we meet her through her last appearance in the gospels, we see the impact that she makes because of her love for Jesus.
A Precious Word from God
“And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” John 12:3 NASB
One of those who had the privilege of knowing Jesus personally while He walked on the earth was Mary of Bethany. Look at a Bible map in the back of your Bible or in a Bible atlas to discover the location of her home Bethany.
Day One Study
Read Luke 10:38-42.
1. Contrast Mary and Martha’s actions.
2. How did Martha try to manipulate the situation? (10:40)
3. Put yourself in Martha’s place. How would you feel about Mary? Why?
4. Read John 15:4-5. How do these verses relate to Jesus’ words about Mary?
5. Read the commendations and criticisms that Jesus gave the church at Ephesus in Rev. 2:1-7. How do they relate to Mary and Martha?
- Diamonds in the Word: Read through all the letters to the churches in Rev. 2:8-3:22. What is God saying to you as He speaks to the churches?
6. Sharing question: You may have studied this passage many times; however, it is easy to fall back into old sins. Meditate upon Jesus’ comments concerning both Martha and Mary. At this point in your life, are you a Mary or a Martha? What is God saying to you personally?
7. Responding to God: Confess your tendencies to be Martha rather than Mary.
Day Two and Three Study
Feel free to study this all at once, or divide it after Question #12 and take two days.
Read John 11:1-16.
8. What crisis occurred and how did Mary and Martha’s respond?
9. How do you reconcile what 11:5 says about Jesus with his delay in going to Bethany in light of His words in 11:4, 15?
10. What do you learn from this passage about God’s timing in answer to prayer?
11. Sharing question: Share with your group a story of a delayed or unexpected answer to prayer. How did you feel through that situation?
12. Responding to God: Talk to God about the ability to see kingdom goals to prayer as more important than immediate relief from the situation.
Read John 11:17-44.
13. Write down any insights you have into Mary’s words to Jesus in this passage.
14. Knowing that He was momentarily going to raise Lazarus from the dead, Jesus wept. What seems to move Him to weep? (11:33, 34) What does this reveal concerning Him?
15. Sharing question: Share about a time in your life when you dealt with a time of weeping or grieving. What was your attitude toward the Lord at that time? What do you learn from Jesus’ weeping here that will help you next time you grieve?
16. What does this story reveal about Mary?
- Diamonds in the Word: Read what your commentaries say about John 11.
17. Sharing question: This experience surely changed Mary in some way. Relate an experience in your life when God’s activity resulted in a permanent change in your relationship with Him.
18. Responding to God: Write a prayer or poem praising Jesus as your resurrection and life.
Day Four Study
Read John 12:1-8.
19. Describe the scene and Mary’s actions.
20. Sharing question: Sacrifice comes from deep love. Assess your love for Jesus. Do you love Him so much that you are willing to sacrifice as Mary did? Why or why not?
21. Contrast the reactions to Mary’s actions.
Read the other accounts of this story in Matt. 26:6-13 and Mark 14:3-9.
22. What additional details do you learn from these passages?
23. Compare Paul’s words in Gal. 1:10 with Mary’s actions.
- Diamonds in the Word: Compare the story found in Luke 7:36-50 with this one. What details suggest that these are two different stories?
24. Sharing question: What do you learn for your own life from Mary’s sacrifice?
25. Responding to God: Ask God for such a deep love for Him that you would sacrifice anything.
Day Five Study
Review all the passages about Mary.
26. Looking back at the order of the stories, do you see any progression in Mary’s spiritual journey? How?
27. What qualities do you see in Mary? Be sure you give specific examples of each.
28. Review the A Precious Word from God this week. Mary sacrificed an expensive possession to honor the Lord, and everyone there was impacted by what she did. Record any additional thoughts you have concerning her actions.
29. How do you see God working in and through Mary’s life for His timing and His purposes?
- Diamonds in the Word: Is there another woman of the Bible whom you think we missed (and we probably did!)? Look her up and think through how God used her.
30. Sharing question: Review the table of contents and skim the lessons. What has God done in your life through the study of these women of the Bible? Spend some time assessing what God has done.
31. Responding to God: Thank God for the ways that He has spoken to you through the study of women of the Bible. Ask Him to use you for His purposes in such a time as this.
This story is about being public with faith, as Mary publicly anointed Jesus. In Jane’s case she received a positive response!
Jane’s Story
One time I was on an airport shuttle bus. I was the last person off, and as I left I gave the driver a gospel tract and said, "This will tell you how you can know for sure you're going to heaven when you die." She took the tract and kissed my hand!! I said, "I assume there's a prayer request behind this." She indicated that there was, but didn't tell me what it was. I assured her I would be praying for her. When I got to the airline terminal I turned around to acknowledge her again; she was looking my way and we exchanged smiles. The whole situation was so touching; it was definitely a divine appointment.
Related Topics: Character Study, Curriculum
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1. The Setting of the Book of Haggai
Related MediaThis is the first part of an audio-only sermon series on the book of Haggai.
Passages: Ezra 1:1-8; Haggai 1:1-2
Related Topics: Introductions, Arguments, Outlines
2. Tracking the Temple through Time
Related MediaThis is the second part of an audio-only sermon series on the book of Haggai.
Passage: 2 Chronicles 7:12-22
Related Topics: Temple
3. From Dedication to Desolation (Daniel 9:1-19)
Related MediaThis is the third part of an audio-only sermon series on the book of Haggai.
Passage: Daniel 9:1-19
Related Topics: Temple
4. Haggai 1
Related MediaThis is the fourth part of an audio-only sermon series on the book of Haggai.
Passage: Haggai 1:1-15
Related Topics: Introductions, Arguments, Outlines, Temple
5. Haggai 2:1-9
Related MediaThis is the fifth part of an audio-only sermon series on the book of Haggai.
Passage: Haggai 2:1-9
Related Topics: Temple
6. Haggai 2:10-23: The Blessings of Obedience
Related MediaThis is the sixth part of an audio-only sermon series on the book of Haggai.
Passage: Haggai 2:10-23