Bible Reading
Esther 6 “During that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king. And it was found written how Mordecai had told about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, and who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. And the king said, "What honor or distinction has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?" The king's young men who attended him said, "Nothing has been done for him." And the king said, "Who is in the court?" Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king's palace to speak to the king about having Mordecai hanged on the gallows that he had prepared for him. And the king's young men told him, "Haman is there, standing in the court." And the king said, "Let him come in." So Haman came in, and the king said to him, "What should be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?" And Haman said to himself, "Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?" And Haman said to the king, "For the man whom the king delights to honor, let royal robes be brought, which the king has worn, and the horse that the king has ridden, and on whose head a royal crown is set. And let the robes and the horse be handed over to one of the king's most noble officials. Let them dress the man whom the king delights to honor, and let them lead him on the horse through the square of the city, proclaiming before him: ‘Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.’" Then the king said to Haman, "Hurry; take the robes and the horse, as you have said, and do so to Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king's gate. Leave out nothing that you have mentioned." So Haman took the robes and the horse, and he dressed Mordecai and led him through the square of the city, proclaiming before him, "Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor." Then Mordecai returned to the king's gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered.”
[30:37]Luke 18:9-14 “He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
[49:05]James 4:6 “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
[52:27]Observation questions
- In Esther 6, what chain of events begins with the king’s sleepless night, and what forgotten act does the book of records bring to light? [38:20]
- What honor does Haman suggest for the person the king wants to honor, and why does Haman assume that person is himself? [46:05]
- After the public parade, how do Mordecai and Haman respond differently? What details show the contrast between them? [48:12]
- In Luke 18:9–14, what does the Pharisee point to in his prayer, and what does the tax collector ask God for? [49:26]
Interpretation questions
- Mordecai’s faithfulness was not rewarded immediately, yet it became important at exactly the right time. What does this reveal about God’s providence when people feel overlooked or forgotten? [39:12]
- Haman’s pride keeps him from seeing what is really happening around him. In what ways can the desire to be noticed, to win, or to be in control distort a person’s view of others and of God? [48:20]
- Why does Jesus say that the tax collector, rather than the Pharisee, goes home justified? What does this show about the difference between trusting personal performance and trusting God’s mercy? [50:18]
- James 4:6 says that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. What does humility look like in Mordecai’s return to the king’s gate after receiving such public honor? [55:27]
Application questions
- Is there an area of life where you have tried to be faithful but still feel unseen, delayed, or overlooked? How might Mordecai’s story help you wait without assuming God has forgotten you? [39:21]
- Where are you most tempted to seek validation through performance—work, ministry, parenting, friendships, appearance, achievement, or something else? How does Christ’s righteousness free you from having to prove yourself? [51:09]
- Haman’s pride showed up in his need to be noticed, obeyed, and honored. Which of those desires most easily takes hold in your own heart, especially when someone else receives credit or attention? [52:58]
- Think of a recent disappointment, closed door, or change of plans. Without pretending that the disappointment was easy, can you see any ways God may be using it to redirect, grow, or prepare you? [40:47]
- Mordecai returned to his ordinary duties after the parade was over. How can you receive encouragement or recognition with gratitude, give God the glory, and then return to faithful service? [55:43]
- The tax collector’s prayer was simply a plea for mercy. What would it look like for you to bring your sin, weakness, or failure honestly before God this week rather than hiding it or trying to compensate with good works? [50:06]
- Jesus is the vine and His people are the branches. What is one practical way you can abide in Him this week so that your work, relationships, and service flow from dependence on Him rather than self-reliance? [01:00:49]
