Esther: Courage, Beauty, and Selfless Love
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, church! Today, we continue our series, "The Hall of Faith," where we explore the lives of biblical heroes who demonstrated extraordinary faith. We've already discussed figures like Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, Naomi, and Ruth. Today, we turn our attention to Esther, a woman who risked everything for her people.
We begin by examining Esther's burdens. Esther was an orphan, her parents having died when she was young. She was raised by her cousin Mordecai, who took her in and provided for her. This tragic start in life could have defined her, but Mordecai's support helped her grow into a capable and courageous woman. This teaches us the importance of bearing each other's burdens, as Galatians 6:2 instructs us to do. When we share the weight of life's challenges, we fulfill the law of Christ and make a tangible difference in each other's lives.
Next, we look at Esther's beauty. After the queen of Persia was banished, King Xerxes sought a new bride. Esther, known for her physical beauty, was chosen to be part of this search. However, her true beauty lay in her character and her faith in God. Despite the world's focus on outward appearance, God values the heart. Esther's inner beauty won her favor with everyone she met, including the king, who made her queen.
Finally, we delve into Esther's bravery. The main antagonist in her story is Haman, a royal official who plotted to annihilate the Jewish people. Mordecai urged Esther to plead with the king for their lives, a risky move since approaching the king unsummoned could result in death. Esther, full of fear and dread, resolved to be bold. She approached the king, who extended his scepter to her, allowing her to speak. She invited the king and Haman to a banquet, where she revealed Haman's plot. The king was enraged and ordered Haman's execution, thus saving the Jewish people.
Esther's story teaches us that bravery is not the absence of fear but the resolve to act despite it. Her willingness to risk her life for her people exemplifies the greatest love, as Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."
### Key Takeaways
1. Bearing Each Other's Burdens: Esther's early life was marked by the heavy burden of losing her parents. However, her cousin Mordecai stepped in to support her, demonstrating the importance of bearing each other's burdens. Galatians 6:2 tells us to carry each other's burdens, fulfilling the law of Christ. When we support one another, we not only make a positive impact but also showcase God's love to the world. [12:33]
2. Inner Beauty Over Outward Appearance: While Esther's physical beauty played a role in her becoming queen, it was her inner beauty and faith in God that truly set her apart. In a world that often judges by appearance, God looks at the heart. Proverbs 31:30 reminds us that charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. [18:48]
3. Bravery in the Face of Fear: Esther's bravery is a central theme in her story. Despite the risk of approaching the king unsummoned, she chose to act for the sake of her people. True bravery is not the absence of fear but the courage to act despite it. Esther's actions saved an entire nation, showing us the power of selfless courage. [25:22]
4. The Power of Selfless Love: Esther's willingness to risk her life for her people exemplifies the greatest form of love. Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." Esther's story challenges us to consider how we can show selfless love in our own lives, even when it requires great personal sacrifice. [27:01]
5. God's Sovereignty in Our Lives: Throughout Esther's story, we see God's hand at work, orchestrating events for the good of His people. Even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, God remains in control. This reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He can use even the most difficult circumstances for His purposes. [28:18]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:20] - Personal Story: Taking Risks
3. [05:32] - Introduction to Esther
4. [07:13] - Setting the Scene: The Persian Empire
5. [09:35] - Esther's Burdens
6. [15:42] - Esther's Beauty
7. [21:02] - Esther's Bravery
8. [25:22] - Esther Approaches the King
9. [27:01] - Esther's Bold Request
10. [28:18] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Hall of Faith - Esther
#### Bible Reading
1. Esther 2:5-7 - "Now there was in the citadel of Susa a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, who had been carried into exile from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, among those taken captive with Jehoiachin king of Judah. Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died."
2. Galatians 6:2 - "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
3. Proverbs 31:30 - "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the circumstances of Esther's early life as described in Esther 2:5-7?
2. How did Mordecai support Esther after the death of her parents? [12:33]
3. What does Galatians 6:2 instruct believers to do, and how is this reflected in Mordecai's actions?
4. According to Proverbs 31:30, what is valued more than physical beauty?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How did Mordecai's support influence Esther's ability to grow into a capable and courageous woman? [12:33]
2. In what ways does Esther's story illustrate the principle of bearing each other's burdens as described in Galatians 6:2? [14:05]
3. How does Esther's inner beauty and faith in God contrast with the world's focus on outward appearance? [18:48]
4. What does Esther's bravery in approaching the king teach us about the nature of true courage? [25:22]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when someone supported you during a difficult period. How did their support impact your life? How can you offer similar support to someone else? [12:33]
2. In what ways can you focus more on developing inner beauty and faith in God rather than outward appearance? What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate this inner beauty? [18:48]
3. Think about a situation where you need to show bravery despite your fears. What steps can you take to act courageously in that situation? [25:22]
4. How can you demonstrate selfless love in your daily life, even when it requires personal sacrifice? Identify one specific action you can take this week to show selfless love. [27:01]
5. Consider a burden that someone in your community is carrying. How can you help them bear that burden in a tangible way? [14:05]
6. Reflect on a time when you judged someone based on their appearance. How can you shift your focus to value their inner qualities instead? [18:48]
7. How can you trust in God's sovereignty when facing difficult circumstances? Share a personal experience where you saw God's hand at work in your life. [28:18]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the story of Esther, exploring themes of support, inner beauty, bravery, selfless love, and God's sovereignty. Use these questions to foster meaningful discussion and personal reflection.
Devotional
Day 1: Bearing Each Other's Burdens
Esther's early life was marked by the heavy burden of losing her parents. However, her cousin Mordecai stepped in to support her, demonstrating the importance of bearing each other's burdens. Galatians 6:2 tells us to carry each other's burdens, fulfilling the law of Christ. When we support one another, we not only make a positive impact but also showcase God's love to the world. [12:33]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is currently struggling. How can you practically support them this week to help carry their burden?
Day 2: Inner Beauty Over Outward Appearance
While Esther's physical beauty played a role in her becoming queen, it was her inner beauty and faith in God that truly set her apart. In a world that often judges by appearance, God looks at the heart. Proverbs 31:30 reminds us that charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. [18:48]
1 Samuel 16:7b (ESV): "For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."
Reflection: Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you focus more on outward appearance than inner character? How can you shift your focus to cultivate inner beauty?
Day 3: Bravery in the Face of Fear
Esther's bravery is a central theme in her story. Despite the risk of approaching the king unsummoned, she chose to act for the sake of her people. True bravery is not the absence of fear but the courage to act despite it. Esther's actions saved an entire nation, showing us the power of selfless courage. [25:22]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: Identify a situation in your life where fear is holding you back. What steps can you take to act courageously despite your fear?
Day 4: The Power of Selfless Love
Esther's willingness to risk her life for her people exemplifies the greatest form of love. Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." Esther's story challenges us to consider how we can show selfless love in our own lives, even when it requires great personal sacrifice. [27:01]
1 John 3:16 (ESV): "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers."
Reflection: Think of a way you can show selfless love to someone in your life today. What personal sacrifice might this require from you?
Day 5: God's Sovereignty in Our Lives
Throughout Esther's story, we see God's hand at work, orchestrating events for the good of His people. Even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, God remains in control. This reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He can use even the most difficult circumstances for His purposes. [28:18]
Romans 8:28 (ESV): "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
Reflection: Reflect on a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you trust in God's sovereignty and look for His hand at work in this situation?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Oftentimes, when we discuss things like bravery, when we talk about things like courage, it's really easy to think that somehow being brave means that you're just simply no longer scared or afraid, right? That being courageous means that you face things with resolve. You face things without fear, without anxiety, without worry. And I got to say, that's not how being brave actually works. It sounds good in fairy tales, but in real life, it's a little different. Because being brave, it's not about pushing out all the fear, but being brave is about walking forward in the face of fear." [27:35]
2. "Being brave means doing things scared. Walking forward, even though you're terrified, even though you're petrified, even though, man, your fear and your anxiety, it makes you not even want to lift your foot up. Being brave means doing it anyways, despite the fear facing you. So if you're here today, church, and I don't know, maybe you're in the midst of a battle. Maybe you're in the midst of a storm. Maybe you're in the midst of some, some petrifying fear in front of your eyes. Maybe you need to make a decision. Maybe, maybe it's, it's something like deciding to, to change careers or I don't know. It could be a million different things. But if you're here, being brave doesn't mean not being scared. Being brave means going forward anyways." [28:48]
3. "We live in a world that oftentimes, it judges you based off your appearance. I just read a study the other day that a single inch can increase your salary by $10,000 a year. That's what they've realized, that even just a single inch can give you that much, that much, that much, that much. That's like a leg up in your life. This is true, whether you're a man or a woman of any age, but I think this is especially true for young boys and young girls. In fact, it's such a prominent problem that we even end up doing this to ourselves sometimes. We look in the mirror, we think things like, I'm too tall. I don't think anyone's ever said that. I'm too short. I'm too skinny. I'm too heavy. My nose is too big. Man, I miss my hair." [17:56]
4. "We take selfies at just the right angle, we use photoshop to give us better figures, we use filters on Instagram or Snapchat to hide those wrinkles or those pimples, all for the sake of views, all for the sake of likes. And I bring this up because even though the world oftentimes judges you by your appearance, I want you to know today God doesn't. In First Samuel 16:7, we're told this, that people look at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart." [18:48]
5. "Have you ever taken a risk for somebody? Anybody here? Or better yet, has anyone taken a risk for you before? When I was in sixth grade, when I was a kid, I tell a lot of stories about being a kid, but anyways, when I was a kid, when I was in sixth grade, a friend of mine, he took a crazy huge risk and he actually ended up taking the blame for something dumb that I did. Well, something dumb we did. You see, in sixth grade, I had a friend named Brad, and starting that year, something that our school started to do was they were actually letting sixth graders join the wrestling team, the middle school wrestling team." [01:20]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The book of Galatians, it tells us in chapter 6, verse 2, that we need to carry each other's burdens. Can we say that together today, church? We need to carry each other's burdens. In this way, you will fulfill the Lord. The law of Christ. What it boils down to is when we start following the teachings of Jesus, and I say that like this, when we start actually following the teachings of Jesus, I believe we start to experience the kingdom of God the way he always intended us to. By sharing the weight of the challenges of this life, we begin to pick each other up and carry each other. When we can't carry ourselves, what happens is actually twofold. Number one, we get to make a positive impact in others' lives. I think that's important. We're told to be the salt and the light of the world. That's an important thing for us that we need to pursue." [14:05]
2. "Thanks to the boldness, thanks to the bravery of this young girl, an entire nation of people were spared. Thanks to the selflessness and the sacrifice that she had made, she was prepared to make an entire people was saved from annihilation. The king ended up reversing the law. The Jews were spared. And as a result, Esther, she joined the ranks of the hall of faith because she bravely risked her own lives to save others." [27:01]
3. "Esther's beauty was more than skin deep because she honored God in her heart. She was beautiful both inside and out. And when King Xerxes finally met Esther, he was instantly captivated, the Bible says. In verse 17, we're told that the king loved Esther more than any of the other young women. He was so delighted with her that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her the king. Through both her inner beauty and her outer beauty, Esther won the favor of everyone she met, including the king of Persia. And as a result, she became the queen of one of the largest empires the world had ever seen at that moment." [20:00]
4. "Esther, she knew that there was no other way. Sure, she could have hung back, and she could have, you know, could have, you know, hit her head and let all this go down, right, and still be safe herself. But she decided, you know what? No, I can't. I can't do that. There was no other way. And she couldn't just wait for him to summon her either, so she agrees to help Mordecai. And full of fear and dread, Esther, she resolved to be bold." [24:46]
5. "But thankfully, it's not a burden that Esther had to bear all by herself. We're told that Esther's cousin, Mordecai, he actually stepped up. He took her in. He adopted her as his own daughter. He gave her love and protection. He provided for her every need. He helped her learn how to cope with this heavy burden that was placed on her shoulders. And as a result, I believe Mordecai is the reason that Esther's burden, it didn't destroy her and it didn't define her. Thanks to Mordecai, Esther was able to grow into a capable and courageous woman." [13:30]
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