This lesson teaches children that God cares how we treat one another, even when we feel angry or proud. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, a few questions, and one activity.
Big Idea
Being a king or a queen does not mean we can treat people any way we want. God wants us to be kind and to respect the people around us.
Memory Verse
Ephesians 4:32
And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
(WEB)
Have children sit on their hands, then slowly stand up and sit back down, saying “kind” as they rise. Repeat the motion together three times so the word and the action stay in their minds.
The Story: Esther 1 for Kids
A powerful king named Ahasuerus ruled a huge kingdom that stretched from India all the way to Ethiopia. He lived in a grand palace in the city of Shushan. One year, he threw a party that lasted for a very long time, six whole months, so that everyone could see how rich and glorious his kingdom was.
When the first party was finished, the king threw another big feast for all the people in the city. There were beautiful curtains, golden cups, and plenty of good food and wine. Everyone was invited, both the important people and the ordinary people, and no one was forced to drink more than they wanted.
At the same time, Queen Vashti was holding her own feast for the women in the palace. On the seventh day of the big party, the king was feeling happy and relaxed. He sent seven servants to bring Queen Vashti to him so that everyone could admire her beauty. He wanted her to come wearing her royal crown.
But Queen Vashti said no. She refused to come when the king called for her. The king became very angry. His advisers told him that her refusal would give other women the idea that they could ignore their husbands too. So the king made a new law to remove Vashti as queen and to find someone else to take her place.
The king sent letters to every part of his kingdom, telling every family that each man should be the leader of his own home. Even though the king was powerful, his choices in this chapter show what happens when pride and anger take over.
Read It Together
Esther 1:3-4
3 In the third year of his reign, he made a feast for all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him. 4 He displayed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty many days, even one hundred eighty days.
(WEB)
Point out how the king wanted to show off his riches and his glory. Ask children how it feels to see someone bragging, and talk about why showing off is different from being thankful for what we have.
Esther 1:10-12
10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king, 11 to bring Vashti the queen before the king with the royal crown, to show the people and the princes her beauty; for she was beautiful. 12 But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by the eunuchs. Therefore the king was very angry, and his anger burned in him.
(WEB)
Walk through what happened when the king asked Vashti to come and she refused. Help children notice that the king got very angry and that anger led to a hard decision. Talk about how we can choose calm, respectful words when we disagree.
Esther 1:19-20
19 “If it pleases the king, let a royal commandment go from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, so that it cannot be altered, that Vashti may never again come before King Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate to another who is better than she. 20 When the king’s decree which he shall make is published throughout all his kingdom (for it is great), all the wives will give their husbands honor, both great and small.”
(WEB)
Point out that the king’s advisers were worried about how other families might act. Explain that the choice to make a new law came from fear and pride, not from God’s kindness. Ask children what a better response to hurt feelings might look like.
Talk About It
- What did the king want everyone to see at his big party, and why do you think he wanted that?
- How do you think Queen Vashti felt when she was asked to come and show herself to everyone?
- What are some ways we can say no kindly when someone asks us to do something we feel is wrong?
- Why do you think the king got so angry, and what could he have done differently to calm down?
- How can we show respect to our parents, teachers, and friends when we disagree with them?
Activity Ideas
Crown Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and tape. Have each child draw and color a crown, then write one kind thing they can say to a family member on the back. Cut out the crowns and tape them into strips that can be worn as headbands, reminding children that real royalty serves others.
Kindness Freeze Game
Play music while children move around the room, and when the music stops, call out a kind action such as “give a high five” or “say something nice to your neighbor.” Children freeze and do the action. This game helps them practice respectful behavior in a playful way, and you can end by asking why these actions matter.
Take-Home Respect Chart
Give each child a sheet of paper divided into seven boxes, one for each day of the week. Ask them to draw a small picture of one kind or respectful thing they did each day. Encourage families to look at the chart together at dinner, celebrating each example and talking about how God helps us choose kindness.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows how pride, anger, and fear can spread from one heart to a whole household and even a whole kingdom. It also shows that God’s people are called to treat others with honor and that wise leaders listen to the people they serve. The chapter does not describe God’s direct voice, so focus on the human choices and their results.
Avoid suggesting that Queen Vashti was simply bad or that children should always obey anyone who tells them what to do. The chapter is a historical account of a king’s choices, and it is important to teach children that they should respect authority while also knowing that God wants everyone to act with kindness and integrity.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for teaching us that every person matters to you. Help us to speak kindly, to treat others with respect, and to stay calm when we feel angry. Give us hearts that want to honor you and the people around us. Amen.
