This lesson teaches children that God can use a faithful person to bless many people, even when that person is not the one in charge. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story and activities.
Big Idea
God notices people who serve others faithfully, and He cares about helping their families and friends. Even quiet helpers matter to God.
Memory Verse
Esther 10:3
For Mordecai the Jew was next to King Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted by the multitude of his brothers, seeking the good of his people, and speaking peace to all his descendants.
(WEB)
Have children place one hand on their heart and then open both hands outward, like giving a gift to someone. Say “seeking the good of his people” together with the motion each time, so the words and the action stay connected.
The Story: Esther 10 for Kids
This is the last short chapter of the book of Esther. King Ahasuerus ruled a huge kingdom that stretched across many lands and islands. He made the people pay taxes to support his government and his great works. Everyone in the kingdom knew that the king had the most power of all.
The king had also raised up a man named Mordecai to a high place. Mordecai was a Jew who had once saved the king’s life. He had also cared deeply about his own people, the Jews, even though he lived in a foreign land. Because of his faithful work, the king gave him a position right beside the throne.
The people loved Mordecai. He was kind to them and worked hard to help them live in peace. He did not seek praise for himself. He simply wanted good things for his family and for all of God’s people. Many of his own brothers and sisters respected him for it.
The writers of the history book wrote down all of these things. They recorded the king’s power and the honor he gave to Mordecai. Those records were kept so that people could remember what happened. Nothing about the story was lost, and every detail was known.
When you read this chapter with children, remind them that God was at work through a person they might never have expected. Mordecai did not have a crown, but his faithful care made a difference. Children can see that God honors people who love others and do their work well.
Read It Together
Esther 10:1
King Ahasuerus laid a tribute on the land, and on the islands of the sea.
(WEB)
Point out that the king made the whole land pay tribute, which means he had great authority over people near and far. Ask children to notice that even a powerful king is someone God allows to rule for a time.
Esther 10:2
All the acts of his power and of his might, and the full account of the greatness of Mordecai, to which the king advanced him, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?
(WEB)
Show the children that the writers kept a careful record of what happened. Explain that God’s people have always been able to look back and see how He was faithful in the past.
Talk About It
- What did Mordecai do to help the people around him?
- Why do you think the king gave Mordecai an important job?
- How can you help someone in your family or class this week?
- What is one way you can show that you care about other people’s good?
- Who is someone who has served others faithfully that you admire, and what did they do?
Activity Ideas
Crown of Service Craft
You will need paper strips, crayons or markers, tape, and scissors. Have each child write one way they can help someone this week on a strip of paper, then decorate the strip. Tape the ends together to make a simple paper crown, and let them wear it while they talk about the helper they want to be.
Helping Hands Relay Game
You will need a few empty cups, a bowl of dry beans, and a spoon for each child. Set up a line of cups at one end of the room and the bowl at the other. Children carry beans one at a time, one for each helper, to fill the cups, and cheer each other on. End by saying that helping one another brings joy to everyone.
Kindness Card for Home
You will need a sheet of paper, a pencil, and crayons. Ask each child to draw a picture of something kind they can do for a family member, then write or dictate a short note underneath. They take the card home and give it to that person, which turns the lesson into a real act of service.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this short chapter shows that God works through faithful people who serve others, even when they are not the ones holding the highest power. Mordecai’s life points to a larger picture of God caring for His people across generations and nations. The chapter reminds us that God’s faithfulness is seen in ordinary service as well as dramatic moments.
Be careful not to suggest to children that doing good always brings an earthly reward, such as a position of honor. Mordecai was honored, but many faithful people in Scripture suffer without recognition. Teach that God sees faithful service and that it always matters, whether or not anyone praises us.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for people who serve others faithfully and for the good You bring through them. Help us to love our families and friends and to care for their needs. Show us one way to help someone today, and make us kind and thoughtful helpers. Amen.
