This lesson teaches children that God wants us to stay faithful to Him even when everyone around us is doing something different. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
We can be brave and do what is right, even when it is hard, because God is with us and takes care of His people.
Memory Verse
Esther 3:2
All the king’s servants who were in the king’s gate bowed down, and paid homage to Haman; for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai didn’t bow down or pay him homage.
(WEB)
Have the children stand up tall like a strong tree, then hold both arms out wide as if standing strong. Say the words together while you hold your pose, and sit down slowly when you finish.
The Story: Esther 3 for Kids
King Ahasuerus ruled a huge kingdom, and he gave a man named Haman a very high job. Haman was proud, and the king made him more important than all the other leaders. Everyone in the king’s gate was told to bow down to Haman when he walked by.
Most of the people bowed down, just as the king had commanded. But a man named Mordecai did not bow to Haman. Mordecai was a Jew, and he loved God more than he wanted to please the king’s order to bow.
The king’s servants noticed Mordecai standing tall. Day after day they asked him, “Why won’t you obey the king?” Mordecai still would not bow. So they told Haman about him, and Haman became very angry.
Haman was so angry that he decided to punish not only Mordecai, but all the Jewish people in the whole kingdom. He tricked the king by saying that the Jewish people did not keep the king’s laws. He offered a great deal of silver to get permission to harm them.
The king said, “The silver is yours, and the people too, to do with as you think best.” Haman quickly sent letters to every province with a terrible plan. Some people in the city were worried and confused, but the king and Haman sat down to drink as if nothing was wrong.
Read It Together
Esther 3:5
When Haman saw that Mordecai didn’t bow down, nor pay him homage, Haman was full of wrath.
(WEB)
Point out that Haman became full of anger because Mordecai would not bow. Ask children what makes them feel angry, and remind them that anger can make people do unkind things.
Esther 3:8
Haman said to King Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom, and their laws are different than other people’s. They don’t keep the king’s laws. Therefore it is not for the king’s profit to allow them to remain.
(WEB)
Show how Haman told the king something that was not fully true to get what he wanted. Explain that God wants us to tell the truth, even when a lie might seem easier.
Esther 3:15
The couriers went out in haste by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given out in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Shushan was perplexed.
(WEB)
Notice that the king and Haman sat down to drink while the city was troubled. Ask the children how it might feel to be in that city and see the people around them so worried.
Talk About It
- Why do you think Mordecai decided not to bow down to Haman?
- What is a time when you had to choose between doing what others wanted and doing what was right?
- How do you think Mordecai felt when the servants kept asking him the same question?
- Why is it important to tell the truth, even when we are afraid of what might happen?
- What are some ways we can show kindness to people who seem different from us?
Activity Ideas
Paper Standing Figure Craft
You will need paper, crayons, scissors, and tape. Have each child draw a simple person standing tall with arms at their sides, then cut it out. Help them write “I will stand strong for God” along the bottom, and tape it somewhere they will see it at home.
Stand Tall Freeze Game
Play music while the children move around the room like they are following the crowd. When the music stops, they must freeze and stand tall like Mordecai. Anyone who bends down becomes a bowing servant for the next round, and everyone laughs together.
Brave Choice Card for Home
Give each child an index card and a marker. Ask them to write one brave choice they can make this week, such as telling the truth or being kind to a classmate. Encourage them to tuck the card into a pocket or backpack so they remember it during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows how powerful pride and anger can become when a person refuses to humble himself before God. It also shows that God’s people can remain faithful even when the surrounding culture pressures them to conform, and that God’s purposes continue even in difficult, troubling times.
Avoid suggesting to children that God will always protect us from every harm or that standing up for what is right will always bring an easy outcome. Speak of God’s faithfulness and presence, and keep the focus on trusting Him rather than promising specific results.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, help us to stand strong when it is hard to do what is right. Give us brave hearts and honest words, and remind us that You are always with us. Thank You for loving us and caring for us every day. Amen.
