In this lesson, children learn that God can use a brave and faithful person in a place they never expected. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story and a short activity.
Big Idea
God takes care of His people, even in places where they feel small and far from home. Esther was faithful, and God was working through her the whole time.
Memory Verse
Esther 2:7
He brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter; for she had neither father nor mother. The maiden was fair and beautiful; and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his own daughter.
(WEB)
Have children place one hand over the other on their chest, then slowly raise both hands up high as they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time, so the words stick.
The Story: Esther 2 for Kids
A long time ago, the king of Persia was named Ahasuerus. He had a queen named Vashti, but he was no longer happy with her, so he sent her away. His helpers said, “Let’s find beautiful young women from all over the kingdom and bring them to the palace. The king can choose a new queen from among them.” Officers were sent out, and many young women came to the palace in the city of Susa.
A Jewish man named Mordecai lived in Susa. He had been brought there from Jerusalem long before, when enemies carried his people away. Mordecai had a young cousin named Hadassah, whom we also call Esther. Her parents had died, so Mordecai had raised her as his own daughter. Esther was lovely to look at, and she was taken to the palace with the other young women.
Hegai, the man in charge of the women, took care of Esther. He gave her special food and oil to make her ready. Esther was kind and calm, and everyone who saw her liked her. Mordecai asked her not to tell anyone that she was Jewish, so she kept it quiet. Every day, Mordecai walked near the palace to see how Esther was doing.
Each young woman had a turn to go in to the king. When Esther’s turn came, she did not ask for anything fancy. She simply did what Hegai advised. The king liked Esther more than any of the other women. He placed a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
The king held a great feast to celebrate. Esther was queen, but she still listened to Mordecai and did not tell people about her family. Later, Mordecai heard two of the king’s helpers planning to hurt the king. He told Esther, and Esther told the king in Mordecai’s name. The king checked the story, found it was true, and the two men were punished. Everything was written down in the royal records.
So a girl who had lost her parents became queen, and she still stayed faithful and kind. God was caring for her and for her people, even when no one was watching.
Read It Together
Esther 2:9
The maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness from him. He quickly gave her cosmetics and her portions of food, and the seven choice maidens who were to be given her out of the king’s house. He moved her and her maidens to the best place in the women’s house.
(WEB)
Point out that Esther was treated kindly and given good things, but the verse also shows the people caring for her. Ask children to notice how God can put kind people in our path when we need help.
Esther 2:17
The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.
(WEB)
Show children how the king loved Esther and gave her a crown. Explain that God can bring honor to people who trust Him, though we should never think the king’s favor is more important than God’s.
Esther 2:20
Esther had not yet made known her relatives nor her people, as Mordecai had commanded her; for Esther obeyed Mordecai, like she did when she was brought up by him.
(WEB)
Point out that Esther kept listening to Mordecai, even after she became queen. Talk about how obeying the people who love and guide us is a way of showing faith.
Talk About It
- How do you think Esther felt when she had to leave home and go to a new place?
- What did Mordecai do to help Esther, even though he could not be with her in the palace?
- Why do you think Esther kept her family’s story quiet for a while?
- Where is a place you feel far away from home, and how can God be with you there?
- What is one way you can be faithful to God this week, even when no one is watching?
Activity Ideas
Crown Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a large crown, then decorate it with gems and patterns. Cut them out, and let children wear them while retelling the story in their own words. Talk about how Esther was honored, and how God is the true King who loves His people.
Faithful Friend Walk
Set up two chairs at one end of the room to represent Mordecai and Esther, and a finish line at the other end. Children take turns walking from one chair to the next while the group cheers them on. Explain that Mordecai walked near the palace every day to check on Esther, just as friends and family can cheer us on from a distance.
Thankful Notes Home
You will need small pieces of paper, pencils, and envelopes. Ask each child to write or draw a note to someone who cares for them at home, thanking them for their faithfulness. Children can take the notes home and share them with that person, reminding everyone that God uses ordinary people to care for each other.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Esther 2 shows that God works quietly through ordinary, faithful people, often in places that feel strange or far from home. Mordecai’s care for Esther, and Esther’s willingness to listen and obey, point toward a God who is present even when His name is not spoken in the story.
With children, avoid suggesting that God always makes people famous or powerful when they are good. Esther’s story is about faithfulness and God’s care, not a promise that faithful children will always be rewarded with a crown.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank You for being with us wherever we go. Help us be kind and faithful like Esther and Mordecai, even when no one is watching. Thank You that You take care of us every day. Amen.
