This lesson teaches children that God can use brave, careful choices to bring good things about, even when we feel small. It is for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, a short discussion, and one activity.
Big Idea
Queen Esther was brave and thought carefully before she spoke, and God was with her the whole time.
Memory Verse
Esther 5:2
When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther came near, and touched the top of the scepter.
(WEB)
Hold both hands up like a crown, then slowly reach one hand forward as if holding out a golden scepter. Say “brave and careful” each time you do the motion, so children connect the action with the courage of the story.
The Story: Esther 5 for Kids
Queen Esther had a big problem. A wicked man named Haman wanted to hurt the Jewish people, and Esther was one of them. Esther knew that going to the king without being asked could cost her life. She decided to be brave anyway. Before she went, she asked all the Jewish people to pray and fast for her, and she and her helpers did the same.
On the third day, Esther put on her royal clothes and walked into the inner court of the king’s house. The king was sitting on his throne. When he saw her standing there, he was glad to see her. He held out his golden scepter, which was a sign that she was welcome to come close. Esther walked forward and touched the top of it. God had given her favor in the king’s eyes.
The king asked, “What would you like, Queen Esther? Tell me what you want, and I will give it to you, even up to half of my kingdom!” Esther did not ask for the big thing right away. She was careful and wise. She said, “If it pleases the king, please come with Haman to a special dinner that I have made for you both today.”
The king agreed, and he and Haman came to Esther’s banquet. While they ate and drank, the king asked her again what she wanted. Esther asked them both to come to another dinner the next day, and she promised to tell the king her request then. Her plan was patient and thoughtful, and it gave God time to work.
Haman left that day feeling proud and happy. But when he passed Mordecai at the king’s gate and Mordecai did not stand up or bow to him, Haman became very angry. He went home and told his wife and friends how great he was. Then he said that all of this meant nothing to him as long as Mordecai still refused to honor him. His friends told him to build a tall gallows and ask the king to hang Mordecai on it.
Read It Together
Esther 5:1
Now on the third day, Esther put on her royal clothing, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, next to the king’s house. The king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, next to the entrance of the house.
(WEB)
Point out that Esther did not rush in with fear. She put on her royal clothes and went to the king on the third day, after she and the people had been praying and fasting. Explain that being brave often means preparing our hearts first.
Esther 5:3-4
3 Then the king asked her, “What would you like, queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you even to the half of the kingdom.” 4 Esther said, “If it seems good to the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”
(WEB)
Show children how the king asked Esther what she wanted, and she chose to invite him to a dinner instead of asking right away. Explain that waiting and choosing our words with care can be a wise and loving thing to do.
Esther 5:13
Yet all this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.”
(WEB)
Point out how Haman was rich and important, but he still felt unhappy because of one man who would not bow to him. Explain that real happiness does not come from what people have, and that jealousy can make us miserable even when we have many good things.
Talk About It
- What do you think Esther felt when she walked into the king’s room without being called?
- Why do you think Esther asked everyone to pray and fast before she went to the king?
- How did Esther show wisdom when the king asked what she wanted?
- Why do you think Haman was not happy, even though he had so many nice things?
- When is a time you had to be brave, and how could God help you feel brave?
Activity Ideas
Golden Scepter Craft
You will need a paper towel tube, gold or yellow paper or foil, glue, and tape. Wrap the tube in gold paper, then add a star or crown shape to the top using foil. As you make it, talk about how Esther touched the king’s scepter. Let each child hold their scepter while they say the memory verse.
Brave Queen Walk
Clear a space in the room and set a chair at one end to be the king’s throne. Have children take turns walking slowly toward the chair, pausing to pray quietly, then bowing or touching a chair arm as Esther did with the scepter. Cheer for each child for being brave and careful, just like Esther.
Take-Home Prayer Card
Give each child an index card and crayons or markers. Ask them to draw a picture of a time they felt scared and write or draw how God can help them be brave. Encourage them to keep the card by their bed and read it each night for a week. Remind families to talk about it together.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God works through ordinary people who make careful, courageous choices, even when they face real danger. Esther does not act alone. She asks for prayer, waits for the right moment, and trusts God with the outcome. The chapter also shows how pride and anger can grow in a heart that is never satisfied, as Haman’s story reveals.
Avoid telling children that God always makes brave people safe or that being brave guarantees a happy ending. Esther’s story is full of risk, and the chapter does not promise that every danger disappears. Focus instead on God being faithful and present with us, whatever happens.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you are with us when we feel small or afraid. Help us to be brave and careful, like Queen Esther, and to trust you with every choice we make. Give us wisdom to speak kindly and patience to wait for you. Amen.
