This lesson teaches children that God can use brave people, even when they feel scared, to help others. It is written for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, the memory verse, and one activity.
Big Idea
God helps us be brave when we ask him for help, and he can use us to help other people even when we feel nervous.
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)
Ask the children to stand tall with both hands held high, like a queen reaching out her golden scepter. Then ask them to bring their hands together gently, as if they are stepping forward to speak. Practice saying the verse slowly while doing the motions together.
The Story: Esther 5 for Kids
Queen Esther had a very important job. She was the queen of a big kingdom, and the king was her husband. But Esther had a secret. Her people, the Jewish people, were in danger because a man named Haman wanted to hurt them. Esther had been asking God for help, and she knew she had to be brave.
On the third day, Esther put on her royal clothes and went to stand in the inner court of the king’s house. She was nervous. In those days, people could not walk in to see the king without being called. But when King Ahasuerus saw Esther standing there, he was happy to see her. He held out his golden scepter, and Esther came close and touched it. God had given her favor in the king’s eyes.
The king said, “What would you like, Queen Esther? Tell me what you want, and I will give it to you, even half of my kingdom.” Esther did not ask for something big right away. She said, “If it pleases the king, please come with Haman to a special dinner that I have prepared for you both.”
At the dinner, the king asked again, “What is your request?” Esther said she would tell him at a second dinner the next day. She was slowly and carefully asking for her people’s safety, and she trusted God to guide her words.
Haman left the dinner feeling proud and happy. But when he saw Mordecai at the king’s gate, Mordecai did not stand up or bow to him. Haman became very angry. He went home and told his family and friends about all his riches and honors. But he said, “All of this means nothing to me as long as I see Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate.” His wife and friends told him to build a tall gallows to hang Mordecai on. Haman liked this idea and had the gallows made.
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 run away from the danger. She put on her royal clothes and went to the king, even though she might have been in trouble. Ask the children what it feels like to be brave when they are scared.
Esther 5:4
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 the children that Esther used a kind and wise plan. She invited the king and Haman to a dinner instead of asking for something right away. Talk about how God often gives us wisdom for what to say and 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)
Explain that Haman was jealous and angry, even though he had many good things. Help the children see that anger and pride can make us feel unhappy, even when we have a lot. Point out that God wants us to be grateful and kind.
Talk About It
- What did Esther do when she felt scared about going to the king?
- How do you think God helped Esther be brave?
- Why did Esther invite the king and Haman to a dinner first?
- How did Haman feel when he saw Mordecai, and why do you think he felt that way?
- When is a time you felt brave, and who helped you feel that way?
Activity Ideas
Golden Scepter Craft
You will need a paper towel tube, gold paint or gold paper, glue, and tape. Let the children cover the tube with gold paper or paint it. Then they can add a paper star or heart at the top. While they work, talk about how the king held out his scepter to Esther and how she came close and touched it.
Brave Queen Walk
Clear a small space in the room and set up a simple path with two chairs at one end, as the king’s throne. Have one child walk slowly up the path while the others cheer softly. Each time, the child says the memory verse before sitting down. This helps children practice being brave and speaking clearly.
Brave Bookmark for Home
You will need paper strips, markers, and a hole punch with string. Have each child write “Be brave, God is with you” on the strip and decorate it. Then they can punch a hole at the top and tie a string through it. Encourage them to use it in a Bible or storybook at home and to read the story again with their family.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows how God works through ordinary people who face real fear and danger. Esther did not feel brave on her own. She prayed, fasted, and then acted with wisdom and courage. The chapter reminds us that God is present even when he is not named in every line, and that he can use our obedience to protect others.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that being brave always means things will turn out perfectly. The story is still unfolding at the end of this chapter, and Haman’s plans are not yet defeated. Focus on the truth that God is with us in hard moments, rather than suggesting that courage guarantees an easy result.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you are with us when we feel scared. Help us to be brave like Queen Esther and to trust you with our hard moments. Give us wise words and kind hearts, so that we can help others. We love you and trust you. Amen.
