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Esther Bible Reading Plan
Day One Read Esther 1-‐2:18 • Ahasuerus was the most powerful man in the world. He was king of the empire which conquered Israel’s Southern Kingdom and drug them off into captivity. Based on your observations in today’s reading, what kind of person is he? • Esther is an incredibly beautiful woman who doesn’t share the king’s culture, gods, or values. What conflicts should we expect when their paths cross? • Esther was forced to into a sexual audition with the king and was ultimately forced to marry him. How did this place her at odds with her own faith and culture? How might she have chosen to feel about God? • Mordecai is introduced into the story. Based on what you read in this chapter, what kind of person does he seem to be? Day Two Read Esther 2:19-‐3 • Why do you think Mordecai intervened on behalf of Ahasuerus, the ruler of his nation’s oppressors? • When presented with the opportunity to be compassionate to someone who has harmed you, what thoughts do you struggle with? Why? • Haman and Mordecai share this chapter but couldn’t have more different in their leadership styles. What motivations drove each man’s actions? • By the end of the chapter, what was at stake for Esther? For Mordecai? For God’s people? Day Three Read Esther 4-‐5:8 • What does Esther risk if she chooses to use her influence to save her people? What does she risk if she doesn’t? (4:14) • Why do you think Esther hesitated to make her request to the king? • What fears keep you from using your God-‐given influence? Day Four Read Esther 5:9-‐6:13 • Mordecai’s routines remain unchanged in the face of danger. How do you explain this level of calm?
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How would you describe Haman’s emotional state in this passage? From your own experience, what’s the connection between a person’s connection to God and anxiety? God was not mentioned in chapter six. But how did God show his power over Ahasuerus and Mordecai? Can you look back on a hard time in your life and see how God was working behind the scenes?
Day Five Read Esther 6:14-‐8:17 • Esther finally overcomes her fears and uses her influence. At the end of Chapter 2, how much influence would Esther say she had? What changed between chapters 2 and 6? • Make a list of the things you feel keep you from being a person of influence. Imagine that Esther is sitting across the table from you. What would she say about your list? • Mordecai was given expanded influence to deal with the problem of the king’s irrevocable decree. What prices came with that increased influence? • What opportunities did Mordecai have to honor God, now that he worked in this pagan government (even after the events in Esther had transpired)? What opportunities do you have to honor God in your job? Day Six Read Esther 9 • In this chapter we see that the Jews were distrusted and oppressed across the entire empire. What was the strategy behind the Jews not taking the plunder even though they were legally entitled to it? • Does this part of the account leave you feeling any tension? If so, what? • Esther and Mordecai created a national holiday to commemorate the way God delivered the Jews. When has God rescued you? What are some ways you can commemorate God’s faithfulness to you? Day Seven Read Esther 10:1-‐3. • Compare Mordecai’s level of influence from the beginning of the book until now. Think of all the factors that keep you from being a person of influence. Now, imagine that Mordecai is sitting across the table from you. How would he mentor you?
