Sunday Spotlight is where we share our Calvary Kids Bible lesson topic each week for kids of all ages. Use this lesson for a Family Night devotion or a preview/review time to talk about what your children are learning at Calvary on Sundays. These lessons correspond to the take-home cards your child receives each week. We post a new lesson here every Wednesday.

---

Sunday, April 26

Lesson Title: Esther Saved Her People

Bible Passage: Esther

Key Passage: Isaiah 25:9

Big Picture Question: How did God plan to fix what sin broke? Before He created the world, God planned to send the Messiah.

Lesson Summary

The book of Esther tells a fascinating story of courage and demonstrates how God works to protect His people to carry on His mission. Esther takes place during a time when some of the Jewish people were living under the rule of the Persians. During that time, God elevated a young Jewish woman named Esther to a place in the king's palace that would allow her the opportunity to save her people. 
  
One of the interesting aspects of the book of Esther is that the name of God is not mentioned. Although His name is not mentioned in the book, God is present in every aspect of the story. Perhaps this is most clearly seen in Mordecai's words to Esther. In Esther 4:14, Mordecai, Esther's cousin, tells her that perhaps she has been elevated as queen in the king's palace exactly for this moment. The phrase “for such a time as this” describes how God works seemingly behind the scenes to accomplish His will, proving He rules over every aspect of our lives. 
  
The main theme of the book of Esther is that God is sovereign over all of history. God will deliver His faithful remnant when they face threats from enemies. Even when circumstances seem hopeless, God is at work. God delivered His people in this story by thwarting the plans of Haman, an advisor to the king. Haman's plan was not just a political move but a spiritual attack on the very people of God. But God, in the sovereignty of His will, had placed Esther in the perfect place at the perfect time to defeat the enemies of His people. 
  
The book of Esther points us to the day when Jesus would come at just the right time in just the right place to deliver us from our sins. Help kids see how Romans 5:6 tells us that at just the right time, Jesus came to die for us while we were helpless. Encourage kids to understand that in God's sovereignty, He determined the exact right place and time for Jesus to be born and to die for their sins.

 
Christ Connection

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers, Younger Preschool: Like Esther helped her people, God sent Jesus to help us and rescue us from sin.
   
• Older Preschool: The Jews were in danger, and they needed someone to save them. God made Esther the queen so she could help the Jews. Everyone sins and is in danger. God sent His Son, Jesus, to save people from sin.
   
• Kids: Even though Haman tried to hurt God’s people, God was in control and had a plan to save the Jews. Sin hurts us and breaks our relationship with God, but God had a plan from the very beginning to save us through Jesus’ death on the cross.

Big Picture Question & Answer

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

• Younger Preschool: How did God fix what sin broke? God sent Jesus.
   
• Older Preschool: How did God plan to fix what sin broke? God planned to send Jesus.
   
• Kids: How did God plan to fix what sin broke? Before He created the world, God planned to send the Messiah.

Key Passage

Isaiah 25:9  This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

• Babies & Toddlers: This is our God. He saved us. Let’s rejoice and be glad! Isaiah 25:9
   
• Younger Preschool: This is our God. We waited, and He saved us. Isaiah 25:9
   
• Older Preschool: “Look, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he has saved us." Isaiah 25:9
   
• Kids: “On that day it will be said, 'Look, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he has saved us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him. Let’s rejoice and be glad in his salvation.’” Isaiah 25:9

Next week: The Walls Rebuilt (Nehemiah 1-6)

---

And check out our playlist on Spotify — these songs are featured in our Kid Zone and Zone 345 worship time on Sundays. Sing along at home or on the road!

---