For a Time- outline

Esther 4 ESV

When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry. He went up to the entrance of the king’s gate, for no one was allowed to enter the king’s gate clothed in sackcloth. And in every province, wherever the king’s command and his decree reached, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and many of them lay in sackcloth and ashes. When Esther’s young women and her eunuchs came and told her, the queen was deeply distressed. She sent garments to clothe Mordecai, so that he might take off his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs, who had been appointed to attend her, and ordered him to go to Mordecai to learn what this was and why it was. Hathach went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king’s gate, and Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, and the exact sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king’s treasuries for the destruction of the Jews. Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her and command her to go to the king to beg his favor and plead with him on behalf of her people. And Hathach went and told Esther what Mordecai had said. Then Esther spoke to Hathach and commanded him to go to Mordecai and say, “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter so that he may live. But as for me, I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days.” And they told Mordecai what Esther had said. Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.

For Such a Time as This: Risking It All for Redemption

Bible Passage: Esther 4

Summary: Esther 4 tells the story of Queen Esther's courageous decision to risk her life in order to save her people from destruction. Despite the personal danger involved, Esther rises to the occasion and embodies the theme of divine purpose and bravery in the face of adversity.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to consider what it means to take risks for the sake of others and to act in faith where their obedience may lead to significant impact. It speaks to the various situations in which individuals may feel called to act for justice and mercy, despite the potential for personal cost.

Teaching: The sermon could teach the importance of recognizing God’s providential hand in our lives and how He positions us in specific places for significant purposes. It emphasizes courage, faith, and the willingness to sacrifice for the sake of others as central Christian virtues.

How this passage could point to Christ: Esther’s act of courage points to a greater story of sacrificial love found in Christ. Just as Esther risked her life to save her people, Jesus willingly laid down His life for the salvation of humanity, showcasing the profound themes of redemption and advocacy seen throughout the Scriptures.

Big Idea: God calls us to use our positions of influence to act bravely and rescue those in peril, trusting in His divine purpose in the process.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the historical context of Esther's time and the cultural implications of her decisions. In Logos, delve into commentaries on Esther to investigate themes of providence and courage, as well as cross-references that connect Esther’s story to the broader narrative of redemption in Scripture. Investigate any text-critical issues to gain deeper insight into the complexity of the Hebrew text of Esther and its implications for understanding divine sovereignty.

1. Mordecai's Mourning Move

Esther 4:1-3

You could start by discussing Mordecai's grief and the reaction of the Jewish people to the edict set against them. Mordecai's public mourning is a call to action and awareness. This showcases the urgency of the situation and sets the stage for Esther's involvement. The point here is that awareness of injustice should move us to compassion and action, just as it did for Mordecai. This aligns with the sermon’s big idea that God places us in positions to make a difference and calls us to act bravely.

2. Esther's Awakened Awareness

Esther 4:4-8

Perhaps, focus on Esther's initial ignorance of the decree and her fear of approaching the king. Mordecai challenges her comfort in the palace by informing her of the plight of her people. This portrays the theme of awakening to responsibility. God positions us not for our ease but for purpose, and sometimes we need a push to awaken to our calling, reflecting the big idea of using our influence bravely for others.

3. Esther's Risk Revelation

Esther 4:9-12

You might consider emphasizing Esther's hesitation and the real risk she faces. Mordecai's challenge is to see beyond self-preservation. This speaks to the fear and doubt Christians often encounter when called to act justly at personal cost. Relating Esther's risk to the greater narrative of Christ’s sacrifice can help illustrate the power of faith over fear, conveying the sermon’s theme of acting bravely in divine purpose.

4. Esther's Bold Resolve

Esther 4:13-17

Finally, discuss Mordecai's profound statement about divine timing and Esther's resolve. Her decision to fast and pray exemplifies faith and preparation. This passage characterizes the heart of the sermon: taking brave action in alignment with God's purpose. Esther’s story parallels Christ’s mission, promoting a Christian ethic of self-giving love and advocacy. Use this point to encourage reliance on God’s providence and the courage to act on His calling.