“July 25–31. Esther: ‘Thou Art Come … for Such a Time as This’” Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: Old Testament 2022 (2021)
“July 25–31. Esther,” Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: 2022
Esther, by James Johnson
July 25–31
Esther
“Thou Art Come … for Such a Time as This”
How well do you know your class members? Try getting to know one class member better each week. This will help you consider their needs as you prepare to teach (see Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 7).
Record Your Impressions
Invite Sharing
Class members could share with someone sitting nearby something the Spirit taught them, something they have come to understand better, or something they likened to their lives as they read the book of Esther. Then a few of them could share with the entire class.
Teach the Doctrine
The Lord places us in situations where we can bless others.
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Members of your class may have looked for ways the Lord made it possible for Esther to save the Jews, as suggested in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families. Invite them to share what they found. Or you could look for a few examples together (see Esther 2:21–23; 3:10–14; 4:14–16). What can we do to recognize the hand of God in our lives? The statement by Elder Neil L. Andersen in “Additional Resources” contains an answer to this question.
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To help members of your class think about how the Lord has prepared them “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14), invite them to read Esther 4:10–17. How might Mordecai’s words to Esther have helped her make the decision to defend her people? Just as God placed Esther in a position where she could save the Jews, what are some situations He places us in so we can bless others? How can we become better instruments in His hands? Reading the statement by Sister Virginia U. Jensen in “Additional Resources” might inspire class members to think of times when they felt they were instruments for the Lord. Ask them to share their experiences, as guided by the Spirit.
Fasting demonstrates our dependence on the Lord.
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You can use Esther 4 to discuss the blessings that come from fasting. You might have a class member review the events that led Esther and the other Jews to fast. Why did they choose to fast? Why do we choose to fast? You may want to review together some additional scriptures about fasting, such as Isaiah 58:6–12 and Matthew 4:1–4; 17:14–21 (see also Guide to the Scriptures, “Fast, Fasting,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Perhaps you or a few class members could share experiences that demonstrate how fasting brings the Lord’s power into our lives.
Doing the right thing often requires great courage.
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The accounts of Mordecai and Esther courageously standing for righteousness can inspire class members to have courage to do the right thing. You could invite half of the class to read about Mordecai (see Esther 3:1–11) and the other half to read about Esther (see Esther 4:10–17; 5:1–4). If they were here today, what might Mordecai and Esther say to encourage us when it is hard to do what is right? Class members could also share situations when they have had to act courageously. You could show the video “Courage” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) or invite the class to sing or read the words of a song about standing for truth, such as “Do What Is Right” (Hymns, no. 237). Then discuss what the video or song teaches about having courage.
Esther before the King, by Minerva K. Teichert
Additional Resources
The hand of God.
Elder Neil L. Andersen taught:
“Sometimes we can see the hand of the Lord in the lives of others but wonder, ‘How can I more clearly see His hand in my own life?’ …
“As you keep the commandments and pray in faith to see the Lord’s hand in your life, I promise you that He will open your spiritual eyes even wider, and you will see more clearly that you are not alone” (“Thy Kingdom Come,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 121–22).
“For such a time as this.”
Sister Virginia U. Jensen taught: “I do not believe that you and I are here at this unique time by accident. I believe that, like Esther of old, we are ‘come to the kingdom for such a time as this’ [Esther 4:14], when our influence, our example, our strength, and our faith may stand as a bulwark against the rising tide of evil that threatens to engulf our homes, our families, and our loved ones” (“Creating Places of Security,” Ensign, Nov. 1997, 89).
Improving Our Teaching
Go to the scriptures first. The scriptures should be your primary source for your study and preparation. Don’t forget that the words of modern prophets complement the standard works and are also scripture. (See Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 17–18.)