Behind the scenes - Week 1
The most important part of any play is what happens “behind the scenes.” There’s lighting, wardrobe, casting, playwriting — so much has to happen perfectly to bring the production together! In the story of Esther, there is a whole lot going on behind the scenes, too. In this four-week series, our families will discover the most important character in Esther’s story isn’t always center-stage, but can often be found behind the scenes working, helping, giving support and giving peace. (Spoiler alert: It's God!)
BIG IDEA: God works behind the scenes.
READ: Scene I. Esther Becomes Queen: Esther 2:1-18; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
MEMORY VERSE
Elementary: "For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." Phillipians 2:13 (NIV)
Toddler Twist: "God has good plans for us!" Philippians 2:13
WATCH:
Preschool- teaching video
Elementary- teaching video
SONG: Million Little Miracles and How Amazing
DISCIPLE:
Tell a short story about a moment in your childhood when you didn’t really know what an
outcome would be. Share a few ways you can look back now and see how God was at work behind the scenes.
Begin with how it started and end with how it’s going now. Even if things are still difficult, notice the places where you saw God taking care of you or helping you along the way!
Pray: God, thank you for always being at work behind the scenes, even though we don’t always notice you are. Help us to remember that we are never alone in the things we go through. Deep down, we know we’re safest and bravest when we’re trusting you. Amen.
DISCUSS:
Why was it necessary to find a new queen?
Who was Mordecai?
What was the secret Mordecai told Esther to keep?
Read 2 Thessalonians 2:16—17. Who encourages us to do good?
Name a few different kinds of work people do behind the scenes.
Can you think of some ways God works behind the scenes for us?
Why do you think God sometimes works behind the scenes and not center stage?