Behind the scenes - Week 2
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 helps us do good behind the scenes.
READ: Scene II. Mordecai and Haman: Esther 3:1-6; 6:1-11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
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 life when you noticed someone doing something
good behind the scenes. Share a few ways you can look back now and see how God was working through that person. It could be something you noticed a kid doing in your group or something you witnessed growing up.
We shouldn’t only do good things to get that kind of attention. The kind of love God gives us should motivate us to share that love, regardless of who’s watching!
Pray: God, You’ve always been there behind the scenes, helping us to do what’s good. It’s not always easy or glamorous to choose to do good, but we want to do it for you and for the people in our lives. Help us to notice all the ways we can do good in our world even though we might not get any credit for it. We know you see us and that’s all that matters. Amen.
DISCUSS:
What good thing did Mordecai do for the king?
Why do you think Mordecai refused to bow to Haman?
What did Haman end up having to do for Mordecai because he thought the king was going to reward him?
Read 2 Thessalonians 3:13. Why do we sometimes grow tired of doing good? What is one way you might remind yourself to keep doing good?
How do you know when something you’re doing is “good?”
Why do you think it’s important we do good even when no one’s looking?
What is one way you can do good this week without expecting anything in return?