C A C Sunday School Manual For May 25, 2025 : Topic - Mordecai Guides Esther In Becoming A Godly Leader

C .A .C Sunday School Manual For May 25, 2025 : Topic - Mordecai Guides Esther In Becoming A Godly Leader 

CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH Nigeria And Overseas

 SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

Theme : PREPARING GOD'S PEOPLE for LEADERSHIP* 

JANUARY TO DECEMBER, 2025

 Unit 3: Leadership Preparation In The Old Testament (II)*

 May 25 2025

 LESSON 19

Topic:  MORDECAI GUIDES ESTHER IN BECOMING A GODLY LEADER* 

Memory Scripture 

 And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is Esther, his uncle's daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely and beautiful. When her father and mother died._ 

Mordecai took her as his own daughter (Esther 2:7).

Mordecai's wisdom guided Esther from uncertainty to empowered leadership-the transformative impact of mentorship and faith.

*1. BRIEF COMMENT*

Esther was fortunate to have a godly cousin. She grew up with her wise cousin, Mordecai, looking after her. Even though Mordecai wasn't her real dad, he cared for her like one. He taught Esther important lessons about right and wrong, helping her to become a good person. Esther listened to Mordecai and obeyed his advice, showing that she was humble and willing to learn. Mordecai's strong faith in God and his good example inspired Esther to follow God, too. Because of Mordecai's guidance, Esther was able to fulfil her special purpose in life.

DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS

Mon. 19: A Mentee Submits To Discipline (Gen. 14:14,15)

Tue. 20: A Mentee Needs Endurance (Heb. 12:7,8)

Wed 21: A Mentee Must Remain Focused (2 Sam. 11:1)

Thu 22: A Mentee's Failure Brings Disaster (2 Sam. 12:13-31)

Fri 23: A Mentee Submits To The Master (Eph. 6:5, 6)

Sat 24: A Successful Mentee Becomes Master (Eccl. 10:7)

*2. DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS*

1. Parents must prioritise teaching their children about God and His ways to help them fulfil their divine purpose.

2. When both the mentor and mentee share a common goal and remain focused, fruitfulness is inevitable. Godly training and guidance typically lead to greatness and fruitfulness.

*3. BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES:* Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4

*4. AIM AND OBJECTIVES*

AIM: To encourage parents to nurture their children according to divine guidance for their future success.

OBJECTIVES: By the end of this lesson, the learners should be:

showing signs of readiness to guide children in God's ways, inspired by Mordecai-Esther's model; and more readily available to sacrifice for their children's divine destinies.

TEXTUAL SOURCE: Esther 2:5-17:4:15,16

INTRODUCTION

This unit, LEADERSHIP PREPARATION IN THE OT (11), continues this week as we focus on: MORDECAI GUIDES ESTHER IN BECOMING A GODLY LEADER.

Last week, by God's grace, our lesson centred on: ELIJAH GROOMS ELISHA FOR leadership roles without understanding the importance of servanthood. However, true greatness lies in service (Matt. 20:26, 27), and leadership requires training. We learnt from Elisha, who embraced faithful service under Elijah.

In today's lesson, we will explore how God, through His divine plan, guided Esther, an orphan, to be nurtured and trained by her cousin Mordecai. Mordecai played a significant role in preparing Esther for a better future, as directed by God. Let us not neglect praying over our children in Jesus' name. Amen.

*5. AUTHORSHIP AND BACKGROUND OF THE BOOK ESTHER*

The Book of Esther is one of the historical books in the Old Testament of the Bible, believed to have been authored by an unknown Jewish author. It is set during the reign of King Xerxes I (Ahasuerus) of Persia, around the 5th century BCE, in the capital city of Susa. The book provides insights into the Jewish diaspora in Persia and recounts the story of Esther, a Jewish orphan who becomes queen and saves her people from destruction through her courage and wisdom. Despite the absence of direct references to God, the narrative reflects divine providence and the faithfulness of God in delivering His people from adversity. The Book of Esther is celebrated annually by Jews during the festival of Purim, commemorating the deliverance of the Jewish community from the plot of the wicked Haman, as depicted in the book.

 *LESSON OUTLINE* 

 *I. MORDECAI, A GODLY MENTOR* 

 *II. ESTHER, AN OBEDIENT MENTEE* 

LESSON EXPOSITION

1. MORDECAI, A GODLY MENTOR (Esther 2:5-9)

 _And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely and beautiful. When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter (v. 7)._ 

a) vv. 5-6: Despite captivity, Mordecai seized the chance to raise Esther for God's purpose. Don't underestimate the divine opportunities in your circumstances. 

b) Despite his minor position, Mordecai played a significant role. Consider your impact on people around you, regardless of your rank or status.

c) v. 6: Mordecai's insight into God's plan enabled him to nurture Esther for a divine purpose, highlighting the importance of understanding God's ways in guiding others.

d) v. 7a: Mordecal's upbring'ng shaped Esther's character and obedience. Your lifestyle profoundly influences those under your care.

e) v. 7b: Mordecai's life reflected his faith in Yahweh, both in speech and action. Let your faith be evident in your words and deeds.

f) v. 7c: Mordecal's role as a father figure to Esther extended beyond physical care to spiritual guidance. Consider the depth of your care for those under your guardianship.

g) vv. 8-9: Mordecai showed sensitivity to Esther's needs and provided her with exceptional care. Reflect on how you can extend such sensitivity to vulnerable children around you.

h) Mordecai nurtured Esther according to God's plan even in captivity, highlighting the importance of recognising divine chances. His impact on Esther was profound, beyond his own position.

 *II. ESTHER, AN OBEDIENT MENTEE (2:10-17;4:15,16)* 

 _Esther had not revealed her people or family, for Mordecai had charged her not to reveal it (2:10)._ 

a) vv. 10,20: Esther's humility and obedience, as seen in her refusal to reveal her identity without instruction, were crucial to her success (cf. Jas. 4:10). It also showed her wisdom and loyalty to her people (cf. Prov. 19:20).

b) Her virtuous character, including her chastity and obedience, exemplified her readiness for marriage even while remaining a virgin (cf. Prov. 31:10)

c) Showing discipline and obedience to both divine and human authority, Esther embodied the qualities of a godly woman (1 Cor. 15:33)

d) v. 15: Her contentment and humility were apparent as she accepted what was provided to her without seeking more-godliness with contentment (1 Tim. 6:6).

e) v. 17: Her willingness to heed the elderly advice led to her success in the beauty contest (cf. Prov. 15:22).

f) 4:15.16: Her courage and boldness, seen in her readiness to risk her life to save her people, showed her faith and trust in God's sovereignty. (cf. Jos. 1:9).

g) Her fasting and prayer showed her trust in God's help. Even though God isn't directly mentioned in the Book, her deep faith and reliance on divine guidance are clear (cf. Jas. 5:16; 1 Pet. 5:7).

By all of the above discussed qualities formed the character of Esther as an obedient mentee whose godly character eventually paid off. God cannot overlook such a level of godliness without rewarding accordingly (Gal 67ff Heb 11:6).

LESSONS DERIVED

1. Keep looking out for the well-being of the children under your care, even after they have moved on follow-up.

2. Mentees should not act out of selfish ambition or pride.

QUESTIONS

1. Can we still find a godly mentor like Mordecai who did not seize the advantage of her vulnerability to mess her up?

2. Why is it that many mentees are not patient with their mentors?

*6. SUGGESTED ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS:*

ANSWER TO QUESTION 1

Refer to part 1.

Yes, although they may be few, like Noah in his time (Genesis 6:5-9).

To stand for God in all circumstances, one must embody godliness, self-discipline, self-denial, and maintain a positive mindset.

2 Timothy 3:16-17: Let your actions be guided by the Word of God.

1 Timothy 4:12: Strive to be a positive example. Cultivate leadership skills akin to Mordecai's.

ANSWER TO QUESTION 2

Refer to part II.

Avoid being overconfident like Gehazi.

Beware of pride and resist the temptation of being unsubmissive. Practice patience; success doesn't happen overnight.

Be cautious of mentors whose character may not align with godliness. Consider the challenges of modern civilisation and the complexities a

the end times.

Recognise that Satan aims to hinder the emergence of future leaders. Ensure the youth have a solid foundation in scriptural knowledge.

Be prepared to make sacrifices for future success.

*7. LIFE APPLICATION*

Once, there was a wealthy man who employed three vulnerable individuals in his household: an orphan as a housekeeper, a widower, a cook, and a widower as his driver. Unfortunately, the wealthy man treated them with disdain, cursing, and abusing them daily. The orphan girl, Burdened with caring for her younger siblings, and needed money for her education, wept daily, but the rich man offered no assistance. He even forbade her from attending church, demanding she worked round the clock. Similar treatment befell the cook and driver. Eventually, they all left without finding help.

This story highlights the importance of sensitivity to the needs of those around us. While the rich man had ample opportunity to assist, he failed to recognise it as a test. Let us not overlook those in need but instead seek ways to help them. Mordecai's support for Esther not only benefited her but also saved their entire community. Actions have consequences, so let us be mindful of how we treat others.

*8. CONCLUSION*

Every parent will account for the children in their care, whether biological or spiritual. Likewise, we are tasked with the responsibility of caring for the needy and vulnerable, not adding to their burdens. And so, we draw the curtain on the lesson for today.

NOTE