Esther Reading Plan – W4D3
Check out all the previous Esther readings here.
Esther Reading Plan | Week 4 | Day 3
Prayer
Take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Do this three times. This helps you be more present and aware. Thank God that He was willing to pay the ultimate price to save you.
Bible Reading: Matthew 26:14-16, 47-54
Read these verses three times slowly.
Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over….
…While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
Reflection & Questions
We’ve been reflecting this week on the assisination plot against King Xerxes. Given the kind of king he was, perhaps it doesn’t come as a surprise that someone would want him dead. However, as we’ve read, Mordecai uncovered the plot and saved the king’s life. The king, in God’s sovereignty, lives another day.
In Luke 26, we read of a very different betrayal. This King was a gentle and good King. The best. One who had come to seek and to save the lost. And it is with tremendous sadness that we read of a man that would betray him to be killed. And this plot isn’t thwarted. This King, in God’s sovereignty, is handed over to be killed in a painful and shameful way on the cross.
Two plots, and two very different outcomes. Isn’t it incredible that the Father did not spare His Son? But this was the only way to save us. As Jesus said, “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” This plot, this betrayal with a kiss and this death had to happen so that we might be with Him forever. What an amazing God we have! He did not hold back his Son, but gave Him for us all!
- Take a moment to reflect on the high cost the Father paid in order to save you.
Prayer
Pray in response to today’s reading.
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
Prepare to Meet with Jesus
Go to your quiet place. When there are no devices around that will distract you, take a deep breath. Blow it out slowly. Do that again. And do it one last time. Ask God for His help to read and understand.
Bible Reading: Esther 2:23
Read these verses three times slowly.
Some people checked Esther’s report. And they found out it was true. So the two officials were punished. . . .All of that was written in the official records. It was written down while the king was watching.
Reflection & Questions
Have you ever had to report somebody for doing something wrong? Maybe you told your parents or your teacher. Did they just believe you, or did they have to find out if it was true? Did the person get in trouble? Or maybe you were the one who was told on. What was that like?
Mordecai and Esther’s accusations had to be investigated once they were reported. When all was done, Mordecai had saved the day. The plot was uncovered, the king lived, and the bad guys were punished.
The most important part of this verse is the part that says, “all of that was written in the official records…” Keep this part in mind. God pulled this small detail together to work out His will. We just need a few more pieces of the puzzle first.
- Many times, we are taught that “tattling” is wrong. What is the difference between tattling and telling about a crime or other dangerous plan? (Will someone be hurt if you don’t tell?)
- Why do you think Mordecai and Esther told the king about the plans against him?
- Would you be brave enough to report a plan to hurt someone?
Pray
Thank God for using all the details of our lives. Thank Him for working through the hard things. Ask Him to help you do the right thing, even when it’s hard. Ask Him to be with you in the everyday stuff of your life.
Check out more Bible Reading Plans here.
Questions?
Ed Applegate
