Esther: Lesson 95
Esther, Part 2
“If I Perish, I Perish”
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As a follower of Jesus Christ, you will, at times, need to demonstrate courage. In the face of death, Esther demonstrated courage and relied on the Lord to save her people. This lesson can help you act with courage to do the Lord’s will.
Study the Scriptures
President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) shared the following story:
While serving in the United States Navy in World War II, I learned of brave deeds, instances of valor, and examples of courage. One which I shall never forget was the quiet courage of an 18-year-old seaman—not of our faith—who was not too proud to pray. Of 250 men in the company, he was the only one who each night knelt down by the side of his bunk, at times amidst the jeers of bullies and the jests of unbelievers. With bowed head, he prayed to God. He never wavered. He never faltered. He had courage. (“Be Strong and of a Good Courage,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 67)
Read the following summary or consider watching “For Such a Time as This” (13:44) to review the story of Esther.
Esther became the queen to King Ahasuerus of Persia. Esther’s guardian, Mordecai, refused to bow to Haman, the king’s chief minister. Haman was angered and received permission from the king to destroy all of the Jews in the kingdom. Mordecai asked Esther to seek intervention from the king, telling her that perhaps God placed her in this position “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).
Read Esther 4:15–17, looking for how Esther demonstrated courage as she prepared to approach the king.
Though entering the king’s court uninvited was punishable by death, Esther courageously entered anyway. Fortunately, the king decided to listen to Esther’s request (Esther 5:1–4). Tearfully, Esther explained the situation and asked the king to reverse the order to destroy the Jews (see Esther 7:3–4; 8:3–6).
Read Esther 7:5–6; 9–10 to see how King Ahasuerus responded to Esther’s request.
Review the following study options. Complete one or more.
Option A
How did Esther strengthen her courage?
Reread Esther 4:15–17, and create a tag identifying what Esther and her community and friends did before she courageously went before the king.
President Russell M. Nelson taught:
The doctrine of fasting is ancient. It has been practiced by biblical heroes from the earliest days. Moses, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Isaiah, Daniel, Joel, and many others fasted and preached of fasting. Through Isaiah’s writing, the Lord said: Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free?
The Apostle Paul admonished Saints in Corinth to “give yourselves to fasting and prayer.” The Savior Himself declared that certain things go “not out but by prayer and fasting.” (“Opening the Heavens for Help,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 73)
The following scriptures are the examples President Nelson cited in his talk. Read four or more passages and tag them as “fasting.”
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Exodus 34:28—Moses receives the Ten Commandments.
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Ezra 8:21–23—Ezra seeks protection for him and his family.
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Nehemiah 1:4—Nehemiah fasts after Jerusalem’s walls are broken down.
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Isaiah 58:6—Isaiah teaches the purpose of fasting.
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Daniel 9:3—Daniel seeks the Lord’s help.
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Joel 1:14—Joel teaches the people to attend the temple and fast.
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Matthew 17:21—Jesus explains the need for fasting to perform some healings.
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1 Corinthians 7:5—Paul tells the Corinthians to fast.
Based on your experience and what you read, why do you think fasting is such an important part of the gospel?
Option B
What would it look like for me to have courage like Esther?
Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society General President, explained:
Esther is another beautiful example of letting God prevail. Rather than sticking with a cautious narrative of self–preservation, she exercised faith, turning herself completely over to the Lord. …
Esther was willing to let the Savior write her story even though, through the lens of mortality, the ending may have been tragic. Blessedly, the king received Esther, and the Jews in Persia were saved.
Of course, Esther’s level of courage is rarely asked of us. But letting God prevail, letting Him be the author and finisher of our stories, does require us to keep His commandments and the covenants we have made. It is our commandment and covenant keeping that will open the line of communication for us to receive revelation through the Holy Ghost. And it is through the manifestations of the Spirit that we will feel the Master’s hand writing our stories with us. (“Invite Christ to Author Your Story,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 81)
If it is available, watch the video “Having Courage and Trusting the Lord“ (3:18) to see modern examples of showing courage.
In Esther 4:16, Esther resolves to show courage. Make a note next to her statement expressing how you will show courage. Consider using Esther’s words as a template for your statement.
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And so I will (the action you would like to do to demonstrate courage): and if (a possible consequence), I (something you will do to rely on the Lord).
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you act with courage to do the Lord’s will.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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One passage you tagged as “fasting” and what you learned about its importance.
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The note you created next to verse 16 (if this is too personal, consider a different option).
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?