Sept 27 – Oct 3

Curated Reading for Sept 27 – Oct 3

Sermon Series: Real Heroes Week 3
Sermon Title: Mordecai: Speaking Up and Stepping Out for Justice delivered on September 27, 2026

View Sermon Notes →

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Day 1 READ: Esther 1-2

Key Verse: "Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. "— Esther 2:17

Reflection Questions:
1. What do you learn about ancient Persian culture and King Xerxes’ character?
2. What do you learn about Mordecai and his character?
3. How do you see God’s sovereign hand at work behind the scenes in this story? Day 2 READ: Esther 3-4

Key Verse: "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."— Esther 4:16

Reflection Questions:
1. How is tension growing between Haman and Mordecai and what kind of character do you see in Haman?
2. How does Mordecai behave in the face of real danger and threats?
3. How is God working in the heart of Esther in this passage and what do you learn about her faith? Day 3 READ: Esther 5-6

Key Verse: "That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him."— Esther 6:1

Reflection Questions:
1. How does God reverse the life-direction of Haman?
2. How does God reverse the life-direction of Mordecai?
3. How is God at work behind the scenes in everything that happens in these chapters of the Bible and how can this give you confidence that He is watching over you and your life? Day 4 READ: Esther 7-8

Key Verse: "Esther again pleaded with the king, falling at his feet and weeping. She begged him to put an end to the evil plan of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews. "— Esther 8:3

Reflection Questions:
1. How does justice fall on Haman for his evil plans and efforts to destroy the people of Israel?
2. How does God protect his people through the actions of Esther and the wisdom of Mordacai?
3. How have you seen God bring judgment on evil in our world and vindication on those who seek to faithfully follow Him? Day 5 READ: Esther 9-10

Key Verse: "to have them celebrate the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor."— Esther 9:21-22

Reflection Questions:
1. How did God gather support and help for His people in their time of need? How has God done this in your life in times you needed support?
2. Why do you think God often called His people to hold festivals and celebrations to remember times He has delivered them or worked in a powerful way?
3. Why do you think the people of God included gifts to the poor in this time of remembering and celebration? How can we do this in the good times of our life?