Teaching the Story of Esther: A Bible Lesson and Activities for Kids

The story of Esther is filled with courage, wisdom, and trusting God’s timing. It’s a powerful reminder that anyone—even a young girl in a big palace—can be used by God to do something amazing. Children are often captivated by Esther’s bravery, the dramatic twists of the story, and the idea that one person can make a big difference. This makes Esther’s story perfect for teaching kids how to stand up for what’s right and trust God’s purpose for their lives.

Whether you’re teaching at home, in Sunday School, or during a Bible club, this lesson plan will help bring the story to life—and includes an engaging printable activity page to reinforce what kids learn.

Esther Lesson Objective

Teach children that God can use anyone for His purpose and that having courage and faith in hard moments is always the right choice.

Bible Passage

Esther 1–10 (focus on chapters 2–5 and 7 for younger kids)

Key Takeaways

1. God can use ordinary people in extraordinary ways.
   Esther was a young Jewish girl who became queen—and God used her to save His people.

2. Doing the right thing isn’t always easy.
   Esther had to take a big risk to speak up for her people. She chose courage over fear.

3. God’s timing and plan are perfect.
   Esther was placed in the palace “for such a time as this”—a reminder that we all have a purpose.

4. We can be brave and trust God.
   Like Esther, kids can learn to pray, wait on God, and speak up when it matters.

Esther Lesson Plan Outline

Teaching the story of Esther is more effective with a clear structure. This outline helps keep the story focused, engaging, and age-appropriate.

1. Opening Discussion (5–10 minutes)

Ask the kids:

• What do you think it means to be brave?

• Have you ever had to do something that made you nervous, but you knew it was the right thing?

This is a great time to introduce Esther as a girl who faced a big decision that could help save her people.

2. Read the Story (10–15 minutes)

Choose a simplified children’s version of the story or select key sections from the Bible. Focus on:

• Esther becoming queen (chapter 2)

• Mordecai’s warning and encouragement (chapter 4)

• Esther’s decision to go to the king (chapter 5)

• The king’s response and Haman’s plan being stopped (chapter 7)

Interactive Tips:

• Assign roles and let kids act out parts of the story using simple props like paper crowns or robes.

• Ask questions as you go:
  “How do you think Esther felt?”
  “What would you do if you were in her place?”

3. Key Verse to Memorize

“Perhaps you were made queen for such a time as this.” – Esther 4:14
Discuss what this verse means and how God gives each of us a purpose.

4. Activity Time (15–20 minutes)

Use the Esther Activity Page to let kids respond creatively to the story. This printable includes a coloring section, story review prompts, and a simple game or craft idea to help reinforce the key lesson.

This is also a great time to add in an object lesson.

Object Lesson Ideas for the Story of Esther

“God Can Use Ordinary People in Extraordinary Ways”

Object Lesson: Puzzle Piece

What You Need:
A single puzzle piece and a completed puzzle (or an image of one).

Lesson:
Hold up one puzzle piece. Ask the kids if this small piece looks very important on its own. Then show how it fits into a big, beautiful picture.
Message: Esther may have seemed ordinary, just one girl among many—but she played a key role in God’s plan. Like her, we may feel small or unimportant, but God uses each of us in His bigger plan to do great things.

“Doing the Right Thing Isn’t Always Easy”

Object Lesson: Heavy Backpack

What You Need:
A backpack filled with books or something heavy.

Lesson:
Put the backpack on and talk about how it feels to carry something heavy. Then explain that doing the right thing—like telling the truth, helping someone, or standing up for what’s right—can sometimes feel “heavy” or difficult.
Message: Esther had to carry something heavy: the responsibility of standing up for her people. Even though it was hard, she chose to do the right thing. God helps us carry the weight when we choose what’s right.

“God’s Timing and Plan Are Perfect”

Object Lesson: Clock or Timer

What You Need:
A timer or clock, and a snack (like microwave popcorn or cookies).

Lesson:
Try to eat the snack before it’s ready (raw cookie dough or un-popped kernels), and explain how some things require waiting. God sometimes asks us to wait, too.
Message: Esther didn’t rush. She waited for the right time to go to the king—and it made all the difference. God knows the perfect timing for everything, even when we don’t.

“We Can Be Brave and Trust God”

Object Lesson: Blindfold Walk

What You Need:
A blindfold and a simple obstacle course or guided walk.

Lesson:
Blindfold a child and guide them through a short path or simple maze using just your voice.
Message: It can feel scary not to see what’s ahead, but when we trust the one leading us, we don’t need to fear. Esther didn’t know how things would turn out, but she trusted God—and He was with her every step of the way.

Esther Printable Activity Page (Digital Download)

Make your lesson even more interactive with a digital activity page designed to pair perfectly with the story of Esther. This one-page printable is perfect for Sunday School, homeschool, or Bible time at home.

What’s Included:

• A Bible-based coloring page

• Story Themed Activity Page

• Prints in black and white

• PDF download

Please Note: This is a digital download. No physical product will be shipped. You may print as many copies as needed for personal, classroom, or church use.

Closing Application

End your lesson with these questions:

• What did you learn from Esther’s bravery?

• Is there something in your life where you can be brave and trust God?

• How can you use your voice to help others?

Remind kids that they don’t have to be grown-ups to be used by God. Like Esther, they can make a difference right where they are.

Esther is a powerful story

The story of Esther is a powerful tool to teach kids about faith, purpose, and boldness. With the help of an engaging lesson, meaningful conversation, and a fun activity, you can help children remember that God is always working—even when we can’t see it—and that they were created “for such a time as this.”