F-260 Haman’s Plot to Destroy the Jews - Esther 3:1-15
When have you ever felt unfairly treated?
How do most people normally react to unfair treatment?
In your opinion, what’s the best way to earn the respect of others?
How did King Xerxes honor Haman? (3:1-2)
In what way did Mordecai disobey the king’s order? (3:2)
How did Mordecai respond to the officials’ questions about his behavior? (3:3-4)
For what reason did the officials tell Haman about Mordecai’s behavior? (3:4)
How did Haman react to Mordecai’s refusal to bow down to him? (3:5)
Why did Haman want to kill all of the Jews? (3:5-6)
When did Haman decide to kill all the Jews in the kingdom? (3:7)
How did Haman present his intentions to the king? (3:8-9)
Which parts of Haman’s speech to the king were true, and which were false? (3:8-9)
What important piece of information did Haman neglect to tell the king? (3:8-9)
How did King Xerxes respond to Haman’s request? (3:10-11)
How did Haman add authority to his edict? (3:12)
What did Haman do to carry out his plan? (3:12-15)
How did Mordecai’s behavior affect the whole kingdom? (3:12-15)
How does the king’s and Haman’s response to the edict contrast to the reaction of the common people of the city?
Why do you think Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman?
What character flaws of Haman are revealed in this part of the story?
What similarities or differences do you see between Haman and yourself?
How can Christians guard against the temptations of pride and greed?
Why do you think King Xerxes failed to see through Haman’s selfish and deceitful plot?
To what human weakness in the king did Haman appeal when he presented his request?
What blinded the king from seeing the truth of the situation?
When has your pride ever interfered with your ability to discern the truth?
What do you think we can do to become more discerning people?
What specific steps can you take this week to guard against the sin of pride?
For what problem or challenge do you need to ask God and other Christians for wisdom and discernment?