F-260 The King’s Edict in Behalf of the Jews - Esther 8:1-17  Whom do you admire most, and why?  What sacrifices would you be willing to make for the people you love?  For what cause or person would you be willing to risk your life?  What did Esther gain from risking her life to stand up for her people? (8:1)  How was Mordecai honored by the king? (8:2, 15)  Why did Esther have to plead with the king a second time? (8:3)  What dilemma did the king face? (8:3-8)  How did the king respond to Esther’s request? (8:4)  How did Esther suggest to solve the quandary the Jews were in? (8:5)  Why did Esther want the king to overrule Haman’s edict? (8:5-6)  How did the king insure that his second edict would not be revoked? (8:8)  To whom did the king give the responsibility for drafting the new decree? (8:8)  How was Mordecai involved in saving the Jewish people? (8:9-10)  In what way did the king’s new edict provide a way out for the Jews? (8:11)  How did Mordecai insure that all Jews would be able to protect themselves? (8:12-14)  How did the Jews react to the king’s edict? (8:16-17)  In what way did Mordecai’s actions affect not only the Jews but also people of other nationalities? (8:17)  How did Esther risk her life for the second time?  What have you had to sacrifice for your faith?  What value is there in taking a risk to do what is right?  How do the benefits of faith in Christ compare to the costs?  What blessings has the Lord given to you?  What does this story reveal about God’s treatment of righteous versus wicked people?  How is God’s control and direction evident in this story even though He is never mentioned directly?  In what specific ways have you seen God at work in your life?  How can you thank the Lord today for the blessings He has given you?  What specific risk would you be willing to take this next week to stand up for what is right?  Who is one person you could tell this week about God’s desire to help and guide him or her?