Discovering Esther: Lessons, Conversations, and Cinema

Teaching middle school students can be an adventure, full of unexpected twists and boundless energy. When it comes to weaving biblical truths with real-life connections, HSM Fusion never disappoints. Each class brings a unique mix of perspectives, humor, and curiosity that keeps every lesson lively and unpredictable. One moment, a student might spark a profound discussion with a single question; the next, they’re laughing over a quirky connection to their own lives. This dynamic atmosphere makes every session a thrilling journey of discovery. Recently, we completed a deep dive into the book of Esther, unpacking its themes of courage, faith, and divine providence. What an incredible journey it turned out to be!

The Book of Esther is a captivating tale of courage, faith, and divine providence set in ancient Persia. It follows Esther, a young Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, who becomes queen to King Xerxes. When the villainous Haman plots to annihilate the Jewish people, Esther faces a life-or-death decision: remain silent or risk everything by approaching the king to plead for her people’s safety. “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” ‭Esther‬ ‭4‬:‭14. Through her bravery and trust in God’s unseen guidance, Esther’s actions lead to the salvation of her people and the downfall of their enemies. The story, strikingly, never mentions God’s name, yet His providence weaves through every chapter, showing His presence in the shadows of human decisions.

As we explored each chapter, the students showed such engagement and curiosity. They weren’t just listening; they were questioning, discussing, and connecting Esther’s courage to their own lives. For example, one student asked why Esther hesitated before approaching the king.  This sparked a lively debate about fear and decision-making under pressure, and God’s love for allowing us to cast out all fear (1 John 4:18). During a group discussion, a student wondered aloud how they could trust God’s plan in tough situations, like dealing with family conflicts. Which led to a heartfelt conversation about how God is faithful in all circumstances. “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬. These moments showed how deeply the students were wrestling with the story and applying it to their own experiences. We talked about how God worked behind the scenes, even when His name isn’t explicitly mentioned in the book, sparking some meaningful conversations about faith—how God is always present, even in the silence.

To bring the story full circle, we capped off our study with a screening of A Night with the King, a movie adaptation of Esther’s story. There were audible gasps during pivotal scenes—Esther’s brave decision to approach King Xerxes, Haman’s sinister plot, and, of course, the triumphant conclusion where justice prevailed. Watching the story we’d studied come to life on screen was a great way to connect the dots.

Here’s to more journeys through scripture, more thoughtful conversations, and, yes, maybe even more movie nights. Who knows which story we’ll explore next? One thing’s for sure: God’s Word always has a way of surprising us, challenging us, and drawing us closer to Him—even in the middle school classroom.

For His Glory,