Esther Saves Her People
Scripture: Esther 1:1-10:3
Theme: God places us where we are ‘for such a time as this’
Age Group: Nursery (Ages 0-2)
Overview
“God Loves You!” (Daniel & Lions) “God is so good, He loves you so much! Even when things are scary, trust Him always. He’ll protect you, just like He did for Daniel!” (Encourage volunteers to repeat with kids: “God loves you!” and “He’ll take care of you!”)
Bible Story
God’s Love Keeps Us Safe One king had very big lions. He wanted to make sure everyone obeyed him, even when no one else did.
Daniel loved God and prayed to Him every day. The king said, “Daniel, you must pray to me, not God!” But Daniel said, “God is my friend, so I pray to Him!”
The king was angry and told everyone to stop praying to God. They all obeyed, but Daniel kept praying. The next morning, the king checked the lions, but they were not eating Daniel! They were sleeping.
The lions opened their mouths and let Daniel go. God protected him! That’s why God loves you, He keeps you safe when you pray to Him.
Why This Story Matters God’s love is like a big, strong hug. Just like Daniel was safe in the lions’ den because God cared for him, God loves you too! When you pray, He’s always watching over you. That’s why you can trust Him, He never forgets you!
Activities
- Read together: “Daniel prayed, ‘God, I love You!’ even when the king was angry. God is my friend!” (Pause after “friend”).
- Circle time: Hold up Bible, say: “God loves you so much, just like Daniel!” (Repeat 2x: “God loves me! God is my friend!”).
- Draw God’s love: Give each child a paper plate. Say: “God gives us His love like a big hug! Draw God’s love on your plate.”
- Let them color sun rays (sunshine), a heart (God’s love), or scribble lions (Daniel’s courage).
- Share & glue: Stick stickers (e.g., heart, lion) on finished plates. Say: “God’s love is like a hug, always there!”
- Make prayer stones: Give each child 1, 2 sheets of black paper. Say: “Daniel prayed with his hands up, just like you!”
- Let them draw a sun, heart, or scribble a lion (while saying: “God loves me!”).
- Cut carefully: Teach to fold paper in half, then cut along the fold (like a heart shape).
- Glue &
Discussion Questions
- Here are four simple, open-ended questions for babies and toddlers about God’s love, based on Daniel in the Lions’ Den:
- “What did Daniel do when everyone said he should stop praying? Show me how he prayed again, just like God wanted him to! What do you think God felt when Daniel prayed?”
- “The lions were angry, but Daniel was brave. How can we be brave like Daniel when someone makes us feel scared? Remember God is with us, what do we do when we feel alone?”
- “God promised to protect Daniel. What are some ways God protects us when we feel afraid? Can you tell me one thing God loves about you?”
- “Even when we don’t feel safe, God still loves us. Like Daniel, what can we do to trust God when bad things happen? Draw a lion and a heart, God loves lions too!”
- Each question encourages them to repeat phrases like “God loves you” or “Trust God” while connecting the story to their own experiences.
Prayer Focus
“Dear God, thank You for Your big, strong love. You keep us safe, like Daniel was kept safe. You protect us in the lions’ den, just like You keep us safe every day! Love You, Lord. Amen.” (Optional: Add hand motions like clapping or hugging for fun!)
Missions Spotlight
In Ethiopia, believers in remote areas face pressure from both radical Islam and traditional religions. Daniel’s story encourages them that the God who shut the lions’ mouths is the same God who protects His people today.
To the Cross
Daniel was thrown to the lions for praying to God. God shut the lions’ mouths. Jesus was thrown to the ‘lions’ of sin, death, and hell, and He conquered them all. God always delivers those who trust Him.
Family Take-Home
This Sunday school lesson teaches children that Daniel trusted God even when faced with danger, despite being thrown into a den of lions, God protected him (and the animals too!). It reminds families that faith and courage can overcome fear, especially when we trust in a loving God.