• Have you ever faced a moment when doing the right thing came with a cost?
• What do you do when that time comes?
• Obviously you do what is right and take a stand!
• Maybe.
• We live in a world that often demands conformity, a world where it can feel safer to blend in, to stay silent, and to avoid making waves.
• But throughout history, and certainly within the pages of God’s Word, we discover stories of individuals who, when faced with a moment of truth, chose a different path.
• They chose courage.
• They chose to take a stand.
• Courage is not limited to battlefields; it often manifests in quiet, decisive moments when doing the right thing goes against the norm.
• The Book of Esther gives us powerful portraits of moral and spiritual courage.
• Today, we’ll focus on two individuals, Queen Vashti and Mordecai, and examine three moments when they took bold stands that changed history.
• Both of these people were put into positions that made it uncomfortable and possibly costly to take a stand.
• Today we need people who will take a stand, people who will stand up against the flow of society and stand firm for Jesus!
• The world needs us to do so even if they seemingly don’t want it.
• God calls His people to take courageous stands in times of moral, personal, and spiritual crisis.
• We have to stand boldly for what is right, even when it’s risky or unpopular.
• The Book of Esther is a story of divine providence in the face of danger, but it’s also a story of courage in the lives of ordinary people placed in extraordinary circumstances.
• The examples of Vashti and Mordecai should inspire us to live our lives with conviction and spiritual courage in a compromised world.
• Let’s begin in Esther 1.
Esther 1:10–12 NET 2nd ed.
10 On the seventh day, as King Ahasuerus was feeling the effects of the wine, he ordered Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven eunuchs who attended him,
11 to bring Queen Vashti into the king’s presence wearing her royal high turban. He wanted to show the people and the officials her beauty, for she was very attractive.
12 But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s bidding conveyed through the eunuchs. Then the king became extremely angry, and his rage consumed him.
SERMON
MAIN POINT 1 SLIDE
I. Queen Vashti: The Courage to Say No.
• Our first encounter with courage comes in the very first chapter of Esther, with Queen Vashti.
• King Xerxes, in the midst of a lavish banquet filled with wine and revelry, commands his eunuchs to bring Queen Vashti before him, adorned with her royal crown, to display her beauty to his officials and nobles.
THE MYSTERY SLIDE
• The queen’s response to the king’s command is puzzling, stunning, and courageous.
• Queen Vashti’s response is puzzling because we don't know why she refused to come out when the king called her to do so.
• Through the centuries there has been a great deal of conjecture as to why she responded the way she did.
• Many ancient Jewish scholars said that Xerxes called her to parade herself naked before the crowd.
• They point to the fact that the text in verse 11 says the king wanted her brought out in her royal high turban, and no other clothing items were mentioned.
• That seems weak.
• There were other weak explanations offered, but the truth of the matter is we do not know exactly why she refused.
• The queen’s decision was also stunning.
• Most likely, her decision was not made spontaneously, as it could have potentially resulted in her death.
• Eventually it costs her the crown.
• In reaction to Xerxes, Queen Vashti, who also is not a worshiper of God, decides, for whatever reason, to refuse the king’s command.
• She probably does not realize at the moment that her decision will change her life forever and bring another woman to the throne of Persia.
• With his one decision to display Vashti at his war council, Xerxes sets in motion a chain of events that culminates in the deliverance of God’s people, fulfilling the promise of the ancient covenant made ages before in a faraway place. (NIVAC Es)
• Vashti has no clue what was happening in the background or in the future as a result of her courageous choice.
• Her decision was courageous.
• Vashti's refusal is brief, but its impact is seismic.
• In a culture where women, even queens, were largely seen as property, and where a king's word was absolute law, Vashti's "no" was an act of profound defiance.
• As we stated, the text doesn't explicitly state her reasons.
• Perhaps it was modesty, refusing to be paraded like an object.
• Perhaps it was a stand against the king's drunkenness and the debauchery of the moment.
• Whatever her motivation, her refusal was a clear, unequivocal rejection of an unjust and demeaning command.
• Think about the courage required for this simple "no."
• She knew the potential consequences.
• She was defying the most powerful man in the known world.
• Her refusal cost her the crown, her position, and likely her freedom.
• Yet, she chose to uphold her dignity, to refuse to compromise her principles, even when it meant sacrificing everything.
• Do you know the pain of being in a position in which you know you need to know, but you feel so much pressure to acquiesce because you were afraid of the cost of taking a stand for what is right?
• Vashti’s story teaches us that courage can manifest as the strength to say "no" when everyone expects a "yes."
• It's the courage to set boundaries, to protect our integrity, and to refuse to participate in something that violates our conscience, even if it means facing the wrath of powerful forces.
• There is so much pressure in our society to conform; will you stand up for what is right?
• Sometimes taking a stand means saying no when pressured to compromise your dignity, your values, or your witness.
• Courage isn’t just about going into battle—it’s also the strength to walk away from what dishonors God or devalues yourself.
• Vashti lost her crown but kept her character.
• Vashti risked her position, her safety, and her reputation by refusing to be compromised.
• Let’s move to Esther chapter 2.
Esther 2:21–23 NET 2nd ed.
21 In those days while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who protected the entrance, became angry and plotted to assassinate King Ahasuerus.
22 When Mordecai learned of the conspiracy, he informed Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in Mordecai’s name.
23 The king then had the matter investigated and, finding it to be so, had the two conspirators hanged on a gallows. It was then recorded in the daily chronicles in the king’s presence.
MAIN POINT 2 SLIDE
II. Mordecai: The Courage to Do What Was Right.
• We have talked about Mordecai.
• Mordecai was a Jewish exile serving at the king's gate.
• He was Esther’s cousin, who raised her since her parents passed away.
• Mordecai, an ordinary man in a foreign land, uncovers a plot against the king's life.
• There are many things Mordecai could have done with the information.
MORDECAI OPTIONS SLIDE
• He could have ignored it, thinking it wasn't his concern.
• How many times have we not done the right thing because we did not think it was any of our business?
• We see this scenario play itself out in our society today.
• Today when someone gets attacked, instead of stepping up to help, people pull out their phones to record it.
• The other thing that happens is people just walk away like nothing is happening.
• This action reminds me of the parable of the Good Samaritan.
• The other side of the coin is when someone does step up to do the right thing, they get sued, or they get prosecuted.
• Whistleblowers get persecuted or destroyed in the media.
• As followers of Jesus, each one of us has to decide what we are going to do when confronted with the opportunity to do the right thing.
• Instead of thinking about the cost of doing the right thing, maybe we should consider the cost of not doing the right thing.
• This small act of faithfulness, recorded in the king's annals, would later become pivotal in the unfolding drama of Esther.
• It reminds us that our quiet acts of integrity, our commitment to truth and justice, are never forgotten in God's economy.
• Mordecai’s decision to do the right thing will lead to bigger things later on that he has no clue were going to come before him.
• Mordecai could have used the information for personal gain or leverage.
• When we are confronted with doing the right thing, we should not be motivated by personal gain, although sometimes we will gain personally.
• What does Mordecai do?
• He did the right thing.
• He reported the conspiracy to Queen Esther, ensuring the king's safety and, by extension, the stability of the kingdom.
• His courage here is not flashy, but it is profound.
• It's the courage to be observant, to act on information, and to uphold justice even when there's no immediate personal benefit.
• It’s the courage to be a person of integrity, to do what is right simply because it is right.
• Mordecai shows us that doing the right thing often means acting with integrity, even when no one is watching—or appreciating it.
• Courage isn’t always loud; sometimes it’s quiet, consistent faithfulness.
• Mordecai shows us that character counts and that God honors those who honor Him—even if the recognition doesn’t come right away.
• Integrity is the willingness to stand for what is right, not for applause, but because it’s right.
• Let’s draw from Mordecai for one more bit of encouragement to take a stand.
Esther 3:1–6 NET 2nd ed.
1 Some time later King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the son of (HAM A DAY THA) Hammedatha, the (A GAG GITE) Agagite, exalting him and setting his position above that of all the officials who were with him.
2 As a result, all the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate were bowing and paying homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded. However, Mordecai did not bow, nor did he pay him homage.
3 Then the servants of the king who were at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why are you violating the king’s commandment?”
4 And after they had spoken to him day after day without his paying any attention to them, they informed Haman to see whether this attitude on Mordecai’s part would be permitted. Furthermore, he had disclosed to them that he was a Jew.
5 When Haman saw that Mordecai was not bowing or paying homage to him, he was filled with rage.
6 But the thought of striking out against Mordecai alone was repugnant to him, for he had been informed of the identity of Mordecai’s people. So Haman sought to destroy all the Jews (that is, the people of Mordecai) who were in all the kingdom of Ahasuerus.
MAIN POINT 3 SLIDE
III. Mordecai: The Courage to Stand for His People.
• Some time had passed since Mordecai saved the king's life by revealing a plot to kill Xerxes at the end of chapter 2.
• After saving the king in chapter 2, Mordecai receives no recognition, while Haman is promoted.
• As part of his new role, everyone is commanded to bow down before Haman; however, Mordecai refuses.
• The question is why, because of Mordecai’s decision to defy the king’s decree, he put all of the Jews in the kingdom at risk of being killed.
• Here is some history that may explain Mordecai’s decision.
• FAITH IN GOD ISSUE.
• His decision may have had a slight tinge of faith in God; however, there are plenty of examples in the Bible of Jews bowing down to people in power and influence.
• There are examples like in Daniel when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue.
• When you read the text, they refused to bow because people were commanded to WORSHIP the statue.
• There is no indication that Xerxes commanded people to worship Haman but rather to bow down in respect to Haman’s exalted position.
• So what motivated Mordecai to not bow in respect to Haman?
• HISTORY ISSUE
• Mordecai was a descendant of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically from the lineage of Kish, the same family as King Saul.
• Haman, on the other hand, is identified as an (A GAG GITE) Agagite, a descendant of (A GAG) Agag, the king of the Amalekites.
• The Amalekites were long-standing enemies of Israel.
• They were the first nation to attack the Israelites after the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 17).
• This enmity was deeply rooted, and God commanded Israel to remember the evil of (AM A LECK) Amalek and eventually blot out their memory (Deuteronomy 25:17-19).
• Saul, the first king of Israel from the tribe of Benjamin, was commanded by God through the prophet Samuel to completely destroy the (AM AL A KITES) Amalekites, including their king, Agag (1 Samuel 15).
• However, Saul disobeyed by sparing Agag, which led to his rejection as king by God.
• The prophet Samuel eventually killed Agag, but Saul’s failure had long-lasting consequences.
• Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman can be understood within this historical and tribal context.
• To Mordecai, bowing to a descendant of the Amalekites might have represented not just personal submission but a compromise with a historical enemy of his people.
• The tribal and historical animosity likely intensified the conflict between Mordecai and Haman, adding a deeper layer of meaning to Mordecai’s stance and Haman’s extreme reaction.
• This fits with what verse 6 of our text tells us.
• For whatever reason, the thought of striking down Mordecai was repugnant to him; however, knowing Mordecai was a Jew led him to want to kill all of the Jews.
• We have to think it was for the same reason Mordecai would not bow to Haman.
LESSONS FROM MORDECAI’S COURAGE SLIDE
• Mordecai’s courage was rooted in identity and conviction.
• Mordecai didn’t refuse to bow because he was trying to make a scene; he stood because of who he was and whose he was.
• Your identity in Christ should shape your courage.
• When you know who you are, you’ll know what you must stand for.
• Do you let your identity as a follower of Christ inform your convictions, even in public settings, workplaces, or with difficult people?
• Courage can make you a target.
• Mordecai’s actions made him and his people a target.
• Standing for truth, justice, or righteousness doesn’t always win applause.
• Sometimes, it paints a target on your back.
• Do you realize that your silence is an endorsement of evil?
• Mordecai stood up for his people!
• God uses courageous leaders to prepare the way for deliverance.
• Mordecai’s courage set in motion the very events that led to the salvation of the Jewish people.
• Without his refusal to bow, Esther would not have had to step forward.
• Without Esther’s intercession, the Jews would not have been saved.
• One person’s stand can ignite a movement of deliverance.
• Mordecai didn’t have all the answers.
• He couldn’t have known how it would all play out.
• But he knew what was right—and he had the courage to act, not just for himself, but for his people.
CONCLUSION
CLOSING SLIDE
• What would our families, churches, and communities look like if more Christians had the courage to take that kind of stand?
• You don’t need a palace to take a stand; just a willing heart and a deep trust in God.
• Like Vashti and Mordecai, may we be people of conviction, integrity, and faith.
The Courage to Take a Stand
Jeffery Anselmi / General Adult
The Book of Esther / Courage / Esther 2–3
God calls His people to take courageous stands for truth, integrity, and faith, • Today, we’ll focus on two individuals—Queen Vashti and Mordecai—and examine three moments when they took bold stands that changed history.even when it’s costly.
OPENING SLIDE
INTRODUCTION
HAVDE YOU EVER SLIDE
• Have you ever faced a moment when doing the right thing came with a cost?
• What do you do when that time comes?
• Obviously you do what is right and take a stand!
• Maybe.
• We live in a world that often demands conformity, a world where it can feel safer to blend in, to stay silent, and to avoid making waves.
• But throughout history, and certainly within the pages of God’s Word, we discover stories of individuals who, when faced with a moment of truth, chose a different path.
• They chose courage.
• They chose to take a stand.
• Courage is not limited to battlefields; it often manifests in quiet, decisive moments when doing the right thing goes against the norm.
• The Book of Esther gives us powerful portraits of moral and spiritual courage.
• Today, we’ll focus on two individuals, Queen Vashti and Mordecai, and examine three moments when they took bold stands that changed history.
• Both of these people were put into positions that made it uncomfortable and possibly costly to take a stand.
• Today we need people who will take a stand, people who will stand up against the flow of society and stand firm for Jesus!
• The world needs us to do so even if they seemingly don’t want it.
• God calls His people to take courageous stands in times of moral, personal, and spiritual crisis.
• We have to stand boldly for what is right, even when it’s risky or unpopular.
• The Book of Esther is a story of divine providence in the face of danger, but it’s also a story of courage in the lives of ordinary people placed in extraordinary circumstances.
• The examples of Vashti and Mordecai should inspire us to live our lives with conviction and spiritual courage in a compromised world.
• Let’s begin in Esther 1.
Esther 1:10–12 NET 2nd ed.
10 On the seventh day, as King Ahasuerus was feeling the effects of the wine, he ordered Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven eunuchs who attended him,
11 to bring Queen Vashti into the king’s presence wearing her royal high turban. He wanted to show the people and the officials her beauty, for she was very attractive.
12 But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s bidding conveyed through the eunuchs. Then the king became extremely angry, and his rage consumed him.
SERMON
MAIN POINT 1 SLIDE
I. Queen Vashti: The Courage to Say No.
• Our first encounter with courage comes in the very first chapter of Esther, with Queen Vashti.
• King Xerxes, in the midst of a lavish banquet filled with wine and revelry, commands his eunuchs to bring Queen Vashti before him, adorned with her royal crown, to display her beauty to his officials and nobles.
THE MYSTERY SLIDE
• The queen’s response to the king’s command is puzzling, stunning, and courageous.
• Queen Vashti’s response is puzzling because we don't know why she refused to come out when the king called her to do so.
• Through the centuries there has been a great deal of conjecture as to why she responded the way she did.
• Many ancient Jewish scholars said that Xerxes called her to parade herself naked before the crowd.
• They point to the fact that the text in verse 11 says the king wanted her brought out in her royal high turban, and no other clothing items were mentioned.
• That seems weak.
• There were other weak explanations offered, but the truth of the matter is we do not know exactly why she refused.
• The queen’s decision was also stunning.
• Most likely, her decision was not made spontaneously, as it could have potentially resulted in her death.
• Eventually it costs her the crown.
• In reaction to Xerxes, Queen Vashti, who also is not a worshiper of God, decides, for whatever reason, to refuse the king’s command.
• She probably does not realize at the moment that her decision will change her life forever and bring another woman to the throne of Persia.
• With his one decision to display Vashti at his war council, Xerxes sets in motion a chain of events that culminates in the deliverance of God’s people, fulfilling the promise of the ancient covenant made ages before in a faraway place. (NIVAC Es)
• Vashti has no clue what was happening in the background or in the future as a result of her courageous choice.
• Her decision was courageous.
• Vashti's refusal is brief, but its impact is seismic.
• In a culture where women, even queens, were largely seen as property, and where a king's word was absolute law, Vashti's "no" was an act of profound defiance.
• As we stated, the text doesn't explicitly state her reasons.
• Perhaps it was modesty, refusing to be paraded like an object.
• Perhaps it was a stand against the king's drunkenness and the debauchery of the moment.
• Whatever her motivation, her refusal was a clear, unequivocal rejection of an unjust and demeaning command.
• Think about the courage required for this simple "no."
• She knew the potential consequences.
• She was defying the most powerful man in the known world.
• Her refusal cost her the crown, her position, and likely her freedom.
• Yet, she chose to uphold her dignity, to refuse to compromise her principles, even when it meant sacrificing everything.
• Do you know the pain of being in a position in which you know you need to know, but you feel so much pressure to acquiesce because you were afraid of the cost of taking a stand for what is right?
• Vashti’s story teaches us that courage can manifest as the strength to say "no" when everyone expects a "yes."
• It's the courage to set boundaries, to protect our integrity, and to refuse to participate in something that violates our conscience, even if it means facing the wrath of powerful forces.
• There is so much pressure in our society to conform; will you stand up for what is right?
• Sometimes taking a stand means saying no when pressured to compromise your dignity, your values, or your witness.
• Courage isn’t just about going into battle—it’s also the strength to walk away from what dishonors God or devalues yourself.
• Vashti lost her crown but kept her character.
• Vashti risked her position, her safety, and her reputation by refusing to be compromised.
• Let’s move to Esther chapter 2.
Esther 2:21–23 NET 2nd ed.
21 In those days while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who protected the entrance, became angry and plotted to assassinate King Ahasuerus.
22 When Mordecai learned of the conspiracy, he informed Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in Mordecai’s name.
23 The king then had the matter investigated and, finding it to be so, had the two conspirators hanged on a gallows. It was then recorded in the daily chronicles in the king’s presence.
MAIN POINT 2 SLIDE
II. Mordecai: The Courage to Do What Was Right.
• We have talked about Mordecai.
• Mordecai was a Jewish exile serving at the king's gate.
• He was Esther’s cousin, who raised her since her parents passed away.
• Mordecai, an ordinary man in a foreign land, uncovers a plot against the king's life.
• There are many things Mordecai could have done with the information.
MORDECAI OPTIONS SLIDE
• He could have ignored it, thinking it wasn't his concern.
• How many times have we not done the right thing because we did not think it was any of our business?
• We see this scenario play itself out in our society today.
• Today when someone gets attacked, instead of stepping up to help, people pull out their phones to record it.
• The other thing that happens is people just walk away like nothing is happening.
• This action reminds me of the parable of the Good Samaritan.
• The other side of the coin is when someone does step up to do the right thing, they get sued, or they get prosecuted.
• Whistleblowers get persecuted or destroyed in the media.
• As followers of Jesus, each one of us has to decide what we are going to do when confronted with the opportunity to do the right thing.
• Instead of thinking about the cost of doing the right thing, maybe we should consider the cost of not doing the right thing.
• This small act of faithfulness, recorded in the king's annals, would later become pivotal in the unfolding drama of Esther.
• It reminds us that our quiet acts of integrity, our commitment to truth and justice, are never forgotten in God's economy.
• Mordecai’s decision to do the right thing will lead to bigger things later on that he has no clue were going to come before him.
• Mordecai could have used the information for personal gain or leverage.
• When we are confronted with doing the right thing, we should not be motivated by personal gain, although sometimes we will gain personally.
• What does Mordecai do?
• He did the right thing.
• He reported the conspiracy to Queen Esther, ensuring the king's safety and, by extension, the stability of the kingdom.
• His courage here is not flashy, but it is profound.
• It's the courage to be observant, to act on information, and to uphold justice even when there's no immediate personal benefit.
• It’s the courage to be a person of integrity, to do what is right simply because it is right.
• Mordecai shows us that doing the right thing often means acting with integrity, even when no one is watching—or appreciating it.
• Courage isn’t always loud; sometimes it’s quiet, consistent faithfulness.
• Mordecai shows us that character counts and that God honors those who honor Him—even if the recognition doesn’t come right away.
• Integrity is the willingness to stand for what is right, not for applause, but because it’s right.
• Let’s draw from Mordecai for one more bit of encouragement to take a stand.
Esther 3:1–6 NET 2nd ed.
1 Some time later King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the son of (HAM A DAY THA) Hammedatha, the (A GAG GITE) Agagite, exalting him and setting his position above that of all the officials who were with him.
2 As a result, all the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate were bowing and paying homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded. However, Mordecai did not bow, nor did he pay him homage.
3 Then the servants of the king who were at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why are you violating the king’s commandment?”
4 And after they had spoken to him day after day without his paying any attention to them, they informed Haman to see whether this attitude on Mordecai’s part would be permitted. Furthermore, he had disclosed to them that he was a Jew.
5 When Haman saw that Mordecai was not bowing or paying homage to him, he was filled with rage.
6 But the thought of striking out against Mordecai alone was repugnant to him, for he had been informed of the identity of Mordecai’s people. So Haman sought to destroy all the Jews (that is, the people of Mordecai) who were in all the kingdom of Ahasuerus.
MAIN POINT 3 SLIDE
III. Mordecai: The Courage to Stand for His People.
• Some time had passed since Mordecai saved the king's life by revealing a plot to kill Xerxes at the end of chapter 2.
• After saving the king in chapter 2, Mordecai receives no recognition, while Haman is promoted.
• As part of his new role, everyone is commanded to bow down before Haman; however, Mordecai refuses.
• The question is why, because of Mordecai’s decision to defy the king’s decree, he put all of the Jews in the kingdom at risk of being killed.
• Here is some history that may explain Mordecai’s decision.
• FAITH IN GOD ISSUE.
• His decision may have had a slight tinge of faith in God; however, there are plenty of examples in the Bible of Jews bowing down to people in power and influence.
• There are examples like in Daniel when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue.
• When you read the text, they refused to bow because people were commanded to WORSHIP the statue.
• There is no indication that Xerxes commanded people to worship Haman but rather to bow down in respect to Haman’s exalted position.
• So what motivated Mordecai to not bow in respect to Haman?
• HISTORY ISSUE
• Mordecai was a descendant of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically from the lineage of Kish, the same family as King Saul.
• Haman, on the other hand, is identified as an (A GAG GITE) Agagite, a descendant of (A GAG) Agag, the king of the Amalekites.
• The Amalekites were long-standing enemies of Israel.
• They were the first nation to attack the Israelites after the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 17).
• This enmity was deeply rooted, and God commanded Israel to remember the evil of (AM A LECK) Amalek and eventually blot out their memory (Deuteronomy 25:17-19).
• Saul, the first king of Israel from the tribe of Benjamin, was commanded by God through the prophet Samuel to completely destroy the (AM AL A KITES) Amalekites, including their king, Agag (1 Samuel 15).
• However, Saul disobeyed by sparing Agag, which led to his rejection as king by God.
• The prophet Samuel eventually killed Agag, but Saul’s failure had long-lasting consequences.
• Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman can be understood within this historical and tribal context.
• To Mordecai, bowing to a descendant of the Amalekites might have represented not just personal submission but a compromise with a historical enemy of his people.
• The tribal and historical animosity likely intensified the conflict between Mordecai and Haman, adding a deeper layer of meaning to Mordecai’s stance and Haman’s extreme reaction.
• This fits with what verse 6 of our text tells us.
• For whatever reason, the thought of striking down Mordecai was repugnant to him; however, knowing Mordecai was a Jew led him to want to kill all of the Jews.
• We have to think it was for the same reason Mordecai would not bow to Haman.
LESSONS FROM MORDECAI’S COURAGE SLIDE
• Mordecai’s courage was rooted in identity and conviction.
• Mordecai didn’t refuse to bow because he was trying to make a scene; he stood because of who he was and whose he was.
• Your identity in Christ should shape your courage.
• When you know who you are, you’ll know what you must stand for.
• Do you let your identity as a follower of Christ inform your convictions, even in public settings, workplaces, or with difficult people?
• Courage can make you a target.
• Mordecai’s actions made him and his people a target.
• Standing for truth, justice, or righteousness doesn’t always win applause.
• Sometimes, it paints a target on your back.
• Do you realize that your silence is an endorsement of evil?
• Mordecai stood up for his people!
• God uses courageous leaders to prepare the way for deliverance.
• Mordecai’s courage set in motion the very events that led to the salvation of the Jewish people.
• Without his refusal to bow, Esther would not have had to step forward.
• Without Esther’s intercession, the Jews would not have been saved.
• One person’s stand can ignite a movement of deliverance.
• Mordecai didn’t have all the answers.
• He couldn’t have known how it would all play out.
• But he knew what was right—and he had the courage to act, not just for himself, but for his people.
CONCLUSION
CLOSING SLIDE
• What would our families, churches, and communities look like if more Christians had the courage to take that kind of stand?
• You don’t need a palace to take a stand; just a willing heart and a deep trust in God.
• Like Vashti and Mordecai, may we be people of conviction, integrity, and faith.
