Pride Before The Fall

“There is no fault which makes a man more unpopular, and nofault which we are more unconscious of in ourselves. And the more we have itourselves, the more we dislike it in others.”
- CS Lewis, Mere Christianity

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After these events, King Xerxeshonored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles. All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor. Then the royal officials at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why do you disobey the king’s command?” Day after day they spoke to him but he refused to comply. Therefore they told Haman about it to see whether Mordecai’s behavior would be tolerated, for he had told them he was a Jew. When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged. Yet having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes.
- Esther 3:1-6

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When Haman entered, the king asked him, “What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?” Now Haman thought to himself, “Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?” So he answered the king, “For the man the king delights to honor, have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, on with a royal crest placed on its head. Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king’s most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!’” “Go at once,” the king commanded Haman. “Get the robe and the horseman do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king's gate. Do not neglect anything you have recommended.” So Haman got the robe and the horse. He robed Mordecai, and led him on horseback through the city streets, proclaiming before him, “This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!”

- Esther 6:6-11

Mixer

1. When you were younger, what did you want to be recognized for the most - please share why?

2. Share about a time when you or someone you know was very humble. How did it affect you and others?

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Sermon

Scriptures: Esther 3:1-6, 6:6-11

Context:

In this story, Haman is second in command to the powerful King of Persia. He was a man of noble prominence and the envy of everyone in the nation. Yet, Haman is a case study on the epitome of pride. We as human beings, all have a level of pride in us. We all have a little bit of “Haman” in our hearts.

Commentary: (Commentaries provide complementary resources to dig deeper into each verse)

Esther 6:6
When Haman entered, the king asked him, “What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?” Now Haman thought to himself, “Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?”

“Humility, modesty, and self-denial, though in God’s account of great price, yet commonly hinder men’s preferment in the world. Mordecai rises no higher than the king’s gate, while proud ambitious Haman gets the king’s ear and heart; but, though the aspiring rise fast, the humble stand fast. Honour makes proud men giddy, but upholds the humble in spirit, Prov. 29:23.”[1]

Proverbs 29:23
Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.

[1] Matthew Henry’s Commentary Esther 6

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Discussion Questions

1. Read Esther 6:6. Haman believed he was owed something. He had an “I deserve” attitude. When reading this passage, why do you think Haman felt entitled? What verse points to the warning signs?
2. The Bible says the definition of pride is self-absorption, where life is all about me. So whether you have a superiority or inferiority complex, it is the same problem. What complex do you tend to see more in your life? Please explain.
3. Our God is a God of reversals. When you think no one is looking out for you, God never counts you out. Just like Mordecai, God will honor you in His good timing. What about God’s character here encourages you? How can you thank God for who He is this week with this truth?
4. Read Esther 6:11. How can you put the spotlight on others? (e.g. your marriage, family, co-workers, friends, or neighbors)
5. The only way to set your pride down is by desiring recognition from King Jesus. Haman went to the wrong king. Practically, what is one way you can seek love and recognition from King Jesus this week? How can your circle keep you accountable?

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