How does sharing gifts in Esther 9:22 reflect Christ's command to love others? Setting the Scene “the days on which the Jews obtained rest from their enemies, and the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into joy and from mourning into a celebration. They were to observe them as days of feasting and rejoicing, of sending portions of food to one another and gifts to the poor.” (Esther 9:22) What the Verse Literally Shows • God delivered His people, so He prescribed a tangible, communal response. • Two outward acts mark the celebration: – “sending portions of food to one another” (care within the covenant family) – “gifts to the poor” (care beyond one’s immediate circle) How This Mirrors Christ’s Command to Love • Jesus’ new command: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another.” (John 13:34–35) – Christ’s love is active and self-giving; Esther 9:22 models active, self-giving generosity. • Meeting physical needs is integral to loving obedience: – “I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat… whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” (Matthew 25:35–40) – Esther 9:22 turns a victory feast into provision for “the least,” foreshadowing Jesus’ teaching. • The early church imitated both Esther and Christ: – “All the believers were together and had everything in common… distributing to anyone as he had need.” (Acts 2:44–45) Key Parallels at a Glance • Celebration → rooted in God’s salvation (Esther) / rooted in Christ’s finished work (Gospels). • Sharing within the community → “portions to one another” / “wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14). • Compassion to the poor → “gifts to the poor” / “remember the poor” (Galatians 2:10). • Visible witness → Joyful giving testifies to God’s deliverance (Esther) / Love identifies Christ’s disciples (John 13:35). Practical Takeaways for Today • Mark God’s deliverances with generous hospitality; celebrate His faithfulness by feeding and blessing others. • Keep our feasts—including holidays and church gatherings—open-handed toward the needy. • See every act of sharing as obedience to Jesus and a proclamation of the gospel’s power. • Let joyful generosity distinguish believers, showing the world the tangible love of Christ. |
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