RUTH

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 RUTH
Ruth is one of the most beloved characters in the Bible. She was a Moabite, brought into the family of God.
Through the story of her remarkable journey, we learn about loyalty, kindness, and God's overarching
plans.

BIBLE READING: Ruth

MEMORY VERSE: "But Ruth replied: "Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For
wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God
will be my God." (Ruth 1:16).

OVERVIEW OF RUTH
• Tragic Loss (Ruth 1:1-5): In Moab, Ruth's husband, father-in-law and brother-in-law die.
• Unwavering Loyalty (Ruth 1:6-18): Despite Naomi's urging, Ruth refuses to return to her people and
gods. While her sister-in-law, Orpah, decides to stay in Moab and remarry, Ruth commits to staying
with Naomi, declaring, "Your people will be my people and your God my God."
• Journey to Bethlehem (Ruth 1:19-22): Naomi returns to her home in Bethlehem with Ruth.
• Gleaning in the Fields (Ruth 2): In Bethlehem, Ruth works in the fields of a man named Boaz, gleaning
leftover grain to provide for herself and Naomi.
• Boaz's Kindness (Ruth 2:8-23): Boaz shows kindness to Ruth, ensuring her safety in his fields and
offering her food. He praises her for her devotion to Naomi and acknowledges her faith in the God of
Israel.
• Ruth's Proposal (Ruth 3): Following Naomi's advice, Ruth approaches Boaz at night and asks him to act
as her kinsman-redeemer.
• Marriage and Descendants (Ruth 4): Boaz marries Ruth, and they have a son named Obed, who
becomes the grandfather of King David. Thus, Ruth, a Moabite woman, is included in the lineage of
Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).

KEY POINTS
1. FAITH AND LOYALTY - RUTH 1:6-18
Ruth was a woman of great faith and loyalty. She followed God's calling, even when it meant leaving her
homeland of Moab and facing the unknown in Judah. She was committed despite the difficulties and
uncertainties that this path presented her. Ruth showed unwavering devotion to God and her family.

Ruth reminds us of the importance of faith and loyalty. When we remain faithful to God and those He has
placed in our lives, we can experience His blessings. Here are a few verses that speak to the importance of
loyalty:

• Proverbs 17:17 - "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

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 • Proverbs 18:24 - "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks
closer than a brother."

Ruth made a profound commitment to God and to her mother-in-law, Naomi. This same principle applies
to our own relationships as well. When we make a commitment to God, it affects every aspect of our lives,
including our relationships with others.

2. THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD - RUTH 2:3

Despite the challenging circumstances Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, faced, God's divine hand
guided their lives and delivered blessings and provisions.

God's sovereignty means His supreme control over all events, even in hardship. Just like Ruth, we can have
faith that God is active in our lives, guiding us according to His perfect plan.

Bible verses like Proverbs 16:9 remind us of this: "In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the LORD
establishes their steps." And Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those
who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

We can rest in the certainty that nothing is outside God's control. In God's plans, there's no such thing as
"just so happens". He is sovereign, guiding our steps according to His perfect plan.

In Ruth 1:6, God's providence leads Naomi back to Bethlehem. In Ruth 2:3, God's providence guided Ruth
to glean in Boaz's field, who was a relative and could serve as a kinsman-redeemer. In Ruth 4:22, we see
God's ultimate providence in the lineage from Ruth to David and, ultimately, Jesus (Matthew 1:5).

No event in our lives is random or coincidental. Each experience, whether joyous or sorrowful, is woven
into God's divine purpose and plan.

3. SHOW KINDNESS TO OTHERS - RUTH 2:8-23

Ruth is a beautiful example of showing kindness to others. She was willing to go out of her way to help
those around her, showing love and care even under challenging circumstances.

Boaz serves as another example of showing kindness to those in need. When Ruth, a poor widowed
foreigner, came to gather grain in his field, Boaz showed her great kindness. He not only granted her
request, but he also ensured that she was well taken care of, providing her with enough grain to take home
and even offering her protection from other workers in the field.

Boaz's actions demonstrate a heart of compassion and concern for those in need. He was willing to go
above and beyond to help Ruth and to provide for her needs, showing her kindness and generosity.

This is an example that we should also follow in our lives. As believers in Jesus, we are called to show
kindness and compassion to those in need. Proverbs 14:31 says, "Whoever oppresses a poor man insults
his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honours him."

Whether through offering practical help and support or through showing love and care to those who are
hurting, we can follow Ruth and Boaz's example of showing kindness to the needy and demonstrating
God's love and grace.

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4. THE PROVISION OF A REDEEMER - RUTH 4

In the cultural context of Ruth, a redeemer was a close relative responsible for protecting and providing for
the deceased relative's family.

According to the Hebrew law, if a man died without having any sons, it was the responsibility of his nearest
relative to marry the widow to preserve his family line and provide for her. This custom is brought to life in
the book of Ruth when Boaz steps forward to redeem Ruth on behalf of her deceased husband, Mahlon.

This account is ultimately a beautiful picture of our own Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Just as Boaz stepped
forward to be a redeemer for Ruth and her family, Jesus has stepped forward to be our Redeemer.

Galatians 3:13 - "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written:
"Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." See also (Colossians 1:13-14 and Titus 2:14)

Jesus came to redeem us from our sin and provide us a way to enter the family of God.

CONCLUSION
The book of Ruth is an incredible example of God's faithfulness and provision. We can see that God is
always in control, and His plans are perfect. The book of Ruth serves as a testament to God's divine plan of
redemption. Jesus is our ultimate Redeemer, who willingly stepped forward to save us and to demonstrate
the height of sacrificial love. Through Jesus' death on the cross, His perfect sacrifice paid the penalty for all
our sins so we can enjoy eternal life with Him.

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 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
WHY DO YOU THINK RUTH CHOSE TO STAY WITH NAOMI?

WHERE HAVE YOU SEEN GOD'S PROVIDENCE IN YOUR LIFE?

HOW CAN WE SHOW KINDNESS TO OTHERS?

DO YOU BELIEVE GOD IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL AND HIS PLANS ARE PERFECT?

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 STUDY NOTES MIND MAP

1 2
FAITH AND ______________. THE __________________OF
RUTH 1:6-18 GOD.
RUTH 2:3

RUTH
4
THE PROVISION OF A
_________________.
3
RUTH 4
SHOW ____________ TO OTHERS.
RUTH 2:8-23

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 GAMES AND ACTIVITIES
REDEEMER RELAY RACE
Materials needed: None

Instructions:

1. Each team will select one player to be the 'Redeemer.' All other players start on the opposite side of the
room.
2. On "GO," the Redeemer of each team must run across the room and tag a teammate, then both must
run back to the starting side. The Redeemer will now run across the room again to tag the next player.
3. Repeat this process until all team members have been 'redeemed'.
4. The first team to have all their players 'redeemed' wins.
5. Discuss the role of the Redeemer in the game and relate this to Boaz's role as Ruth's kinsman-redeemer,
and how this points to Jesus as our ultimate Redeemer.

GLEANING GRAIN HUNT

Materials needed: Pictures of grain, timer.

Instructions:

1. Before the game, hide pictures of grain all around the room or building.
2. Split participants into teams. Explain that they must glean as much grain as possible in the given time.
3. Once the time is up, teams return to the starting point and count how many grains they have gleaned.
4. The team with the most grains at the end of the game wins.
5. After the game, discuss the significance of gleaning in the story of Ruth and how God provided for Ruth and
Naomi through Boaz's kindness. This can lead into a conversation about how God provides for us in our
times of need.

I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU - OBSTACLE COURSE

Materials needed: Obstacle course materials (cones, ropes, mats, chairs etc.), thin sheets of paper.

Instructions:

1. Set up an obstacle course that includes various challenges.

2. Split participants into pairs. Each pair is given a thin piece of paper that they must hold between them.
Explain that this paper represents their commitment to each other, just as Ruth made a commitment to stay
with Naomi.
3. The pairs must navigate through the obstacle course together without letting go of the paper or ripping it. If
a pair drops or rips their paper, they must stop.
4. The first pair to complete the obstacle course without dropping or ripping their paper wins.
5. After the game, discuss the significance of Ruth's loyalty to Naomi in the face of adversity and how this
loyalty is reflected in the obstacles they just navigated.

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 RUTH WORD SEARCH
BETHLEHEM
B H L W T I Q N T Q M H
BOAZ
D E X T M Z F I E L D A
FIELD M X G O R E D E E M E R
GLEAN E B A A G N G P K V B V
HARVEST H N G T I N D I J K A E

KINDNESS E M L L R R N D Q M O S

LOYALTY L M G T E D R J P G M T

MARRIAGE H T G Q N A Z A D Z C G

MOAB T N G E R A N V M W V Z

NAOMI E P S L O U G F C H J Y

B S R B T Y T L A Y O L
REDEEMER
F D T T X N C H H H Z Y
RUTH
www.WordSearchMaker.com

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COLLECT THE GRAIN

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FIND 10 DIFFERENCES

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 RUTH QUIZ
1. In what country did the Book of Ruth begin? 6. What kind of work did Ruth do in Bethlehem?
(Ruth 1:1) (Ruth 2:2)
• A. Israel • A. Shepherding
• B. Egypt • B. Pottery making
• C. Moab • C. Gleaning in the fields
• D. Assyria • D. Weaving textiles

2. Why did Naomi and her family leave 7. Who showed kindness to Ruth and allowed her
Bethlehem? (Ruth 1:1) to glean in his field? (Ruth 2:8)
• A. Because of famine • A. Samuel
• B. Because of war • B. David
• C. Because of religious persecution • C. Boaz
• D. Because of a family feud • D. Eli

3. What relationship was Ruth to Naomi? (Ruth 8. Who did Ruth approach at night on the
1:4) threshing floor? (Ruth 3:7)
• A. Daughter • A. Samson
• B. Sister • B. Eli
• C. Daughter-in-law • C. Boaz
• D. Sister-in-law • D. David

4. Which of Naomi's daughters-in-law chose to 9. Who was Ruth's great-grandson? (Ruth 4:17)
return to her own people? (Ruth 1:14) • Moses
• A. Ruth • Aaron
• B. Orpah • David
• C. Rachel • Samuel
• D. Leah

5. What was Ruth's pledge to Naomi? (Ruth 10. In whose lineage is Ruth found? (Matthew
1:16) 1:5)
• A. "Your people shall be my people, • A. Moses
and your God, my God." • B. Paul
• B. "I will follow you." • C. Jesus
• C. "I am my sister's keeper." • D. Esther
• D. "I will honor your son's memory."

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 WRITE THE STORY IN YOUR OWN WORDS

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 RUTH

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WRITE OUT THE MEMORY VERSE

Ruth 1:16

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