Passages: Ruth
Big Idea: Boaz is kind and pays to rescue Ruth from poverty. God is kind and pays to rescue us from judgement.
Ages: 8-11
Three lesson exploring the book of Ruth.
At the beginning of the book of Ruth, Naomi’s family fails to trust God. There is a famine in Israel and they leave the Promised Land to live in the land of Moab. This is contrasted with Ruth who leaves everything to trust the one true God, the God of the Israelites.
Kindness is a big theme in the book of Ruth. In chapter 1, Orpah and Ruth show kindness to their mother-in-law Naomi in her grief by going with her back to Israel. Ruth is the one who follows through on this kindness, in spite of Naomi’s objections. In chapter 2 it’s Ruth’s kindness to Naomi that impresses Boaz. Ruth has come to take refuge under the wings of the God of Israel (2:12). She has left everything behind, trusting in his kindness alone. Boaz then shows kindness to Ruth (2:13) by offering her protection and food. Finally, Boaz is aware of Ruth’s kindness in choosing him and not other men. All of this is a little taste of the kindness of the God they worship.
But it’s the concept of kinsman redeemer that holds the whole book together. Boaz pays the price of Naomi’s land in order to rescue Ruth from a life of poverty and insecurity. This redemption payment was given, not out of duty or because the law demanded it as he was not the closest relative. It was given freely and at a cost to him.
And it would be someone from Boaz and Ruth’s family line who would come into the world and pay the ultimate redemption price. Ruth and Boaz’ grandson was David and from David would come the true kinsman redeemer of the world, our Lord Jesus.
The unit comes complete with stories, pictures, suggested songs/memory verses, games and drama activities, crafts, large and small group activities. A resource pack of crafts and worksheets is also included.