Ruth's Loyal Choice: A Story of God's Love
Ruth 1
A long time ago, a woman named Naomi lived in Bethlehem with her husband and two sons. But a famine came, and there was no food in the land. So Naomi's family packed up and moved to a country called Moab, hoping to find enough to eat there. While they were living in Moab, Naomi's husband died, leaving her a widow in a foreign land. Her two sons grew up and married women from Moab, one named Orpah and the other named Ruth. For about ten years, the family lived together in Moab. Then tragedy struck again. Both of Naomi's sons died as well, leaving Naomi with no husband, no sons, and only her two daughters-in-law by her side.
Naomi felt very sad and alone in a foreign land. When she heard that God had provided food back in Bethlehem, she decided to return home. She set out on the road with Orpah and Ruth walking beside her. But partway through the journey, Naomi stopped and told them to turn back. She said they should return to their own mothers' homes so they could find new husbands and be cared for. Naomi kissed them, and all three women wept together on the road. Orpah cried, kissed Naomi goodbye, and eventually turned back toward her own people. But Ruth clung to Naomi and refused to leave her side.
Ruth made a beautiful promise to Naomi. She said that wherever Naomi went, she would go, and wherever Naomi stayed, she would stay. Naomi's people would be her people, and Naomi's God would be her God. This loyal friendship showed how much Ruth loved Naomi and trusted in God's plan for their future. When Naomi saw how determined Ruth was, she stopped trying to convince her to leave, and the two women traveled together the rest of the way to Bethlehem. When they finally arrived, the whole town buzzed with excitement to see them again. But Naomi was so sad and worn down by grief that she told the women of the town to call her Mara instead, which means bitter, because she felt the Lord had made her life very hard. However, they arrived in Bethlehem just as the barley harvest was beginning, a sign that God was already preparing a way to care for them. This story of faithfulness reminds us that even when life feels empty, God is working behind the scenes. But how would two poor widows with no husbands or sons find enough food to survive in a town where they owned nothing?
Next time, we will see how Ruth steps into a giant field owned by a very important man.
A Curious Question
If you were moving to a place you had never been before, what is the one thing you would want to take with you to feel safe and loved?
Jesus Connection
Even though this story happened many years before Jesus was born, it is a very important part of the gospel story. Ruth was a foreigner who chose to follow the true God, and because of her faithfulness, she became the great-grandmother of King David. This means she is part of the earthly family of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Matthew 1 lists Ruth by name in the family line that leads all the way to Jesus, showing that God had a place for her in His plan from the very start. Just as Ruth left everything to follow Naomi, Jesus left heaven to come to earth and be our friend and Redeemer, showing us the ultimate salvation through His love.
Discussion Questions
- How do you think Naomi felt when her husband and sons died, and why was she worried about Ruth and Orpah?
- Ruth told Naomi, "Your God will be my God." What does that tell us about what Ruth believed?
- Why is it sometimes hard to be loyal or stay with a friend when things are difficult?
- How did God show Naomi that He had not forgotten her when she reached Bethlehem?
"So What?" What Can I Do?
- How can you show loyalty to a friend or family member this week when they are feeling sad?
- What are some ways we can trust God even when we don't know what is going to happen next?
- Who is someone in your life that you can pray for, just like Ruth supported Naomi?
Memorize God's Word
Ruth 1:16: "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay."
Hand Motions:
- Where you go: Walk in place.
- I will go: Point to yourself and then point forward.
- and where you stay: Plant your feet wide and firm.
- I will stay: Hug yourself tightly to show commitment.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank You for being with us even when life feels empty and sad. Thank You for the example of Ruth, who stayed loyal and trusted You with her whole future. Help us to love the people You have placed in our lives and to follow You no matter where we go. Thank You that You were already preparing a way to care for Ruth and Naomi, and that You care for us too. We love You. Amen.
Craft or Activity
"Loyalty Hearts" Door Hanger
Kids make a heart shaped door hanger with the memory verse to remind them to stay loyal to the people God has placed in their lives.
Materials Checklist:
How to Make the Loyalty Hearts Door Hanger:- Cut the heart: Cut a large heart shape out of the cardstock.
- Write the verse: Inside the heart, write the words from Ruth 1:16 or the phrase "I will be a loyal friend."
- Decorate: Decorate the heart with markers and stickers to represent things you love about your friends or family.
- Add a hanger: Punch a hole in the top of the heart and loop the yarn through so it can be hung on a bedroom door.
- Personalize the back: On the back, write the names of three people you want to be loyal to this week.
Effective Teaching Techniques
- Map Activity: Show the children a Bible map of the journey from Moab to Bethlehem. It helps them realize these were real places and a long, difficult walk.
- Roleplay: Have two volunteers act out the conversation between Naomi and Ruth. Encourage the student playing Ruth to use a firm, kind voice to show her determination.
- Defining Loyalty: Since "loyalty" can be a big word for younger kids, define it as "sticking together even when things get tough."
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Ruth stay with Naomi instead of going back to her own family?
- Ruth loved Naomi and wanted to stay by her side no matter what. She told Naomi that wherever she went, she would go too, and that Naomi's God would be her God.
- What does "Mara" mean, and why did Naomi want to be called that?
- Mara means "bitter." Naomi asked people to call her that because she felt so sad after losing her husband and both of her sons.
- Why did Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem at just the right time?
- They arrived right as the barley harvest was starting. That meant there would be food and work in the fields, showing that God was already taking care of them.