🎧 Listen to Jordan & Quinn’s teacher guide
Find a few helpful insights on Ruth’s loyal choice and her journey with Naomi to Bethlehem. Jordan and Quinn share tips for your craft time and the Jesus connection, showing how God’s faithfulness prepares a way for our Redeemer even when life feels empty and bitter.
Ruth's Loyal Choice: A Story of God's Love
Ruth 1
A long time ago, a woman named Naomi lived in Bethlehem. Because there was a famine and no food in the land, she moved to a country called Moab with her husband and two sons. While they were living there, Naomi's husband died. Later, her two sons married women from Moab named Orpah and Ruth. Sadly, after ten years, both of Naomi's sons died too. 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. As they started the long walk, Naomi told Ruth and Orpah to go back to their own mothers' homes so they could find new husbands and be safe.
Orpah cried, kissed Naomi, and eventually turned back, but Ruth clung to Naomi and refused to leave her side. Ruth made a beautiful promise, saying that wherever Naomi went, she would go, and 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. The two women traveled many miles together until they finally reached Bethlehem. When they arrived, the whole town was excited to see them, but Naomi was so sad she told them to call her Mara, which means bitter. However, they arrived just as the barley harvest was beginning, showing 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 women find enough food to survive in a town where they had 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-great-grandmother of King David. This means she is part of the earthly family of Jesus Christ, our Savior. 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 loving us even when we are not perfect. We know that sometimes we have angry or jealous feelings, just like Cain did. Please help us to bring our feelings to You and ask for Your help so that we can do what is right. Thank You for Jesus, the perfect Lamb, who died for our sins so that we can be forgiven. Amen.
Craft or Activity
"Loyalty Hearts" Door Hanger
Instructions:
- Cut a large heart shape out of the cardstock.
- Inside the heart, write the words from Ruth 1:16 or the phrase "I will be a loyal friend."
- Decorate the heart with markers and stickers to represent things you love about your friends or family.
- Punch a hole in the top of the heart and loop the yarn through so it can be hung on a bedroom door.
- 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."